Light Rail Referendum: Sunshine Coast Proposal Compared to Gold Coast and Brisbane Systems

The Sunshine Coast Regional Council has placed a referendum on the October 2026 local government ballot asking voters to approve a 12 kilometre light rail corridor from Maroochydore to the Sunshine Coast University Hospital.

The measure follows sustained population growth along the coastal strip and mirrors questions put to residents in Brisbane and the Gold Coast in previous years on major transport projects.

Comparison with other council areas

Brisbane City Council required only a mayoral decision and state funding agreement for its Cross River Rail link, while the Gold Coast light rail stages advanced through state legislation without a public vote. Sunshine Coast voters will instead decide directly on whether to proceed with a special rate levy to cover local contributions.

Under the proposed Sunshine Coast model, property owners in the corridor would pay an annual infrastructure charge capped at $180 for five years if the measure passes. Gold Coast ratepayers faced no equivalent levy because the state government covered the full capital cost of its initial stages.

Direct effects on daily travel and services

Residents who currently use bus route 600 between Mooloolaba and Sippy Downs would see a dedicated track replace mixed traffic running once the line opens, projected for 2031 if approved. Local advocates note that short term rental properties near proposed stations could face new parking restrictions similar to those enforced around Gold Coast light rail stops.

The legislation states that a simple majority of formal votes is required for the levy to take effect. The government says the policy will trigger release of detailed route maps and environmental assessments within 90 days of a positive result.