Mott MacDonald to support transformational new railway in Queensland, Australia

Delivering a major new rail connection for the Sunshine Coast

Mott MacDonald, the global engineering, management and development consultancy, has been appointed to support delivery of one of two major packages for the first stage of The Wave heavy passenger rail line, as part of the CoastalTraX consortium. Mott MacDonald, alongside consortium partners ACCIONA, Georgiou, Aurecon and local rail subcontractor DT Infrastructure will design and deliver The Wave’s Stage 1 greenfield works.

This transformational first stage of The Wave project will deliver 19 kilometres of dual-track heavy passenger rail and associated infrastructure between Beerwah and Caloundra on the Sunshine Coast, vastly improving connections and supporting residential development for one of South East Queensland’s fastest growing regions. Specifically, the new rail line will deliver faster, more reliable links across the Sunshine Coast, Moreton Bay and Brisbane, improving access to jobs, education, health services and key destinations while easing pressure on the road network.

Mott MacDonald’s role

Mott MacDonald will work alongside Aurecon as part of a design joint venture (DJV) within the CoastalTraX consortium. Supported by global architects Grimshaw, the team will provide multi-disciplinary design and engineering services, systems engineering, integration and construction phase services during the design and delivery phases of the project. It will contribute expertise in rail corridor and viaduct, stations and precincts, civil and road network upgrades, working closely with consortium partners to progress detailed design and support constructability outcomes.

Frances Badelow, managing director for Mott MacDonald in Australia, said: “The Wave is a landmark transport project for Queensland and the Sunshine Coast and we are proud to be supporting the delivery of a safe, sustainable and future focused rail connection for the region. Our team brings extensive experience delivering complex passenger rail and transport infrastructure through collaborative delivery models, including on major projects such as Sydney Metro, Logan and Gold Coast Faster Rail and South Australia’s Tram Grade Separation Projects. We look forward to working alongside our CoastalTraX consortium partners to deliver an exceptional outcome for the community.”

Mott MacDonald has a strong track record supporting major transport and rail infrastructure projects across South East Queensland and regional Australia, working closely with state government clients, constructors and delivery partners under design and construct and collaborative contracting models. The firm has contributed specialist technical, assurance and advisory expertise on projects that improve connectivity, support growth and balance environmental, community and operational outcomes. This experience underpins Mott MacDonald’s role on The Wave, supporting integrated design, constructability and long‑term value for the Sunshine Coast network.

About The Wave

The Queensland Government unveiled The Wave project as part of its 2032 Delivery Plan, which focuses on infrastructure for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games and beyond.

The Australian and Queensland Governments have each committed half the funding to deliver Stage 1.

The Sunshine Coast is one of South East Queensland's fastest-growing regions. It is also the largest urban area in Australia without a direct passenger rail connection to its nearest capital city. A direct rail connection will boost local and regional connectivity, offering a reliable and competitive alternative to driving.

Once operational, The Wave will be the fastest way for Sunshine Coast residents to reach Moreton Bay, Brisbane and beyond. Rail passengers could save over 45 minutes during peak travel times compared to driving.

The Wave – Stages 1 and 2 will run from the North Coast Line at Beerwah to Birtinya, via Bells Creek (Aura), Caloundra and Aroona.

This service will integrate with an express, sustainable metro-style service, The Wave Stage 3 (Metro), connecting to the Sunshine Coast Airport via Maroochydore CBD.