Ride the Next Big Set: New Procurement Waves Rolling In

The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) has released a Forward Procurement Notice for The Wave Stage 3 (Metro) and the Mooloolah River Interchange (MRI) Upgrade.

The Wave is a multi-stage public transport program connecting Beerwah through to the Sunshine Coast Airport.

• Stage 1 & 2 (Rail): Heavy passenger rail from Beerwah → Caloundra → Birtinya

• Stage 3 (Metro): A high-frequency, high-capacity metro-style service linking Sunshine Coast University Hospital to the Sunshine Coast Airport, stopping at Mountain Creek and Maroochydore CBD

The Mooloolah River Interchange Upgrade is a critical enabler for this network, improving safety, easing congestion and supporting efficient movement across the region.

Procurement Update

Procurement for The Wave Stage 3 (Metro) and the MRI Upgrade will begin shortly, with a staged approach designed to attract the right mix of capability, innovation and market capacity.

• Request for ROI: Early Dec 2025

• ROI Responses Due: 16 Dec 2025

• EDR Access: Jan 2026

• EOI Phase: Mid-Feb 2026

• Development Phase: Mid-2026

• Contract Award: Late 2026

A separate procurement process for the Fleet, Operations & Maintenance Package is expected from early 2026.

For full details, technical documents and scope information, visit the TMR website.

How TMR Plans to Deliver

To reach an operational start in 2032, TMR will establish a Program Alliance, following the National Alliance Contracting Guidelines. This structure is designed to:

• ensure time and cost certainty

• draw on capability from all tiers of the market

• enable collaborative problem-solving

• manage program-wide risks and interfaces

• create opportunities for local suppliers and regional participation

Importantly, shortlisted participants won’t be required to develop a tender design for the Initial Works Package. Design delivery options for the remainder of the program will be shaped during the procurement process.

The upcoming Registration of Interest (ROI) phase will give both Australian and international businesses the chance to pre-qualify for the EOI.

Why It Matters

The Wave is shaping Sunshine Coast transport, enabling faster, safer, more sustainable travel while unlocking new opportunities for business, employment and urban development.

This is one of the most important procurement windows ahead of the Olympics, and one industry players won’t want to miss.

We’ll be following the project closely and sharing insights – so stay tuned for more updates!