Seven years after the GFC dealt a major blow to the Sunshine Coast, the region is well and truly back in business.

Projects such as the $1.8 billion university hospital, the Sunshine Coast airport expansion and development of the new Maroochydore CBD have buoyed business confidence – but a vital piece of the puzzle remains orphaned on the sideline.

Last year the G:link at the Gold Coast carried 640,000 people a month and a third stage to Burleigh Heads is now planned. Credit:Glenn Hunt

There needs to be a clearer government commitment to improving the public transport network serving Australia's 10th largest city.

Its passenger rail line currently connects smaller hinterland communities, while coastal centres such as Maroochydore and Caloundra are only served by buses.