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Queensland Government commits an additional $1.121 billion to deliver faster rail services between Brisbane, Logan, Beenleigh and the Gold Coast.
As the first piece of Olympics transport infrastructure, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the major project would see more tracks laid and level crossings removed to support faster, more frequent train services.
“Delivering new transport infrastructure that will create jobs and ease congestion are central to our COVID-19 Economic Recovery Plan,” the Premier said.
“As we plan and build for the Olympics, this project is all about making sure people spend less time commuting and more time at home with their families and enjoying our great Queensland lifestyle.
“We’ve seen significant growth in South East Queensland over the last two decades and we expect this to continue with an extra 1.2 million people living in the region by 2036.
The Premier said the project had potential to create about 900 jobs.
“Today we’re calling on the Federal Government to match our additional $1.121 billion funding commitment to ensure we can deliver this important project for the people of Queensland,” she said.
Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said trains between Kuraby and Beenleigh currently share a single track in each direction.
“We are limited in the number of peak services we run each day, but by duplicating the track between Kuraby and Beenleigh stations, we can increase capacity through the region,” Mr Bailey said.
“Local motorists will also benefit with five level crossings to be removed and nine stations will be upgraded – vastly improving the amenities available to local commuters.
Mr Bailey said the Australian Government had already committed $178.1 million in preconstruction funding. The recently completed business case puts this project at a total cost of $2.598 billion,” he said.
“As with our previous commitment, it’s important the Federal Government come to the table and honour the 50:50 funding arrangement currently in place.
“The Palaszczuk Labor Government has gone it alone on massive infrastructure projects, like Cross River Rail, and it’s time the Australian Government shows its commitment to Queenslanders.
Since March 2018, Infrastructure Australia has included ‘Gold Coast rail line and station improvements: Kuraby to Beenleigh’ in the Infrastructure Priority List and the South East Queensland Regional Transport Plan identifies an upgrade of the Kuraby to Beenleigh section of the rail network as a priority action. For more information, visit www.tmr.qld.gov.au
View the Media Release here
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