Qld announces $14b rail project plan
- 7th October 2008
THE Queensland Government has announced plans for a $14 billion rail project in Brisbane, to be part-funded by the Federal Government's $20 billion Building Australia fund.
Last week, state and federal leaders at the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) meeting agreed to fast track big-ticket infrastructure spending to help shield the economy from continuing global financial turmoil.
Premier Anna Bligh on Tuesday released the Inner City Rail Capacity Study, proposing new tracks along two lines, from the southern Gold Coast and the western Ipswich lines, extending to the north of Brisbane.
It would feature underground tunnels up to 13km long, and stations at Spring Hill, Woolloongabba, the CBD, the RNA showgrounds and West End, that would be up to 45 metres underground.
Ms Bligh said the massive projects were likely to cost up to $14 billion, but with federal government's funding the first stage could begin by late 2012.
The project would be delivered in two stages over the next 15 to 20 years, she said.
"We are talking about the largest single public transport project ever undertaken in Queensland, more than matching our investment in busways," Ms Bligh told State Parliament.
A detailed feasibility study would now be undertaken.
Ms Bligh said "visionary solutions" could be considered when the federal government worked with the states.
She said the fast-growing city needed world-class trains.
"The rail study released today is a vision of the future that, with Federal Government help, can transform public transport services here for generations to come," Ms Bligh said.
"We live in the fastest growing part of Australia.
"We are a city that is coming of age, and we need to reflect this in our public transport infrastructure."
Other projects the state has put forward for potential federal funding are: the Bruce Highway upgrade; Darra to Springfield road and rail link; Brisbane's Eastern Busway project; the Gateway Motorway north and south upgrades; Port of Brisbane motorway; Gold Coast rapid transit project; Abbot Point multi-use harbour; Mount Isa rail corridor and the Toowoomba bypass.
Legislation to pass the Building Australia Fund is due to go before federal parliament during the next session, starting next week.
- © AAP
