QLD Government invests $1.121bn for faster rail to the Gold Coast

The Queensland Government is committed to delivering faster and more frequent rail services between Brisbane, Logan, Beenleigh and the Gold Coast with a new funding injection of approximately $1.121 billion. 

The faster rail development is the first piece of Olympic transport infrastructure that will involve laying more tracks and removing level crossings. 

“Delivering new transport infrastructure that will create jobs and ease congestion are central to our COVID-19 Economic Recovery Plan. 

“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. 

“My government is committed to seeing transport times between the Gold Coast and Brisbane reduced, as we continue to see the population increase in key suburban areas along the rail corridor,” Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said. 

The new rail project is estimated to create up to 900 jobs. 

The more than one-billion-dollar investment complements the transformational Cross River Rail project. Together, the two developments will provide faster and more frequent journeys across regions. 

Currently, trains between Kuraby and Beenleigh share a single track in each direction and the new rail project will help increase capacity on this corridor. 

“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. 

“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. 

“Our government has shown its vision and commitment to invest in transformative rail projects that deliver improved services for Queenslanders and our $1.121 billion commitment is just another example of that,” Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said. 

The significant funding from the Queensland Government will also provide benefits to key areas in the growing South East. 

Minister Bailey also said that the recent community consultation had good results which shows locals are “engaged and helping to shape the future design of this important overhaul”. 

“We know that this project will deliver an abundance of economic and social benefits to the Logan region, and for all those who use the rail line to travel between the Gold Coast and Brisbane. 

“That’s why investing in this infrastructure now – leading to jobs creation through construction and operation, while providing better access to public transport for the growing Logan community,” Minister Bailey said. 

Previously, the Australian Government committed $178.1 million towards preconstruction activities for the rail project, matching the investment from the State Government. 

On the recently completed business case, the project is estimated to cost $2.598 billion to build. 

“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. 

“I am committed to working closely with all levels of government to deliver this project and look forward to seeing the momentum on this project continue,” Minister Bailey said. 

The faster rail development is expected to deliver: 

• Double the capacity of the Gold Coast Rail Line 
• Approximately 20 kilometres of new tracks and rail systems between Kuray Station and Beenleigh Station, increasing the corridor from 2 to 4 tracks 
• New train signalling technology between Salisbury and Varsity Lakes 
• 7 station upgrades and 2 station relocations to improve accessibility, safety and amenity, including platform straightening, and new pedestrian bridges 
• A new Loganlea Station will be delivered as part of the Loganlea Station Relocation and Park ‘n’ Ride Expansion project 
• A new Trinder Park Station relocated to the straightened section of track to improve train speeds and connectivity to the rail network 
• 5 level crossing removals at Kuraby, Woodridge, Bethania, Holmview and Beenleigh 
• Park ‘n’ RIde upgrades, including a new multi-storey Park ‘n’ Ride at Beenleigh Station with an integrated bus interchange 
• Extensions of the cattle siding at Holmview 
• Duplication of the rail tunnel under Beenleigh Town Square 
• Dedicated active transport facilities and paths along the corridor 

Source: Queensland Government – Media Statements; Queensland Government – Department of Transport and Main Roads; Brisbane Development; Rail Express; Australasian Railway Association; Your Neighbourhood