Works on vital upgrades to Bundamba station commences

The major accessibility upgrade on Bundamba station in Queensland is now officially underway, marked by a special sod turning event by Member for Bundamba Lance McCallum. 

In attendance at the sod turning event is special guest Vanessa Low OAM – a three-time Paralympian long jumper, gold medalist and world record holder – and she was given a behind the scenes tour of the station upgrade. 

“This major upgrade to our local station is a huge boost to our community and with the ‘sod turned’ we can officially mark the first step in a very important journey for better accessibility and inclusivity for local train commuters. 

“I’m proud to be able to deliver this job creating project which means better public transport services for our local community. 

“Vanessa’s experience as a gold medal winning Paralympian and world record holder is one to admire, and we’re thrilled to have her here to celebrate this incredible milestone as we ‘go for gold’ to make Bundamba station accessible,” Bundamba MP Lance McCallum said. 

Bundamba station has served the community since 1878 and this $59 million upgrade will help improve accessibility to the train station for all customers, especially those using wheelchairs, pushing prams or carrying heavy luggage. 

A first of its kind rail overpass has been built over the train tracks by Hutchinson Builders to maintain cross-corridor access while the station is being upgraded. 

Demolition has commenced on platform awnings and shelters with temporary barriers visible, which gives a first glimpse of the major transformation of Bundamba station. 

“Bundamba station is undergoing its biggest transformation since it was built almost 150 years ago. 

“Accessibility in public transport has been a major focus of the Palaszczuk Government and with this upgrade it won’t matter if you use a wheelchair or have suffered an injury, you will be able to catch the train to and from Bundamba station with ease. 

“We welcome Paralympian long jumper Vanessa Low on site. Vanessa knows first-hand the challenges faced when you have different accessibility needs and we’re proud of the work underway here which will have a major impact on so many people in our community,” Minister for Transpor and Main Roads Mark Bailey said. 

Key features of the station upgrade include: 

• A new footbridge with lift access 
• Improved accessible parking, including kiss ‘n’ ride area 
• Full-length, high-level platforms 
• Upgraded hearing augmentation loops and tactile ground surface indicators 
• Upgraded security cameras and lighting 
• New wayfinding and platform signage 
• Accessible toilets and ticket windows 
• New bicycle storage facility 
• Improved seating and extended platform shelters 
• Improved station building and facilities 

Once the upgrade is completed, all customers will be able to use the lift to the station overpass to move between the platforms that are fully raised to reduce the gap to make boarding the train safer and easier. 

“We’re only a few months into this incredible upgrade and already we’ve seen a temporary footbridge installed so the community can continue to move across the rail corridor, between Upper and Lower Mining Street. 

“This temporary footbridge keeps the community connected as we are required to close the subway. 

“Ensuring the community impacts are minimised during the works, where is it safe to do so, is paramount and we’re happy to have the opportunity to deliver this solution. 

“In addition, the teams have conducted piling works, platform awning and shelter demolition, signalling and vegetation works so the station has been a real hive of activity,” Queensland Rail CEO Kat Stapleton said. 

To enable safe and quick delivery of the upgrade, Bundamba station will be temporarily closed from January 2024. Alternative travel options will be provided to replace train services. 

Last month, Queensland Rail carried out consultation with all station users for their preferred alternative travel arrangements, which will include bus replacements between Booval and Ebbw Vale with a regular timetable. Full details of a replacement bus timetable are already being finalised and will be announced along with the station closure. 

The upgraded Bundamba station is expected to be operational in the second half of 2024. 

“Since my accident as a teen I have come of age watching our world become a more accessible place – but there is so much more to be done, which is why I’m so thrilled to see this incredible project up close. 

“This upgrade won’t only serve those in wheelchairs or with walking aides, but it will help the elderly, parents with young children, which includes myself, or customers travelling with luggage or a bike – I can’t wait to see the finished product. 

“Brisbane is soon to be on the world stage during the Olympic and Paralympic Games and I congratulate the Queensland Government for this commitment to an inclusive and accessible transport system,” Paralympian Vanessa Low OAM said. 

Source: Queensland Government – Media Statements; Road & Infrastructure Australia; Infrastructure Magazine; Queensland Rail