The green light for Beerburrum to Landsborough rail corridor

Minister for Transport and Main Roads Paul Lucas said today that plans had been approved for a new rail corridor between Beerburrum and Landsborough.

Mr Lucas said that commuters were now a step closer to a high speed rail service between Brisbane, Caloundra and Maroochydore.

“Construction of the $550 million rail corridor is expected to start in early 2009 and be completed by mid-2012,” the Minister told State Parliament today.

“This reconfirms the draft corridor announced in August 2005,” he said.

“We went out and spoke to the community and took their feedback on board by making some minor changes to come up with the best solution for the community and the environment,” Mr Lucas said.

The Minister said today’s announcement built on the $240 million Caboolture to Beerburrum project.

Caboolture to Beerburrum

·completed planning study and community consultation to determine corridor alignment

·completed ecological surveys

·finalised land acquisition package

·started detailed design work to enable early construction work

·construction to start mid 2007 – work will include realigning existing corridor, build 14 kilometres of additional track, upgrading 2 stations with new platforms, lifts, lighting and parking

·completion expected mid 2009

Member for Glasshouse Carolyn Male said the new rail corridor would bring big benefits to the community.

“There’ll be significant time savings and greater frequency of service during peak periods,” Ms Male said.

"Commuters will save eight minutes between Caboolture and Landsborough on the Citytrain or Travel Train, and there’ll be further savings in their hip pocket through motor vehicle operating costs.

“Citytrains will be able to operate at 140 km/hr and the tilt train at 160 km/hr.

"Freight services will also be improved with a wider corridor being built and two maintenance access tracks," Ms Male said.

Mr Lucas said the new rail link would help rail services keep pace with the SunshineCoast's population growth which is expected to increase to over 420,000 in the next 20 years.

“It’s estimated this growth will lead to an increase of about half a million trips a day,” Ms Male said.

"The 17 kilometre long corridor also has the capacity to accommodate up to four tracks if growth in demand beyond 2026 warrants it.

"The Beerburrum to Landsborough rail corridor will improve existing curves and use as much of the existing corridor as possible,” Ms Male said.

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