Moreton Bay Rail Link full steam ahead

CONSTRUCTION has begun on one of south-east Queensland’s largest infrastructure projects, Moreton Bay’s new rail link between Petrie and Kippa-Ring.

Federal Member for Petrie Luke Howarth, Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads Scott Emerson, and Moreton Bay Mayor Allan Sutherland gathered to mark the commencement of works with a sod turning ceremony today.

Mr Howarth said he was excited to see heavy machinery moving in to begin work on a project that would provide a massive boost for the Moreton Bay region in terms of transport, jobs and investment.

“The Moreton Bay Rail project will provide crucial infrastructure for this area which is set to grow from 375,000 residents to more than 500,000 by 2031,” Mr Howarth said.

“It will create a public transport alternative for the community by connecting Redcliffe to Petrie via six new stations at Kallangur, Murrumba Downs, Mango Hill, Mango Hill East, Rothwell and Kippa-Ring.”

Mr Emerson said work would now go full steam ahead, with a short pause over Christmas.

“The new rail link will ease congestion on the Bruce Highway, Anzac Avenue, Gympie Road and the Gateway motorway, and make these roads much safer,” he said.

“An information centre will be established at the site office in early 2014, providing residents with the latest project information and giving them the opportunity to have their questions answered.

“We will ensure residents living nearby are kept up-to-date about progress and are well informed about construction activities.”

Councillor Sutherland said the start of construction on the Moreton Bay Rail had been eagerly anticipated by the community for more than a century.

“The rail line was first talked about in the late 1800s and now we’re seeing the dreams and plans of our region’s pioneers coming to fruition,” Cr Sutherland said.    

 “We’re witnessing history in the making with the start of major construction signalling a public transport transformation for our region—one that could never have been imagined more than a century ago.

 “Not only will the Moreton Bay Rail bring unprecedented integrated pedestrian, cycling and bus connectivity, it will also deliver jobs and drive new, sustainable transport orientated investment for one of Australia’s fastest growing urban areas.”

The project is jointly funded by the Australian Government ($742 million), the Queensland Government ($300 million) and the Moreton Bay Regional Council ($105 million).

For Mr Howarth:                             Adele Henrichs                   0421 105 795

For Mr Emerson:                            Stephanie Shield                0418 186 625

For Mr Sutherland:                                                                         07 3480 6250