A new Transit Centre and more jobs for Brisbane

Brisbane’s much-maligned Transit Centre is to be demolished and completely rebuilt as part of a huge CBD infrastructure development to meet the city’s future transport needs.

The proposed underground Roma St Station for the Bus and Train (BaT) tunnel will now be constructed beneath the rebuilt Transit Centre – instead of next to Roma St Parklands.

Premier Campbell Newman said the revised plan would deliver better bus and train services for families, create construction jobs and make Brisbane a more attractive city.

“Realigning the BaT tunnel after listening to local people has given us a great opportunity to build a new, modern Transit Centre,” Mr Newman said.

“We’re seizing that opportunity to create a major public transport hub in Roma St that will make travel easier for bus and train passengers.

“The BaT project was already set to create 1600 construction jobs and now the redevelopment of the Transit Centre will create further jobs and economic opportunities for Queenslanders.

“This exciting project proves that only the LNP Government has a strong plan to build better infrastructure and create jobs for Queensland families.”

Minister for Transport Scott Emerson said families would be glad to see the Transit Centre demolished.

“The Transit Centre is frequently voted one of Brisbane’s ugliest buildings, but now we have the chance to build an iconic gateway to this city,” Mr Emerson said.

Lord Mayor Graham Quirk said the turnaround facility on Gilchrist Avenue and separate on-ramp connection to the westbound lane of the Inner City Bypass would remain as part of the revised design.

The proposed BaT tunnel was realigned following more than 560 public submissions. A revised reference design assessment report is available for public comment until Friday, 19 December.

The revised BaT tunnel will be 4km long and run from Dutton Park in the south to Spring Hill in the north, with three new underground stations at Woolloongabba, George St and Roma St.

The tunnel, which is due to open in 2021, will double rail and bus capacity across the Brisbane River, allowing faster, more frequent, more direct and more reliable travel across the south east.

Mr Emerson said the Department of Transport and Main Roads will work with coach operators to investigate temporary relocation options for the long-distance bus facility, while access to Roma Street Station for rail passengers will be maintained via a temporary access point.

To view the revised route and have your say, go to www.qld.gov.au/batproject.

[ENDS] 30 November 2014                            Media Contact: Stephanie Shield 0418 186 625