BaT project one step closer

Queensland bus and train passengers will have a key say on the Environmental Impact Statement and reference design of the once-in-a-generation BaT project released today.

Premier Campbell Newman said the BaT project was an important piece of infrastructure that would ensure mums and dads spent less time travelling and more time with their kids.

“We want the people who are travelling on this vital link every day to have the final say and be proud of the project they helped create,” Mr Newman said.

“We have made changes to the project’s planning and design based on previous community feedback and this is reflected in the current design including keeping Dutton Park Station and Victoria Park open.

“We are on track to deliver this city-defining project as part of our strong plan for better infrastructure and better planning.”

Transport Minister Scott Emerson said the community can provide feedback on the latest reference design over the next six weeks following the release by the Coordinator-General of the Environmental Impact Statement.

“As we have proven before, we are a government that listens and so we encourage the community to provide feedback on the design before it is finalised,” Mr Emerson said.

“To find out more about the Environmental Impact Statement and Reference Design, six community information sessions will be held at locations within the study corridor.”

Lord Mayor Graham Quirk said the 5.4-kilometre north-south tunnel with new underground stations at Woolloongabba, George Street and Roma Street would also provide a key link for buses using the new Legacy Way tunnel via a connection near Victoria Park.

“This project is a great example of different levels of government working together to address the city’s public transport capacity issues,” Cr Quirk said.

“It will double the capacity of the rail and bus networks, take pressure off existing infrastructure and make way for future growth.”

The Environmental Impact Statement and Reference Design will be available for a six-week display period.

Submissions about the Environmental Impact Statement can be made to the Coordinator-General, and can be made online or in writing until 5pm Monday 13 October, 2014.

The Coordinator-General will review the submissions on the Environmental Impact Statement and other information, and determine whether further information is required, prior to making a decision on the project. Major construction is scheduled to start in 2016 with completion due in 2020.

Further information and Reference Design Maps are available to view on the project website www.qld.gov.au/batproject and at the community information sessions.

To view the Environmental Impact Statement, make an online submission or to find out about how to make a written submission, visit www.dsdip.qld.gov.au/underground.

[ENDS] 1 September 2014  Media contact: Stephanie Shield 0418 186 625