Another step forward for Cross River Rail

The Palaszczuk Government has welcomed the Turnbull Government’s commitment to improving urban rail infrastructure following their response to Infrastructure Australia’s national infrastructure plan.

Acting Minister for Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning Mark Bailey said Queensland’s rail priorities were clearly reflected on Infrastructure Australia’s priority list.

“We are pleased that the Turnbull Government is now focussed on the critical role of urban rail in reducing congestion and making our cities more liveable and productive,” he said.

“The response confirms that the Turnbull Government has committed $10 million to early planning works for the Cross River Rail and they will also be part of the Cross River Rail Delivery Authority, which will finalise funding arrangements for the project.”

Minister for Transport Stirling Hinchliffe said while positive progress was being made, the state would continue to lobby the Federal Government for a major funding contribution for Cross River Rail.

“Greater federal involvement in urban rail must include significant new funding for vital urban rail projects like Cross River Rail, which will mean we can provide more services to growth areas like Logan, Ipswich, the Gold Coast, Moreton Bay and the Sunshine Coast,” Mr Hinchliffe said.

“The Palaszczuk Government is making huge investments in infrastructure – we are currently rolling out a four year $40 billion infrastructure package that is supporting more than 31,000 jobs this year alone.

“We have also allocated $850 million to Cross River Rail, which started funding negotiations with the Federal Government and delivery arrangements with the private sector.”

Mr Bailey also criticised Tim Nicholls and his team for their opposition to the Cross River Rail Delivery Authority Bill.

“This is why they’re called mediocre both here and in Canberra. They’re more interested in playing politics than building the infrastructure Queensland needs,” he said.

“We are working with both their Federal Government and Brisbane City Council counterparts to progress Cross River Rail and they are still crying wolf and talking down this vital city building project.”

Media contact: Anna Jabour 0429 890 942