Statement from the Deputy Premier and Minister for Transport Jackie Trad

Last year, the government received advice that there were outstanding issues with the signalling system developed for the Moreton Bay Rail Link.

Subsequently, the decision was made to delay the opening until an audit into the project was undertaken and safety of the system guaranteed.

Rail expert Robert Smith was appointed to lead the investigation because of his specialist knowledge of rail signalling systems.

The report was finalised last year but could not be released until residual commercial negotiations with the contractor were finalised and legal processes concluded.

That work has been completed, allowing for the public release of the investigation.

The investigation found that the decision to delay the opening of the MBRL was justified and necessary but as the safety issues had not been formally assessed, QR’s identification of safety as a reason to delay the commissioning was not supported.

The independent investigation contained 40 recommendations. The first 16 recommendations were for immediate implementation and were actioned to allow the MBRL to safely open.

Queensland Rail were additionally provided with independent assurance that the safety controls put in place were effective and the network was safe.

Since its implementation, the signalling system has performed well.

The remaining 24 recommendations relate to lessons learned and future projects and are all being addressed.

The report can be found here: http://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/documents/tableOffice/TabledPapers/2017/5517T812.pdf 

ENDS

Media contact: Anna Jabour 0429 890 942