Labor will build Cross River Rail

The Palaszczuk Government will deliver one of Queensland’s biggest ever infrastructure projects, Cross River Rail, fully funding the $5.4 billion project in the State Budget.

The 2017-18 State Budget allocates $2.8 billion over the forward estimates, with a further $2.6 billion to be committed in future Budgets.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said her government will build Queensland’s number one infrastructure priority Cross River Rail.  

“It has been almost a decade since Cross River Rail was first put on the agenda and I’m proud that I will be the Premier to build this project,” the Premier said.

“The importance of Cross River Rail for the future of South East Queensland is unquestionable - industry experts and the community agree that we need this project and we need it now.

“That is why my government is fully funding the $5.4 billion Cross River Rail project.

“However, we are not shutting the door on other sources of funding – the Cross River Rail Delivery Authority will continue to look at options to partner with the private sector and we expect to secure funds from future Australian Governments.

“The bottom line is my government will start construction on Cross River Rail this year – it will support more than 1,540 jobs each year and with a construction timeframe of five years, that’s more than 7,700 jobs for Queenslanders.”

Deputy Premier and Minister for Infrastructure Jackie Trad said that Queensland needs Cross River Rail.

“This is a project that will transform the South East, taking thousands of cars off our roads and getting people home faster,” Ms Trad said.

“Without it, we won’t be able to build the future vital connections to our growing regions, including the Sunshine Coast, Flagstone and Springfield lines because we simply won’t have the capacity across our one inner city river crossing, the Merivale Rail Bridge.

“Just last week, I joined with Lord Mayor Graham Quirk to launch the Connecting Brisbane strategy which demonstrates how vital Cross River Rail and Brisbane Metro are for an integrated public transport network. 

“I’m also pleased to announce that John McEvoy will be joining the Cross River Rail Delivery Authority board as the Brisbane City Council nominee.

“We have no more time to waste. The Palaszczuk Government will build Cross River Rail.”

Treasurer Curtis Pitt said that the project was a no-brainer due to its far-reaching economic benefits.

“Cross River Rail will deliver a significant boost to the economy in the South East and throughout the state, boosting the economy by $70 billion,” Mr Pitt said.

“This project will deliver strong economic benefits for Queenslanders providing value for money.

“We will no longer wait for the do-nothing Turnbull Government. We are getting on with building Cross River Rail.” 

Since 2015, the Palaszczuk Government has re-scoped the project, published the new alignment, submitted the industry peer-reviewed business case to the Commonwealth and secured the necessary major state approvals from the Co-ordinator General.

Cross River Rail will allow the rail network to expand, offering faster travel times across South East Queensland:

• There will be four new underground stations at Boggo Road, Woolloongabba, Albert Street and Roma Street and two upgraded stations at Dutton Park and the Exhibition Showgrounds.
• Commuters will save up to 15 minutes if travelling from southern stations such as Beenleigh
• Commuters will save up to eight minutes if travelling from northern stations such as Petrie
• Commuters will save up to six minutes if travelling from western stations such as Ipswich
• Commuters will save up to 14 minutes if travelling from eastern stations such as Cleveland
   

ENDS

Media Contacts:

Premier’s Office – Kirby Anderson 0417 263 791

Deputy Premier’s Office – Anna Jabour 0429 890 942

Treasurer’s Office – Lindsay Marshall 0447 316 432