Compelling Cross River Rail business case urges action on tackling rail capacity

Published Thursday, 24 August, 2017 at 10:44 AM

Deputy Premier, Minister for Transport and Minister for Infrastructure and Planning
The Honourable Jackie Trad

The Cross River Rail business case released today demonstrates it will create jobs, bust congestion and be the catalyst for a world-class turn up and go public transport system.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Infrastructure Jackie Trad said the Cross River Rail Business Case 2017 details the challenges and opportunities facing South East Queensland’s (SEQ) rail network.

“The Palaszczuk Government has fully funded Cross River Rail and we are getting on with the job of building it,” Ms Trad said.

“The business case demonstrates what we have already known for a decade – we need another rail crossing to increase rail services in the South East and the solution is Cross River Rail.

“Our rail network has a key choke point at its core preventing extra train services being brought into regions like the Gold Coast, Logan, Caboolture and the Redlands.

“Nearly 2 million people will move into SEQ over the next two decades and with some lines, like the Gold Coast, already operating at 100 per cent capacity during peak periods, we need to build Cross River Rail before we reach a crisis point.

“It will remove the bottleneck, meaning the entire network can grow to benefit all public transport and road users.

“It will provide the capacity we need to build the connections to the Sunshine Coast, Ripley and Flagstone.

“It will unlock smarter integration of rail and bus networks, providing quick turn up and go services and positioning SEQ for a more sustainable and competitive future

“The business case specifically states the full benefits of both Cross River Rail and the Brisbane Metro can only be completely realised once both projects are constructed and are operational.

“The release of the Cross River Rail business case draws a line in the sand – you are either for this project or against it.”

Ms Trad said the business case incorporated the latest information on the impact of policy and demographic changes over the last 12 months.

“The BCR for the project is now 1.41, up from 1.21 in the 2016 Business Case. This means that for every $1 invested in the Cross River Rail project, $1.41 is returned to the people of Queensland,” Ms Trad said.

“The benefit cost ratio (BCR) has in fact improved due to the inclusion of additional factors such as the European Train Control system (ETCS), the introduction of Fairer Fares and updated demographics.

“I’m pleased Queenslanders can now see the factual evidence underpinning our decision."

The Cross River Rail Delivery Authority will conduct an industry briefing next Wednesday which will outline the procurement approach, details of major work packages, delivery strategy, commercial considerations and governance. It will be held at the Pullman Hotel, King George Square, Brisbane from 2:00pm, Wednesday 30 August 2017.

To register visit https://www.crossriverrail.qld.gov.au/cross-river-rail-industry-briefing/

To view the business case visit http://buildingqueensland.qld.gov.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Building-Queensland-Business-Case-LR.pdf

CRR Business Case Key Findings include:

  • For every $1 invested in the project it returns $1.41 to the people of Queensland
  • The project will generate an average of 1500 jobs each year over the construction period, with a peak of 3000 in the most intensive year
  • CRR will provide capacity for ‘turn-up-and-go’ services for South East Queenslanders
  • CRR will help reduce pressure on the region’s roads, freeing them up for commercial vehicles and commuter buses
  • It will enable greater integration of bus and rail services which will help to maximise the State Government’s rail network investments and Brisbane City Council’s investment in Brisbane Metro and improved bus services
  • Total daily public transport trips (bus & rail) will climb from around 510,000 to more than 880,000 in 2026 and to more than 1.1 million by 2036

 Ends

Media Contacts

Deputy Premier’s Office: Anna Jabour 0429 890 942

Building Queensland: Megan Anderson 0475 978 478

Cross River Rail Delivery Authority Media: 1800 010 875