RAILWAY TO BOOST GOLD COAST GROWTH

The new Nerang rail link, opened today, taps into one of the fastest-growing population corridors in the nation and is one of Australia's most exciting urban transport projects, Premier Rob Borbidge said today.

Officially opening the new Nerang Railway Station and associated traffic inter-change facilities costing $17.5 million, Mr Borbidge said it was a critical phase of the 45 kilometre extension of the railway from Beenleigh to Robina.

The Premier joined Transport Minister Vaughan Johnson, Gold Coast Mayor Gary Baildon and Queensland Rail and Queensland Transport officials for the opening ceremony during this morning's peak-hour.

Trains travelling at 140km/h will take only 65 minutes between Nerang and Central.

The Premier said, "It means that business commuters, families and tourists have another alternative to road travel to and from the Gold Coast.

"And locally, the seven-and-three-quarter kilometres of new track south of Helensvale to Nerang will help streamline travel between Gold Coast centres and relieve some of the traffic bottlenecks on busy roads," Mr Borbidge said.

Nerang station offered the most up-to-date railway station facilities, and the connecting Trainlink bus shuttle service by Surfside Buslines, to Broadbeach and Surfers Paradise would provide more convenient means of travel to the Gold Coast.

The Premier said a fast and efficient train service was essential for the continued growth of South-East Queensland.

He said that since the opening of the $375 million line's first stage, to Helensvale in February last year, there had been 2 million passenger journeys to and from Brisbane.

"Queensland Railways is predicting that passenger journeys will increase to something like two-and-half million a year.

"The arrival of the railway at Robina, now due next May, will see another dramatic surge in the concept of a regional business and community centre," Mr Borbidge said.

"The vision in constructing Robina Town Centre will then start delivering full benefits as a result of these essential infrastructure services."

Mr Johnson said Queensland Rail had invested almost $100million in 10 three-car sets for inter-urban travel.

"Passenger safety and security is a top priority in the station design, with video surveillance cameras at the station, platforms and car parking areas, emergency help phones, a glass lift and security lighting," he said.

Mr Johnson said Logan residents would welcome access to the Gold Coast line with four trains stopping daily in each direction at Loganlea Station.

The Premier foreshadowed a possible extension of the Gold Coast railway from Robina to Coolangatta.

"A consultant's report on the feasibility of extending the line to Coolangatta will be available early next year. Strong population growth along the Coast is a major factor favouring such an extension," he said.