PREMIER ANNOUNCES BRIZTRAM ROUTE

Premier Rob Borbidge today released details of the preferred route for Brisbane's 21st Century Briztram light rail network.

The preferred network will link Fortitude Valley, Newstead, West End, the City centre, South Bank, the Royal Brisbane Hospital, Roma Street and the University of Queensland. The network will be about 14km long and cost around $230m.

"The selection of the preferred network is the culmination of extensive work and consultation," the Premier said.

"The Government has clearly listened to the community and we have ruled out some route options which were causing concern.

"These include the use of the Brunswick Street mall, crossing the Queen Street mall and the Dutton Park route.

"Now that we have one network to examine in more detail, we can look more closely at local issues and maximising benefits to residents and businesses."

Network alternatives were released on 25 February and since then considerable community interest has been shown and feedback has been received on all options.

"We have been delighted with both the level of support and interest in the project," the Premier said. "One of the key factors in choosing the preferred network was integration with other public transport modes."

"The network will allow scope for extensions and when we receive proposals from the private sector these may well receive further consideration.

"One of the attractive features of the network is the possible extensions by the option of joint use of busways by trams and buses."

The Premier said that the Government is well on track to meet the commitment to call expressions of interest on 1 May. This will ensure that the system will be operational by the end of 2001.

The Prime Minister's $65m commitment has given the project a real boost.

"In this lead-up to the expressions of interest process, we have concentrated on getting the detailed studies in place. The planning, demand forecasting and financial analysis all show that this project is a winner."

Apart from the 3000 jobs the project will create, the improved accessibility in the city will benefit shoppers, workers, tourists and residents. The demand forecasting work confirms that over 45,000 people will benefit every day from the system.

"I have said all along that Briztram is a land use/transport vision for Brisbane which will provide the city with a world-class integrated transport system and encourage urban renewal and redevelopment in the inner city."

"The private sector are chomping at the bit to put in to develop the system and in a week's time they will have their chance when we call for expressions of interest."

"Obviously the support of the Brisbane City Council is important as they will be a major beneficiary of this proposal, the Premier said.

"Despite the overwhelming support for the project so far from the community, business and industry, the Lord Mayor continues to criticise this visionary public transport solution to the Brisbane's increasing transport problems. I am hopeful that he will begin to see the light and recall his earlier commitment to light rail following his overseas trip."

The preferred network can be viewed and comments lodged until 26 May 1998 at:

The corner of Melbourne and Manning Streets, South Brisbane (between 8.30am and 5.00pm).

Shop Eight, TC Beirne Building, Brunswick Street Mall, Fortitude Valley (between 9.00am and 3.00pm) and

The Queensland Transport Customer Service Centre, Anzac Square, 202 Adelaide Street, the City (between 8.30am and 4.30pm).

Further information can also be obtained by calling 1800 809 972 or assessing the Briztram Internet site on www.briztram.qld.gov.au.

25 April 1998

For further information please contact Greg Jackson, Director Government Media Unit on (07) 3225 8866; Mobile 0419.713.246.