COMMUNITY AWARENESS STARTS ON ORMEAU TO COOMERA RAIL PROJECT

Transport Minister Paul Lucas today announced the start of the community awareness program for the Ormeau to Coomera stage of the $184 million Brisbane to Gold Coast rail line upgrade.

Mr Lucas said a second track is being built from Ormeau to Coomera to cater for future demand for rail services between Brisbane and the Gold Coast, with work expected to start in 2006.

"From next Monday, residents from Ormeau, Coomera, Pimpama, Oxenford and Kingsholme can view the plan for the second track between Ormeau and Coomera and the Environmental and Planning Study," he said.

"I encourage residents to visit the displays at Ormeau and Coomera rail stations next week and talk to the Queensland Rail consultation team members who will answer questions and listen to your feedback.

"To find out when the consultation team will be at your local station, keep any eye out for details in your local paper or call the freecall number 1800 620 815."

Mr Lucas said Queensland Rail was actively seeking local community input into the planning process to ensure all impacts were identified.

"All comments are welcomed by the December 24 deadline and will be seriously considered by QR," he said.

State Member for Albert and Tourism Minister Margaret Keech today welcomed the start of the community awareness campaign for the track duplication project.

"The second track will mean local residents will have more comfortable and more frequent train services between Brisbane and the Gold Coast by 2008," she said.

"This is particularly important for such a fast growing area that also has a lucrative tourist industry that draw many visitors to attraction such as Dreamworld.

"I encourage as many people as possible to visit the displays to see what's happening and to provide feedback."

The Environmental and Planning Study is available at www.citytrain.com.au or can be viewed at Gold Coast City Council's Helensvale library or from Mrs Keech's electorate office at Mt Warren Park.

Ormeau to Coomera Rail Project Consultation Timetable 2004

Ormeau station - Mon, 6 December 7am to 9am & Tues, 7 December 4pm to 6pm Coomera station - Mon, 6 December 4pm to 6pm & Tues, 7 December 7am to 9am

Media Contact: Sonya Gillece 3237 1947 / 0407 166 084