STATE GOVERNMENT MAKES TRACKS FROM ROBINA TO VARSITY LAKES
Published Tuesday, 10 July, 2007 at 01:52 PM
JOINT STATEMENT
Premier and Minister for Trade
The Honourable Peter Beattie
Minister for Transport and Main Roads
The Honourable Paul Lucas
The Gold Coast commuters are set to benefit from a major boost to public transport with today’s announcement by Premier Peter Beattie that work will begin soon on the 4.1 kilometre rail extension from Robina to Varsity Lakes.
Premier Peter Beattie said the $324.4 million rail extension was the latest improvement to public transport on the Gold Coast.
“We are already duplicating the track on the Gold Coast and Beenleigh lines and building new trains to provide more services and seats,” Mr Beattie said.
"So today’s announcement is the icing on the cake for residents on the Varsity Lakes area who will soon have convenient rail service for the first time.
“Construction work will begin later this month and is expected to be completed by 2010.”
Mr Beattie said the funding would provide important new infrastructure for the Gold Coast including:
• a new dual electrified track 4.1 kilometres south of Robina
• a 300 metre tunnel under Easthill Drive, Robina
• two road overbridges at Investigator Drive and Robina Parkway, and
• a new station at Varsity Lakes.
"The Gold Coast region is one of the fastest growing areas of South East Queensland," Mr Beattie said.
"Not only is the State Government proceeding with the rail infrastructure it has set aside another $23.7 million for work on the transport-oriented development at the Varsity Lakes Station.
"And we are already planning even further ahead with an additional $6 million for early works, planning and design for the next stage of the rail upgrade from Varsity Lakes to Tallebudgera."
Mr Beattie said the Varsity Lakes Station would provide at least 300 commuter car parking spaces, a drop-off area, six bus and 10 taxi bays.
“The project is part of the Queensland Government's $82 billion infrastructure plan to manage growth and protect our lifestyle,” Mr Beattie said.
Transport Minister Paul Lucas said the Robina-Varsity extension was the latest instalment in $7 billion commitment to build a better rail network including 144 kilometres of new track and 44 new trains.
“The Ormeau to Coomera duplication was completed in September 2006, and we are continuing work on the Salisbury to Kuraby third track and the Helensvale to Robina duplication,” Mr Lucas said.
"Over the next two years, Gold Coast commuters will see a major boost of almost 60 per cent in seating capacity on their line for northbound morning services as the new trains arrive and the extra tracks are built.
“Once the third track from Salisbury to Kuraby is completed in early 2008, we will increase the track capacity on the Gold Coast line by a huge 50 per cent and add a further two 6-car trains by March 2008. That is an extra 868 seats."
Media contact: Premier’s office 3224 4500
Transport Minister’s office 3237 1942
10 July 2007
Premier Peter Beattie said the $324.4 million rail extension was the latest improvement to public transport on the Gold Coast.
“We are already duplicating the track on the Gold Coast and Beenleigh lines and building new trains to provide more services and seats,” Mr Beattie said.
"So today’s announcement is the icing on the cake for residents on the Varsity Lakes area who will soon have convenient rail service for the first time.
“Construction work will begin later this month and is expected to be completed by 2010.”
Mr Beattie said the funding would provide important new infrastructure for the Gold Coast including:
• a new dual electrified track 4.1 kilometres south of Robina
• a 300 metre tunnel under Easthill Drive, Robina
• two road overbridges at Investigator Drive and Robina Parkway, and
• a new station at Varsity Lakes.
"The Gold Coast region is one of the fastest growing areas of South East Queensland," Mr Beattie said.
"Not only is the State Government proceeding with the rail infrastructure it has set aside another $23.7 million for work on the transport-oriented development at the Varsity Lakes Station.
"And we are already planning even further ahead with an additional $6 million for early works, planning and design for the next stage of the rail upgrade from Varsity Lakes to Tallebudgera."
Mr Beattie said the Varsity Lakes Station would provide at least 300 commuter car parking spaces, a drop-off area, six bus and 10 taxi bays.
“The project is part of the Queensland Government's $82 billion infrastructure plan to manage growth and protect our lifestyle,” Mr Beattie said.
Transport Minister Paul Lucas said the Robina-Varsity extension was the latest instalment in $7 billion commitment to build a better rail network including 144 kilometres of new track and 44 new trains.
“The Ormeau to Coomera duplication was completed in September 2006, and we are continuing work on the Salisbury to Kuraby third track and the Helensvale to Robina duplication,” Mr Lucas said.
"Over the next two years, Gold Coast commuters will see a major boost of almost 60 per cent in seating capacity on their line for northbound morning services as the new trains arrive and the extra tracks are built.
“Once the third track from Salisbury to Kuraby is completed in early 2008, we will increase the track capacity on the Gold Coast line by a huge 50 per cent and add a further two 6-car trains by March 2008. That is an extra 868 seats."
Media contact: Premier’s office 3224 4500
Transport Minister’s office 3237 1942
10 July 2007