PLANNING BEGINS FOR RAIL FREIGHT GROWTH
Published Monday, 01 October, 2007 at 05:36 PM
Minister for Transport, Trade, Employment and Industrial Relations
The Honourable John Mickel
The second and major stage of an investigation will begin soon to identify a potential route for a rail freight corridor connecting the western rail line near Ebenezer/Rosewood to the interstate rail line north of Beaudesert.
Transport Minister John Mickel said the Southern Freight Rail Corridor Study was a significant step in preparing for major growth that is forecast for the movement of freight in Queensland.
“Freight movement across the state is expected to double by the year 2020, with the most rapid growth anticipated in south east Queensland," Mr Mickel said.
“Efficient freight movement is essential to the economy.
"If it isn't properly managed ahead of time, this incredible growth in freight could cause problems for our future infrastructure and economy."
Queensland Transport carried out preliminary scoping works in 2005 to look at the feasibility of a range of route options.
This second stage of the study would proceed to define a preferred corridor. It will also include an assessment of the environmental, economic and social impacts associated with the corridor when it is defined.
Mr Mickel said the study would result in the preservation of a preferred corridor.
"Any decision regarding whether a rail freight line would ultimately be constructed would be guided by factors such as whether or not the proposed inland rail goes ahead," he said.
"Community consultation is a key part of the study.
"The whole community, particularly local residents and businesses, must be included in the planning.
"We want to have a full understanding of the community issues around this new rail corridor and will consider feedback in the development of a preferred corridor,” Mr Mickel said.
Media contact: Chris Brown 3237 1944 or Elouise Campion 3237 1125.
October 1, 2007
Transport Minister John Mickel said the Southern Freight Rail Corridor Study was a significant step in preparing for major growth that is forecast for the movement of freight in Queensland.
“Freight movement across the state is expected to double by the year 2020, with the most rapid growth anticipated in south east Queensland," Mr Mickel said.
“Efficient freight movement is essential to the economy.
"If it isn't properly managed ahead of time, this incredible growth in freight could cause problems for our future infrastructure and economy."
Queensland Transport carried out preliminary scoping works in 2005 to look at the feasibility of a range of route options.
This second stage of the study would proceed to define a preferred corridor. It will also include an assessment of the environmental, economic and social impacts associated with the corridor when it is defined.
Mr Mickel said the study would result in the preservation of a preferred corridor.
"Any decision regarding whether a rail freight line would ultimately be constructed would be guided by factors such as whether or not the proposed inland rail goes ahead," he said.
"Community consultation is a key part of the study.
"The whole community, particularly local residents and businesses, must be included in the planning.
"We want to have a full understanding of the community issues around this new rail corridor and will consider feedback in the development of a preferred corridor,” Mr Mickel said.
Media contact: Chris Brown 3237 1944 or Elouise Campion 3237 1125.
October 1, 2007