Published Monday, 03 December, 2007 at 01:29 PM
Minister for Transport, Trade, Employment and Industrial Relations
The Honourable John Mickel
Improved facilities and services for Gold Coast South Brisbane rail commuters
The count down has started for Gold Coast and South Brisbane rail customers who are set to benefit from better station facilities and more frequent rail services in less than 60 days.
Minister for Transport John Mickel was at Sunnybank station today to mark the important milestone and presented a framed historical photo of the old station building to the stationmaster.
“The $256 million Salisbury to Kuraby third track project is the most significant rail infrastructure project currently underway in south-east Queensland,” Mr Mickel said.
“The project has been under construction for over 18 months and we are now on the home stretch with less than 60 days until it’s completed.
“The project has involved laying the 9.5 km track and upgrading seven stations along the Beenleigh line, including Coopers Plains, Banoon, Sunnybank, Altandi, Runcorn, Fruitgrove and Kuraby.
“The stations will boast new or upgraded buildings, shelters, footbridges, train advice systems and increased security with additional lighting and CCTV security cameras.
“Customers will also enjoy easier access with additional car parks, bike lockers and extra passenger set down zones.”
Mr Mickel said the State Government’s investment in public transport also included purchasing extra trains to provide more peak hour services.
“By March next year, QR will receive up to 15 new passenger trains out of the 44 ordered from the manufacturer,” Mr Mickel said.
“With the new track and additional rollingstock, QR will be able to provide a 15 minute peak hour service and more express trains on the Gold Coast/Beenleigh rail corridor.
“Improvements have also been made to ensure the stations meet Australian Disability Standards with high level platforms, lifts and easily accessible car parks.
“Given today is International Disability Day, it’s the perfect time to highlight QR’s endeavours in upgrading stations across the whole Citytrain network in-line with its Disability Action Plan.”
Mr Mickel said customers in the local area were already enjoying the benefits of the project with the first section of the new track between Salisbury and Altandi operational since October 2007.
“I’m pleased to say that it’s not just customers that will benefit from this project,” Mr Mickel said.
“The local community will also enjoy beautiful new landscaping throughout the rail corridor and at the stations.
“Together with our partners the S2K Alliance, we will plant 5000 trees, 3300 shrubs and grasses and carry out extensive rehabilitation work.
“We have carefully selected species that mature quickly, are drought tolerant, and will blend with the existing environment.
“Environmental management plans are a key component of carrying out any infrastructure project and it’s a responsibility we take very seriously.
“As part of that, we’ve helped “green-up” the local community by sponsoring the Sunnybank Scout Group’s tree planting and providing trees to help Sunnybank State School students and the Les Atkinson Park Bush care Group with National Tree Day.
“The S2K Alliance also helped landscape Runcorn State School by carrying out hydro-mulching in the school grounds.”
Mr Mickel said the government was spending $250 million on extra tracks for the Gold Coast in the 07/08 financial year alone and work is progressing on schedule.
“The Ormeau to Coomera second track is complete, tracklaying has started between Helensvale and Robina and early construction works have commenced between Robina and Varsity Lakes.
“The Salisbury to Kuraby third track is on schedule for completion in late January 2008.
“I look forward to celebrating the completion of this valuable project with the local community in the new year.”
Media contact: Chris Brown (07) 3237 1944 or Nathan Moir 3235 4060
December 3, 2007
Minister for Transport John Mickel was at Sunnybank station today to mark the important milestone and presented a framed historical photo of the old station building to the stationmaster.
“The $256 million Salisbury to Kuraby third track project is the most significant rail infrastructure project currently underway in south-east Queensland,” Mr Mickel said.
“The project has been under construction for over 18 months and we are now on the home stretch with less than 60 days until it’s completed.
“The project has involved laying the 9.5 km track and upgrading seven stations along the Beenleigh line, including Coopers Plains, Banoon, Sunnybank, Altandi, Runcorn, Fruitgrove and Kuraby.
“The stations will boast new or upgraded buildings, shelters, footbridges, train advice systems and increased security with additional lighting and CCTV security cameras.
“Customers will also enjoy easier access with additional car parks, bike lockers and extra passenger set down zones.”
Mr Mickel said the State Government’s investment in public transport also included purchasing extra trains to provide more peak hour services.
“By March next year, QR will receive up to 15 new passenger trains out of the 44 ordered from the manufacturer,” Mr Mickel said.
“With the new track and additional rollingstock, QR will be able to provide a 15 minute peak hour service and more express trains on the Gold Coast/Beenleigh rail corridor.
“Improvements have also been made to ensure the stations meet Australian Disability Standards with high level platforms, lifts and easily accessible car parks.
“Given today is International Disability Day, it’s the perfect time to highlight QR’s endeavours in upgrading stations across the whole Citytrain network in-line with its Disability Action Plan.”
Mr Mickel said customers in the local area were already enjoying the benefits of the project with the first section of the new track between Salisbury and Altandi operational since October 2007.
“I’m pleased to say that it’s not just customers that will benefit from this project,” Mr Mickel said.
“The local community will also enjoy beautiful new landscaping throughout the rail corridor and at the stations.
“Together with our partners the S2K Alliance, we will plant 5000 trees, 3300 shrubs and grasses and carry out extensive rehabilitation work.
“We have carefully selected species that mature quickly, are drought tolerant, and will blend with the existing environment.
“Environmental management plans are a key component of carrying out any infrastructure project and it’s a responsibility we take very seriously.
“As part of that, we’ve helped “green-up” the local community by sponsoring the Sunnybank Scout Group’s tree planting and providing trees to help Sunnybank State School students and the Les Atkinson Park Bush care Group with National Tree Day.
“The S2K Alliance also helped landscape Runcorn State School by carrying out hydro-mulching in the school grounds.”
Mr Mickel said the government was spending $250 million on extra tracks for the Gold Coast in the 07/08 financial year alone and work is progressing on schedule.
“The Ormeau to Coomera second track is complete, tracklaying has started between Helensvale and Robina and early construction works have commenced between Robina and Varsity Lakes.
“The Salisbury to Kuraby third track is on schedule for completion in late January 2008.
“I look forward to celebrating the completion of this valuable project with the local community in the new year.”
Media contact: Chris Brown (07) 3237 1944 or Nathan Moir 3235 4060
December 3, 2007