Landsborough to Nambour rail route released

Minister for Transport John Mickel has released the preferred route for the Landsborough to Nambour Rail Project.

Mr Mickel said letters had been posted to all landowners within the study focus area notifying them of the preferred route.

“The route was identified after community consultation on the study focus area in late 2007 and detailed technical, social, economic, and environmental investigations undertaken in recent months,” Mr Mickel said.

“It is vital that in high growth areas such as this, we undertake long term planning to provide the best possible services to rail users and the community.

"The preferred route provides the best environmental, technical and social outcome when compared to other routes considered, for the future upgrade to the North Coast Line between Landsborough and Nambour currently planned for implementation by 2026," he said.

Member for Glasshouse Carolyn Male said the Landsborough to Nambour Rail Corridor Study was an early phase of the Landsborough to Nambour Rail Project.

"This project will improve the efficiency, service frequency, operating speeds and reliability of trains and cater for the increasing demand for rail services in the corridor caused by population and freight transport growth," Ms Male said.

"The study is a significant, long-term planning project that will allow for a greater level of certainty around the future development and land use of the areas surrounding the North Coast Line.

"By identifying the preferred route and land required for the future upgrade now, Queensland Transport is providing for the future needs of both rail users and the communities that surround the corridor,” Ms Male said.

Mr Mickel said it was also important to note that while formal land resumptions may not occur for a number of years, property owners directly affected by the preferred route could now apply to Queensland Transport for a hardship acquisition.

“Each application will be assessed against the Department of Natural Resources and Water acquisition hardship policy, which can be accessed at www.nrw.qld.gov.au."

Mr Mickel said Queensland Transport had released a Route Identification Report detailing how the preferred route was determined.

Copies of the report and maps of the preferred route can be viewed on the study website, as well as at a number of locations in the local region.

While the preferred route has been identified, further investigation in consultation with landowners and the community is needed over the coming months to resolve a number of specific issues.

“These include the reinstatement of local road networks and private property access affected by the preferred route, potential station layouts, removal of Mooloolah’s open level crossing and identifying the best location for the rail station in Palmwoods,” Mr Mickel said.

“In mid 2008, the community will have the chance to comment on the draft Terms of Reference for the Environmental Impact Statement, which is essentially the ‘rule book’ for its preparation.

“Once the Environmental Impact Statement has been prepared the Coordinator-General will release it to the community for comment in late 2008 before completing his evaluation.”

For a copy of the Landsborough to Nambour rail Corridor Study update, call 1800 221 991, or visit www.landsborough-nambour.com.au.

Ministerial contacts: Shannon Mackay 3237 1125 or Nathan Moir 3235 4060

April 3, 2008