Budget delivers $1.8 billion for a better transport future

The Bligh Government will invest a massive $1.8 billion in transport infrastructure in the 2011-12 Budget to deliver better public transport and drive forward key transport projects such as the Gold Coast Rapid Transit System and Moreton Bay Rail Link.

Transport Minister Annastacia Palaszczuk said some of the biggest transport projects in the country are now underway in Queensland and this budget would ensure that continues.

“The State Government is committed to improving public transport and this funding will help bolster services, ease congestion, help to tackle climate change and deal with our growing population,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“This year’s budget will see a further $175 million invested in the Gold Coast Rapid Transit System and $93.7 million to continue construction of the Northern Busway between Enoggera Creek and Kedron.

“We’re getting on with the job of delivering sustainable transport solutions for future generations.”

Major projects include:

·$175 million to continue the $1.195 billion Gold Coast Rapid Transit System, a light rail project from Southport to Broadbeach, as well as a three kilometre extension;

·$93.7 million to continue the $731.6 million construction of the Northern Busway between Enoggera Creek and Kedron, extending the existing busway from the Royal Brisbane Women's Hospital to Sadlier Street, Kedron;

·$66.3 million to complete the $465.8 million Stage 2A of the Eastern Busway between South East Busway and Main Avenue, including bus stations at Stones Corner and Langlands Park

·$28.5 million provided towards upgrading the Northern Busway between Kedron and Bracken Bridge;

$12 million for early stage works of the Moreton Bay Rail Link – a $1.5 billion project to be jointly funded by the State and Federal Governments and Moreton Bay Regional Council.

Ms Palaszczuk said $44 million would be directed to public transport infrastructure improvements acrossSouth East Queensland.

“The TransLink upgrade program will improve current bus stations and build additional bus station infrastructure,” she said.

Current estimated project costs include:

$5.5 million towards Capalaba Park 'n' Ride;
$5.0 million towards Maroochydore Bus Station;
$4.5 million towards Enoggera Reservoir Park 'n' Ride;
$4.0 million towards Logan Central Bus Station;
$3.5 million towards North Lakes Bus Station;
$3.0 million towards UQ Lakes Bus Station. PTO…

“We’re investing $1.2 billion in rail infrastructure to continue building new rail lines to ease congestion in South East Queensland,” she said.

Projects include:

$459.5 million is provided to continue upgrading rail infrastructure and rollingstock on the Citytrain network, including:
$118.3 million to continue construction of the Richlands to Springfield Rail project, building a new dual track rail line from Richlands to a new station at Springfield, along with road upgrades and a new station at Springfield Lakes;
$97 million to continue building 40 new three car-carriage passenger trains to deliver service enhancements between the Gold Coast, Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast
$39 million to continue rail capacity upgrades;
$27.3 million for the construction of new stabling facilities for additional rollingstock.

Ms Palaszczuk said the State Government was committed to improving transport infrastructure for regional communities and would continue to fund much needed upgrades to regional services.

Other major capital works include:

$62 million to commence a major overhaul of suburban and interurban rollingstock
$57.6 million to upgrade and enhance the tilt train fleet, particularly the Sunlander passenger services;
$22.1 million to ensure that Citytrain stations comply with the 2007 Disability Standards;
$13.5 million to continue modifications to existing rollingstock, to ensure compliance with the 2007 Disability Standards;
$1.5 million for infrastructure upgrades and other priority works on the Mount Isa Line.

“This budget is about connecting our communities by giving them public transport options to suit their lifestyle,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

Media Contact: Chris Ward (Minister Palaszczuk’s office) 3237 1111