Major milestones for two inner-city train station upgrades

Major upgrades at two of Queensland’s busiest train stations, South Bank and Auchenflower, are both on-track, after reaching significant milestones.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey announced Hutchinson Builders had been awarded the contract for South Bank station’s platform one, which will support up to 250 construction jobs.   

“South Bank station is one of the busiest train stations on our network, and a key destination for tourists visiting our city, so this $24 million investment by the Palaszczuk Government will benefit visitors and locals alike,” Mr Bailey said.

“South Bank will also be home to key venues for the 2032 Olympics and Paralympics in Brisbane, so this is a timely upgrade to help get the station games ready.

“The Palaszczuk Government’s record $27.5 billion roads and transport investment over four years, is creating 24,000 jobs, and helping to drive Queensland’s economic recovery from Covid-19.

“This upgrade will deliver a full-length raised platform, giving easier, safer access for the community, including those using mobility devices, seniors and customers travelling with prams and luggage.

“New platform seating and waiting shelters will improve customer comfort, while new lighting, CCTV, and station signage will further modernise platform facilities.

“The station connects to the Southpoint development, so I’m looking forward to the platform’s features being renewed and improved, to bring them into line with the modern precinct and help make a positive impression on visitors arriving to South Bank by train.

“South East Queensland’s population is continuing to grow, and the Palaszczuk Government is committed to providing modern public transport and encouraging people to leave their car at home, and this project is just one example of that.”

Member for Cooper Jonty Bush said the accessibility upgrade happening at Auchenflower Station had also reached a major milestone.

“With the help of a 700-tonne crane, a new 36-metre pedestrian overbridge has been installed at Auchenflower,” Ms Bush said.

“Once works are completed, the bridge will create an accessible path through the station precinct and to the Wesley Hospital for all members of the community, including commuters in my electorate.

“In just 48 hours, crews worked over the weekend to assemble the bridge, started installing the station’s new lift shafts and stairs and lifted in the 36-metre steel footbridge.

“Over the next six months crews will progressively install the stairs and lifts connecting the bridge to the core zones of each platform, which have been raised to ensure customers have easier and safer access to trains.

“Once the accessibility upgrade is complete, everyone in the community will be able to travel safely and more easily through Auchenflower station and the neighbouring Wesley Hospital medical precinct, including people who use mobility aids, seniors, and people travelling with prams and luggage.”

Mr Bailey acknowledged some short-term alternate travel arrangements would be required throughout the construction phases, to enable work to be carried out safely.

“As with any major project, there will be some closures, to ensure a safe construction zone while work is underway,” he said.

“Queensland Rail is committed to communicating any travel impacts in advance to allow customers to plan their journey and allow any extra travel time required.”

Construction at South Bank gets underway later this year and is anticipated to be complete in early-2023.

The Auchenflower and Southbank Station upgrades are part of the Palaszczuk Government’s investment of more than $500 million to improve accessibility for commuters across the South East Queensland network.

ENDS

Media contact: Joseph Ogilvie - 0423 184 412