Community feedback is being sought on a proposal for a multi-billion dollar overhaul of the southern rail network to support increased train services between the Gold Coast, Logan, and Brisbane.
Details have been released as part of community consultation starting this month on a plan being considered by the State and Federal Governments.
The proposal would see more tracks laid, and level crossings removed to support faster, more frequent train services.
The Logan and Gold Coast Faster Rail project proposes to double the number of tracks between Kuraby and Beenleigh from two to four, adding about 20km of new tracks.
Details for the Logan and Gold Coast Faster Rail project are being released for public comment and feedback as a business case is developed to determine a cost for the faster rail plan.
The project is in the early stages of planning and still requires funding from both levels of government to be built.
The proposal will also investigate straightening curved sections of the rail line, which would reduce wheel noise impacts on residents and allow trains to travel at higher speeds, reducing travel times.
Under the current proposal, five level crossings will be upgraded or removed, and nine stations also upgraded to improve local road congestion
New signalling technology to be installed between Varsity Lakes and Salisbury will allow more trains to run more often.
Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said having four tracks between Kuraby and Beenleigh would provide more capacity for express and all-stops trains.
“We’re planning to double the number of Beenleigh and Gold Coast services over the next 20 years, so this is about building capacity on the line to do that,” Mr Bailey said.
“At the moment, trains between Kuraby and Beenleigh share a single track in each direction, so that limits the number of peak services we can run.
“Investing in better, more well connected public transport services like this is part of Queensland’s Covid-19 economic recovery plan.”
Mr Bailey said the plan presented options for dealing with local traffic congestion around key rail crossings at Woodridge, Kuraby, Bethania, Holmview, and Beenleigh.
“Our government has shown its vision and commitment to investing in transformative rail projects that deliver improve services for Queenslanders,” he said.
“The work underway on Cross River Rail is a shining example of how we’re delivering on those commitments.
“The Logan and Gold Coast Faster Rail project will mean faster, more frequent journeys by train between Brisbane and the Gold Coast, something that will be critical for the 2032 Olympics.
“It also means better train stations and access to parking for commuters between Kuraby and Beenleigh, and congestion-busting improvements to level crossings.”
Mr Bailey encouraged residents to have their say in the upcoming community consultation.
“Community consultation starts today, with an online interactive map and survey for community members to offer their feedback,” he said.
“This is a chance to help refine the rail corridor and stations between Brisbane and the Gold Coast and deliver the best project outcomes for the community.”
Community consultation runs until Friday 29 October 2021.
TMR is completing a Business Case for Logan and Gold Coast Faster Rail.
The Australian Government and Queensland Government have committed $356.2 million in pre-construction funding for the project.
Further decisions on additional funding and project delivery timeframes will be made once the business case is completed.
For more information on the Logan and Gold Coast Faster Rail project: www.tmr.qld.gov.au/logangoldcoastrail. email logangoldcoastrail@tmr.qld.gov.au or call 1800 957 066.