The Australian and Queensland governments will be progressing further planning work to protect the future rail corridor between Salisbury and Beaudesert.
The Salisbury to Beaudesert Passenger Rail study explored the long-term passenger and freight needs in the corridor and has recommended heavy rail as the best way to address forecast passenger demand.
Both Governments committed $10 million each to undertake the study as part of the Inland Rail Bilateral Agreement.
Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King said passenger transport helps make our cities and regions run more efficiently.
“The Australian Government partnered with the Queensland Government to explore opportunities for passenger and freight needs in the corridor between Salisbury and Beaudesert,” she said.
“The Australian Government is committed to working with the Queensland Government to explore the next stage of investigations to ensure this important passenger and freight corridor is protected in a timely manner.”
The Salisbury to Beaudesert corridor runs through some of the fastest growing areas in South East Queensland and forms part of the Queensland Government’s vision for the region’s rail network.
Growth areas such as the Greater Flagstone Priority Development Area will play a critical role in the future shape of the region and need to be supported by a high quality, safe and reliable public transport network.
Federal Treasurer, Jim Chalmers spoke about the report.
“We’re doing the detailed planning work required for this project because we know it has the potential to deliver substantial benefits for people in our area,” he said.
“New transport infrastructure is crucial to creating new jobs and opportunities and making it quicker and easier to get around our community.
“This is what happens when you get state and federal governments working together and investing in our community in the best interests of local people.”
Heavy rail was identified as the optimal transport mode to address forecast demand in the corridor.
It would provide a high capacity, attractive public transport journey with competitive travel times, keeping people and goods moving efficiently.
Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Bart Mellish said the south-west corridor of South East Queensland is one of the fastest growing areas in the region.
“High quality public transport infrastructure will play an important role in servicing these new and growing communities,” he said.
“This planning demonstrates our commitment to finding the right transport solutions to ease congestion and address future community needs.”
The current phase of the study has now been finalised.
The next phase will involve protecting the corridor, including conducting a corridor protection study.
This will refine the project’s design and land requirements and will also see community consultation begin on the identified corridor in 2025.
The outcomes of community consultation will help to preserve a corridor and inform future planning.
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