The Australian and Queensland governments have released joint project updates for the Port of Brisbane rail freight links and Toowoomba to Brisbane passenger rail business cases.
Port of Brisbane planning investigations included exploring opportunities to improve freight rail connectivity to the Port of Brisbane.
It found forecast freight demand may warrant upgrades to the existing rail network in the coming years, but that a dedicated freight corridor is a longer-term opportunity.
Building on the freight demand analysis undertaken to date, investigations are now underway for potential short, medium and longer-term improvements to the freight rail network between the proposed future Inland Rail intermodal terminal at Ebenezer and the Port of Brisbane.
Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said The Australian Government is committed to funding the development of major project business cases and engaging with stakeholders on strategically significant projects.
“We continue to work with the Queensland Government to consider passenger and freight needs in the corridor between Salisbury and Beaudesert and investigate efficient and reliable freight access to the Port of Brisbane,” she said.
“It is also important we do the planning work necessary to ensure the entire Queensland rail network maximises the benefits of Inland Rail over time, which may include exploring opportunities for improved passenger transport between Toowoomba and Brisbane.”
The Toowoomba to Brisbane Passenger Rail Business Case explored opportunities for improved passenger transport between Toowoomba and Brisbane.
It found the future delivery of Inland Rail in Queensland provides an opportunity to integrate better passenger rail services with future freight operations on Inland Rail infrastructure.
The next stage of planning, which may include a detailed business case, would be undertaken closer to the time of Inland Rail delivery in Queensland.
Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads Bart Mellish said high quality public transport infrastructure will play a critical role in servicing growing and new communities in southeast Queensland.
“Together with the Australian Government, we have undertaken planning and confirmed heavy rail is the optimal transport mode to connect communities between Salisbury and Beaudesert, with the next step being for government to consider corridor protection,” he said.
“The Queensland Government has worked collaboratively with the Australian Government to explore opportunities for improving passenger rail between Toowoomba and Brisbane building on the opportunity provided by the Inland Rail project.
“In partnership with the Australian Government, we are also continuing to undertake investigations to ensure efficient and reliable freight rail access to the Port of Brisbane.”
As announced this week, the Australian and Queensland governments are also continuing to work together to progress planning and corridor protection for the Salisbury to Beaudesert Passenger Rail project.
The recently released Salisbury to Beaudesert Summary Report identified heavy rail as the optimal transport mode to address forecast passenger demand for the Salisbury to Beaudesert corridor.
Joint work is also continuing on the South-East Queensland Inland Rail Intermodal Terminal business case.
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