Rockhampton’s train station to get multimillion-dollar upgrade

With 55,000 customer journeys per year, the Beef Capital’s station is a key regional rail hub.

Artist's impression of the upgrade to Rockhampton's train station.

Rockhampton’s train station is set to be upgraded and overhauled as part of $51 million state government program.

With 55,000 customer journeys per year, the Beef Capital’s station is a key regional rail hub.

Rockhampton MP Barry O’Rourke said the proposed project would deliver a new station precinct on the existing site, support local jobs, and drive the region’s economic recovery.

“The proposal includes a new customer lounge with seating, tables and air conditioning, breakout areas with device charging stations, an integrated travel centre and luggage check-in facility,” Mr O’Rourke said.

“Other proposed upgrades include additional shelters along the platform, a seating refresh, enhanced signage, service information screens, public announcement systems and new emergency help phones, significantly improving the customer experience.”

Artist's impression of the upgrade to Rockhampton's train station.

Keppel MP Brittany Lauga said the upgrade would improve the customer experience for commuters and tourists travelling to Rockhampton, Yeppoon, Great Keppel Island, and beyond.

“The station will become much more accessible, with the installation of tactile ground indicators, handrails where required and new accessible toilets,” she said.

“New accessible car parking will also be delivered along with a drop-off zone that integrates with other public transport providers, for improved connections to Yeppoon and surrounding areas.

“Employee facilities will also be upgraded.”

Assistant Minister for Train Manufacturing Bruce Saunders said the state budget would deliver an initial $51 million investment over four years for regional Queensland.

“This will see upgrades get underway at Rockhampton and Maryborough West stations, in addition to a feasibility study into the upgrade of Bundaberg station,” Mr Saunders said.

“Rockhampton station is a key regional rail hub that sees around 55,000 customer journeys each year, and the State Government is committed to improving these important facilities for locals and tourists alike.

“It’s part of the state government’s $27.5 billion, four-year roads and transport investment plan to support 24,000 jobs, which is helping drive Queensland’s economic recovery from COVID-19.”

Rockhampton MP Barry O'Rourke and Assistant Minister for Train Manufacturing Bruce Saunders in front of Rockhampton Rail Station

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said Queensland Rail was undertaking detailed planning for the regional station upgrade program to help inform project requirements and time frames.

“Detailed planning and design work will soon commence for the sites, ahead of tenders for construction being called in early 2022,” he said.

“Project time frames will be developed and refined as planning for the Rockhampton station upgrade progresses. Queensland Rail will keep the Rockhampton community and customers informed as this important program gets underway.”