Federal budget allocates $85 million to fix Lindum crossing

A 12-year wait to fix one of Brisbane’s most dangerous level crossings is over following the announcement of an $85 million cash injection from the federal government to pay for upgrades.

Cars queue behind Ross Vasta MP as the boomgates go down for a train to pass through the Lindum rail crossing. Picture: NewsCorp

THE dangerous Lindum level crossing will finally be upgraded after the Morrison Government announced $85 million of funding to fix the intersection as part of yesterday’s federal budget.

Federal member for Bonner Ross Vasta announced the funding last night for the crossing he has been fighting strongly for since 2017 with Brisbane City Council Lord Mayor in waiting Adrian Schrinner also committing $40 million for the works.

The news comes after residents as well as parents and teachers from the nearby Iona College have called for a solution for more than 12 years and after a 70-year-old died after being hit by a train at Lindum Station in February.

The $125 million is believed to be enough to fix the crossing once and for all with an overpass reportedly to cost around the $100 million mark. However, other solutions are set to be discussed.

Member for Bonner Ross Vasta and Federal Infrastructure Minister Alan Tudge at the notorious Lindum rail crossing. Picture: Supplied

Mr Vasta said he was thrilled to have been able to secure this money.

“Lindum Crossing is well known to local residents as a safety hazard and a traffic bottleneck and is in desperate need of a solution,” he said.

“This is a huge win for the bayside community, I’ve spoken to local families, businesses and

the community surrounding Lindum and they want to see this fixed, that’s why I’ve worked hard and today I’ve been able to deliver $85 million.

“I’ve pushed to ensure that I’m holding up my end of the bargain to see Lindum fixed for my constituents.

“I’ve been working with Brisbane City Council and incoming Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner. Together we are calling on the State Labor Government to step up to the plate.”

Mr Schrinner congratulated Mr Vasta for his tireless efforts to deliver this funding for the area.

A train passes through the notorious Lindum rail crossing. Picture: Damian Bathersby

“In addition to this contribution from the Federal Government funding Brisbane City Council will commit $40 million towards the project,” Mr Schrinner said.

“I support fixing Lindum and I’m hopeful that all three levels of government can work together to fix this intersection.”

Mr Vasta said now that the Federal Government and the BCC have committed funding the only way this can go ahead is with a commitment from the State Labor Government.

“This project is being held up by the Queensland Labor Government, and by not working with us and committing funding for this project they’re just delaying it even further for the people of Bonner,” he said.

This funding has been delivered as part of the Coalition’s $4 billion Urban Congestion Fund.