Qld politics: Jarrod Bleijie maintains Cross River Rail to be renamed Elizabeth Line

Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie has recommitted to a controversial election promise, but the minister responsible is in no hurry to make it happen. VOTE IN OUR POLL

Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie this week. Picture: Lachie Millard

Monarchist Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie is standing by his election promise to rename Cross River Rail to the Elizabeth Line – but his Transport Minister isn’t racing to deliver it.

Mr Bleijie shocked colleagues last year when, in opposition, he said an elected LNP government would support the renaming as a fitting tribute to the late monarch.

Detail was scarce, but the LNP said it was in response to a petition signed by more than 5000 people.

However there has been no progress to rename the line as Cross River Rail workers progress the fit-out of underground stations.

Transport Minister Brent Mickelberg said on Wednesday there had been no movement on the government’s election pledge to rename the line.

“My focus with Cross River Rail has been finishing the project and ensuring that it is delivered after far too long and far too many promises that have not been delivered,” he said.

“Cross River Rail was supposed to open in 2024 and here we are in 2025 and the advice that I’ve received is that it will likely be finished in 2029.

“While we have made commitments in relation to renaming the Elizabeth Line, my first focus is on delivering the infrastructure so that trains can run through those tunnels and we can boost public transport services in Brisbane and across the southeast.”

Mr Mickelberg said conversations about the name of the line could be had after the project was finished.

A spokeswoman for Mr Bleijie said the government election commitment remained.

The pledge mirrored London’s decision to name its $36.1bn, 118km rail line, linking the east and west of the city, the Elizabeth Line.

Separately, the Queensland government has added 111 extra weekly train services across three lines this month.

An extra 45 contra peak services – running outbound from the city during peak hour – will be added each week from May 19 on the Cleveland line and 40 on the Ferny Grove line.

From June 1 the Doomben line will operate hourly on Sundays and public holidays for the first time.

Better Transport Queensland member Robert Dow said the Doomben expansion was “very, very welcome”.

“Running six days suggested Brisbane was a bit of a public transport backwater,” he said.

Originally published as Qld politics: Jarrod Bleijie maintains Cross River Rail to be renamed Elizabeth Line