Queensland government announces $1 billion fast train service from Gold Coast to Brisbane

The state government has promised to spend more than $1 billion to slash the time it takes to travel between the Gold Coast and Brisbane by train. Here’s the details.

GOLD Coast rail times to Brisbane will be cut and frequency of trips increased as the State Government promises $1.121 billion on upgrading old tracks north of Beenleigh.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk on Tuesday will outline it as the first major 2032 Olympic Games infrastructure project.

The Bulletin understands the work is to be in the older rail corridor from Logan to Kuraby and Beenleigh stations, where the Coast service slows.

Beenleigh train arrives at Windsor station. (Photo AAP/ Megan Slade)

New tracks will be built and old level crossings removed.

Sources confirm the latest upgrade will “definitely reduce times and increase frequency” on the Coast line but modelling is not completed. If the Commonwealth matches the funding, it opens the door to buying a new fleet of trains.

The project is separate to the $5.4 billion Cross River Rail, further north to this section of track and going into the city’s heart. That will see an extra 3150 seats on trains cutting times by 15 minutes.

Ms Palaszczuk says the Brisbane to Coast rail upgrade is central to the Covid Economic Recovery Plan.

“As we plan and build for the Olympics, this project is all about making sure people spend less time commuting and more time at home with their families and enjoying our great Queensland lifestyle,” she said.

“We’ve seen significant growth in South East Queensland over the last two decades and we expect this to continue with an extra 1.2 million people living in the region by 2036.

“My government is committed to seeing transport times between the Gold Coast and Brisbane reduced, as we continue to see the population increase in key suburban areas along the rail corridor.

Helensvale train station. Picture Glenn Hampson

“It’s only thanks to our strong health response and economic recovery we’re able to deliver important projects like this that will be critical to serving our growing population and ensuring we’re prepared for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.”

The new rail project had potential to create 900 jobs, she said, adding she was “calling on the Federal Government” to match an additional $1.121 billion funding commitment to ensure it could be delivered.

“To ensure south-east Queensland can continue to grow, we must keep evolving our rail network so it plays a bigger role in moving people from A to B.”

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said trains between Kuraby and Beenleigh share a single track both ways.

“We are limited in the number of peak services we run each day, but by duplicating the track between Kuraby and Beenleigh stations, we can increase capacity,” he said.

GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA - NewsWire Photos - OCTOBER 29, 2020. Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk during a tram ride on the Gold Coast, as she campaign ahead of the state election. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Dan Peled

“Local motorists will also benefit with five level crossings to be removed and nine stations upgraded – vastly improving the amenities available to local commuters.

“We know this project will deliver an abundance of economic and social benefits to the Logan region, and for all those who use the rail line to travel between the Gold Coast and Brisbane.”

Opening morning of the Stage 2 of the Gold Coast light rail (g:link). Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate, Mark Bailey MP and then Deputy Premier of Queensland Jackie Trad riding the light rail from Helensvale to Surfers Paradise. Picture: Jerad Williams.

Mr Bailey said the Federal Government had already committed $178.1 million in preconstruction funding.

The recently completed business case puts the total cost of $2.598 billion, he said.

“As with our previous commitment, it’s important the Federal Government come to the table and honour the 50:50 funding arrangement currently in place,” he said.

“It’s time the Australian Government shows its commitment to Queenslanders.

Since March 2018 Infrastructure Australia has included “Gold Coast rail line and station improvements: Kuraby to Beenleigh” in the Infrastructure Priority List.

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