Despite years of messages from the Department of Main Roads that Holmview rail station would close, there seems to be a change of heart.
Latest public consultation at Beenleigh seeks feedback about relocating the station about 100m up the road.
While bureaucrats throw open the thought of a re-build, politicians are engaged in a war of words.
Macalister MP Melissa McMahon hosted a forum for residents in Beenleigh last week.
She questioned mayor Jon Raven’s position, saying he is advocating closure of the station.
Cr Raven said that wasn’t the case.
Rather, he said he wanted to know whether a re-build of the station represented value for money.
“What else could we do with that money,” he said.
Ms McMahon said it was worrying that the precinct preview did not provide any hint that the future of the station was up for consideration.
“It is only the mayor who has let the cat out of the bag that in order to keep the project ‘on time and on budget’ that means Beenleigh residents and workers will lose their train station,” Ms McMahon said.
Cr Raven said his intention was to raise awareness and encourage discussion.
“I haven’t called for the closure of Holmview Station, but I have questioned if the people of Logan think this massive spend is good value for money,” he said.
“After all, they’re the ones paying for this through their taxes.
“It’s probably easier to upgrade it. But if we want to think long term about the future of our city it’s worth asking if every alternative has been considered and what the costs are to keeping a station with such low passenger numbers.
Cr Raven said residents were unhappy about the proposed Spanns Road crossing closure and associated home acquisitions.
“A project this size needs proper community consultation. The community was shown one option, which was the upgrade,” he said.
Federal Member for Forde Rowan Holzberger said he had opposed closure during consultation with the project team.
“Holmview Station is a vital local infrastructure asset and, if it goes, we will never get it back,” Mr Holzberger said.
The Department of Transport and Main Roads’ published proposal retains Holmview station, moving it north to reduce flood disruption.
The Spanns Road and Holmview Road level crossings would close, with replacement road links and pedestrian bridges provided.
The Department of Transport and Main Roads will have staff at Beenleigh Library from 9am-noon on Wednesday 16 September. Residents can also have their say via the department’s website.
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