The pre-construction phase of a $5.75 billion rail upgrade in Logan is about to start.
The Faster Rail project will see upgraded train stations across Logan, the removal of the city’s level crossings, and the duplication of tracks between Kuraby and Beenleigh.
Transport and main roads minister Brent Mickelberg said the government, which inherited the project from its predecessor, was delivering the critical transport infrastructure the Gold Coast needed following “years of Labor failures”.
“We are getting on with the job of delivering more frequent, reliable and affordable public transport for the Gold Coast,” Mr Mickelberg said.
“Entering into the design and pre-construction contract now will ensure this key infrastructure investment is completed ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
“The Logan and Gold Coast Faster Rail project will address increasing population growth and customer demand between Brisbane and the Gold Coast and unlock capacity for additional train services for Queenslanders.”
In a statement released about the project late last month, no Logan-based MPs (all of which sit on the opposition benches) were quoted.
However, the LNP member for the Gold Coast electorate of Theodore, Mark Boothman, was.
He said the Faster Rail project was a great step forward for his community, and for the wider Gold Coast region.
“The Brisbane to Gold Coast line is already one of the busiest long-distance commutes, so being able to add more services will be of huge benefit to our communities here on the Gold Coast,” Mr Boothman said.
“This is also a step forward to reducing the congestion on the M1.
“It’s great to see such significant progress on this LGC project from the Crisafulli Government, who is delivering for our region for the 2032 Games and beyond.”
Under the previous state government, the cost of the Faster Rail project blew out from $2.6 billion to $5.75 billion.
The federal government is covering 50% of the cost.
