MORE than $1.1 billion is exepected to be announced in tonight’s budget to upgrade the rail network between Brisbane and the Gold Coast.
Member for Forde Bert Van Manen provided the insight into the cash splash on roads and rail.
“Increasing the number of tracks from two to four and upgrading signalling systems will help to improve travel times,” he said of already-announced works.
But he said seven stations – including Beenleigh, Bethania, Loganlea, Edens Landing and Holmview – would be upgraded, along with five level crossings.
The Beenleigh to Kuraby works are scheduled to begin in 2024 and be completed by 2028.
The Federal Government has also announced $4 million to fund the Beenleigh Connection Road – City Road Intersection Upgrade in Beenleigh.
“I’m pleased to see funding allocated to fix this notorious bottleneck,” Mr van Manen said.
“I applaud any effort to make our roads safer and slash travel times, so people can spend less time in their cars and more time with their friends and families.”
Other Budget allocations include $11 million for a business case for future stages of the Coomera Connector.
Mr Van Manen said he would also continue to push for completion of the strategic business case for the Salisbury to Beaudesert passenger rail line.
“A rail line serving this growing region is desperately needed and it is time we go this off the drawing board,” Mr Van Manen said.
