10 July 2007: Queensland: All aboard for Varsity Lakes

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Media Release 10 July 2007

Queensland:  All aboard for Varsity Lakes

RAIL ? Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web based community organisation for the promotion of rail throughout Australia has congratulated the Queensland Government on today?s announcement of the extension of the Gold Coast railway line from Robina to Varsity Lakes.

Robert Dow said:

?It is a very pleasing to read of the commencement of the rail extension from Robina. This will be a major transport service of the future.  Duplications and triplications on the existing line to Robina will also allow  for more trains to convey passengers quickly and safely between the Gold Coast, Brisbane and suburbs.?

?RAIL Back On Track hopes that this momentum is maintained for other essential rail projects such as Darra to Springfield; and then Ipswich, the North Coast line, Petri to Kippa-Ring, and triplication from Corinda to Redbank.

Contact:

admin@backontrack.org
Administration RAIL Back On Track

http://backontrack.org

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Ministerial Statement 31 August 2007

Minister for Transport and Main Roads
The Honourable Paul Lucas


Making tracks to Varsity Lakes

Work is underway on a $324.4 million extension of the Gold Coast rail line south from Robina to a new station at Varsity Lakes.

Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Paul Lucas, said the 4.1 kilometre Robina to Varsity Lakes line extension is part of an unprecedented upgrade of rail infrastructure and services for the Gold Coast.

"In 1962 the Queensland Country Party led by Frank Nicklin took the ridiculous decision to rip up the train track to Coolangatta - we're now putting it back.

"Robina to Varsity Lakes is the first stage in restoring the Gold Coast line all the way to the border by 2018."

Mr Lucas said an overpass had already been built beside Robina Station as part of early works for the Robina to Varsity Lakes rail extension project.

"Clearing of the corridor has begun ahead of heavy earth moving and excavation work.

"The Robina to Varsity Lakes extension delivers twin electrified tracks, a 300 metre tunnel under Easthill Drive at Robina, three road overpasses, and a new station at Varsity Lakes.

"Workers will start building Varsity Lakes Station next year, which includes 300 commuter car parks, a drop off area, six bus bays and a taxi rank.

"Once the tracks are in service by 2010, it's expected the residents of Varsity Lakes will be able to reach Brisbane's Central Station in 75 minutes and the international airport in just over an hour and a half.

"And they'll be reaching their destination without seeing a single traffic light.

"In addition, the Queensland Government has committed $23.7 million to grow transit-oriented development around Varsity Lakes station."

"For commuters of the southern Gold Coast it all adds up to convenience with a capital C.

"But it's by no means the end of the Gold Coast's rail revolution."

Mr Lucas said the State Government had so far committed more than $500 million for 36 kilometres of new rail infrastructure to increase the speed, frequency and reach of Gold Coast train services.

"The duplication of the Ormeau to Coomera line is already finished.

"Planning and design work is underway for a further extension of the rail track from Varsity Lakes to Tallebudgera.

"Construction is continuing on a third capacity building track from Salisbury to Kuraby by early 2008 and the second line between Helensvale and Robina, which is due to open in August next year.

"The first of 44 new Citytrains worth more than $500 million are already operating on the Gold Coast Corridor with two new services added to the timetable, and there are more to come.

"By late 2008, track capacity on the Gold Coast line will have been boosted by 50 percent, with new trains delivering a 60% increase in seats.

"The Queensland Government is putting in place the public transport infrastructure for one of Australia's fastest growing regions," Mr Lucas said.

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Varsity Station Village

http://www.varsitystationvillage.qld.gov.au/