22 July 2010: SEQ: 2010 Update to the SEQIPP welcome

[ozbob]

Media Release 22 July 2010

SEQ:  2010 Update to the SEQIPP welcome

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web based community support group for rail and public transport and an advocate for public transport commuters has welcomed the renewed commitment to the sensible 'way forward' as indicated in the latest update to the South East Queensland Infrastructure Plan and Program (SEQIPP) (1).

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Rail is going to be the way forward for transport in Queensland. Sustainable, economically sound and safe it is time we broke the shackles of the road centric mantra and got on with real transport solutions."

"The SEQIPP as updated includes a number of significant rail projects perhaps to be constructed in the distant future.  What is needed is to turn plans into the reality.  The Cross River Rail project needs to be fast tracked.  The railway line from Petri to Kippa-Ring should be another priority.  We welcome the immediate commitment to continue with the double track railway from Richlands to Springfield, but similarly the long awaited railway to Kippa-Ring needs to be moved forward.  The final section of single line on the Gold Coast railway must be an urgent track amplification project as the demands on this line are increasing significantly."

"A major failing of the SEQIPP is the lack of proper forward transport planning to support the plans to build new communities at Yarrabilba and Flagstone (2).  The SEQIPP needs a revision to plan for rail to support these communities.  Ripley valley is on a planned rail corridor, but the communities at Yarrabilba and Flagstone will be transport poor and a failure otherwise."

Reference:

1.  http://www.dip.qld.gov.au/seqipp

2.  http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=4007.0

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

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Discussion thread --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=4121.0