14 Nov 2010: SEQ: Rail to Kippa-Ring, just the thing!

[ozbob]

Media release 14 November 2010

SEQ: Rail to Kippa-Ring, just the thing!

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 wishes to acknowledge and highlight the involvement of local councils in making large public transport projects happen.

"A recent highlight is the news that initial consultation and survey works are to begin for the Moreton Bay Rail link (Petrie to Kippa-Ring railway). This is very welcome news for those in the many housing estates in suburbs north of Brisbane who have to battle traffic to get into Brisbane."

"What is also very noteworthy is the Moreton Bay Regional Council's contribution of $105 million towards making the rail line happen in addition to Federal Government ($742million) and State Government ($300 million plus land valued at $120 million) contributions."

"These council contributions towards public transport infrastructure are the kinds of investments that will have a lasting city-building and social return for many years to come in these areas. A statement from the Department of Transport and Main Road's website, again highlights the need (1):

'More than 375,000 people call the Moreton Bay region home, making it the third largest local government area in Australia. It is also one of the fastest growing areas in the country with the population set to exceed 500,000 by 2031.'

"To get this into perspective, the population of Canberra is about 355 000 (2). The Moreton Bay Rail link will therefore allow people in the areas serviced to access employment, social, medical and educational opportunities and be part of the community while lessening the financially gouging combination of high costs of car ownership and increasing home interest rates and utility costs."

"RAIL Back on Track also believes that the private sector is a potential partner and financial contributor and asks that market interest in the land around the stations is actively tested for the co-development of transit-oriented development (TOD) and related commercial opportunities."

"It's well and truly time to get rail back on track!"

References:

1. Moreton Bay Rail link
http://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/moretonbayrail

2. World Urban Areas
http://www.demographia.com/db-worldua.pdf

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

[ozbob]

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