Article: Push for rail (Petrie to Kippa-Ring)

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From the Redcliffe & Bayside Herald  18th February 2009 page 19

Push for rail

Push for rail

THE Commerce and Industry Redcliffe Peninsula has vowed to push the State Government to re-examine studies on the Petrie to Kippa-Ring rail link. Former engineer Max Barton, who is heading a CIRP railway sub-committee said the rail link had been the subject of more studies and reports than any other proposed rail extension in South-East Queensland.

He added that the State Government's own studies have found that the economic benefits would far exceed the costs.

Mr Barton said studies back to 1895 "overwhelmingly supported" the case for a rail link: "It wasn't until 1977 that the State Government commissioned a detailed report, which recommended a highspeed electric railway between Petrie to Kippa-Ring as the cheapest option," Mr Barton said.

"In October 2003 an independent report recommended the rail link be implemented by 2007. "The project, estimated to cost $226 million, was also deemed economically viable and the rail link would be used by more than 14,000 people a day."

This was backed up by a 2008 study, Planning for Rail in a Multi-Modal Corridor, by engineering firm Maunsell Australia. Mr Barton said the rail link would remove thousands of cars from the road, make employment centres such as Brendale more accessible and improve access to tertiary education institutions

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This will also be of interest --> http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=35.0

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It?s Time for the Line ? Petrie to Kippa Ring Rail Extension.

Widespread community support for the Petrie to Kippa ring rail extension has lead to the formation of the RAIL09 Campaign committee. Committee chairman Max Barton said :  ? Public response to the question do we want a passenger rail service was  Yes We Do. About 105,000 people residing in the Murrumba Downs, Kallangur, Mango Hill, North Lakes, Rothwell, Deception Bay, Kippa Ring and Redcliffe Peninsula suburbs would benefit from the rail extension? he said.

Members of the RAIL09 Campaign committee are not aligned to any political party or independent candidate at the forthcoming state government elections.

Committee member and Commerce & Industry Redcliffe Peninsula president Nick Tzimas said : ?Donations have been received that have enabled the RAIL09 Campaign committee to commence a TV and radio advertising campaign to promote the issue. It is expected that the Petrie to Kippa Ring rail extension will become a significant local issue in the state electorates of Kallangur, Murrumba and Redcliffe? he said.

The RAIL09 Campaign will hold the first in a series of public meetings at the Golden Ox Margate at 6pm on Wednesday 25th February. Further public meetings are planned over the next few weeks at Murrumba Downs, North Lakes, Deception Bay and Rothwell.

Further details can be obtained from the website : http://rail09campaign.synthasite.com

Residents can register their support by e-mail :  c.i.r.p@optusnet.com.au , by telephone Max
3203 0246 or  Nick 0438 948 848