14 Dec 2009: SEQ: All aboard, next stop Varsity Lakes!

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Media Release 14 December 2009

SEQ:  All aboard, next stop Varsity Lakes!

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 congratulated Trackstar Alliance, Queensland Rail and the Queensland Government on the successful completion of the railway line from Robina to Varsity Lakes.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"The extension of the Gold Coast railway from Robina to Varsity Lakes is very welcome. The project has been expensive and highlights why rail projects need to be maximised from the outset."

"Rail must be rapidly ramped up if we are to survive the looming transport crises in south-east Queensland (1).  Presently in south-east Queensland there are a number of rail projects in train.  Unfortunately, in the smart state the lessons from the failure to duplicate the Gold Coast line from the outset are still not learned."

"An expensive extension of the duplication of the Ferny Grove line from Keperra to Ferny Grove is about to begin; this should have been done seamlessly as part of the earlier duplication works from Mitchelton to Keperra.  In a similar fashion we have the failure to electrify the fourth railway line presently being constructed between Corinda and Darra.  We are still uncertain if the stations between Richlands and Springfield will be built and full duplication of the line will occur when this line is constructed!" (2)

"The cost of the line from Robina to Varsity Lakes is a clear demonstration of why transport planners need to get railway projects right from the outset.  Forget single line half baked projects, move forward rapidly with high capacity rail."

References:

1. 10 Dec 2009: Now is the time for massive rail infrastructure investment http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?board=19.0

2. 6 June 2009: SEQ: Richlands to Springfield railway line needed now! http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=2364.0

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org