12 Dec 2007: SEQ - Western freight rail loop needed!

[ozbob]

Media Release 12 December 2007

SEQ:  Western freight rail loop needed!

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web based community support group for rail and public transport has called for some radical rethinking of our rail freight movements through Brisbane.  A western rail loop from roughly  Caboolture, Dayboro, Fernvale, Ipswich and then across to Bromelton would allow freight movements independent of the suburban rail network, and also provide additional opportunities for passenger movements.

Robert Dow said:

"The derailment at Petrie has again highlighted the increasing congestion problems of mixing freight and suburban passenger rail services.  As Citytrain services are ramped up it will become very difficult to provide around the clock access for freight trains on the present railway network through Brisbane.

"Consideration should be given to building a western rail loop which could be used for freight trains, essentially independent of the suburban network.

"A possible general route would be Caboolture, Dayboro, Fernvale, Ipswich, Bromelton.  Bromelton is ideally situated for a major freight interchange distribution centre as it is on the standard gauge railway from the south.  It is interesting to note that both Dayboro and Fernvale were once serviced by Queensland Railway branch lines.

"It is now the time for the real big rail decisions and investment," said Robert Dow, spokesman for RAIL Back On Track.

Contact:

Robert  Dow

Administration
admin@backontrack.org RAIL Back On Track
http://backontrack.org

[ozbob]

See this thread for ongoing discussion --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=351.0