Springfield - Ipswich PT corridor - Statement by Minister

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Minister for Transport and Main Roads
The Honourable Paul Lucas
24/10/2006

Ipswich to Springfield public transport study puts rail in the loop

Public transport options between Ipswich and Springfield would be built
from the "ground up" under a new State Government study, Minister for
Transport and Main Roads Paul Lucas said today.

Mr Lucas joined Member for Ipswich Rachel Nolan and Member for Bundamba
Jo-Ann Miller to launch the Ipswich to Springfield Public Transport
Corridor Study, which will develop potential public transport options in
the region over the next 20 years.

Mr Lucas said the population in the western corridor is tipped to reach
250,000 by 2026, with much of that growth in Ripley, Redbank Plains and
Springfield.

The study will examine options for developing a 25km high-quality public
transport connection between Ipswich and Springfield ahead of major
population growth and development in the area.

"This is smart public transport design for one of Australia's fastest
growing regions," Mr Lucas said.

"The study gives us a great opportunity to integrate public transport
into these communities right from the word go.

"Under this plan, Ipswich could be the first provincial city in
Australia with a rail loop. We've already committed to building a rail
line from Darra to Springfield and what is just as critical is doing the
planning now and preserving a corridor for future use.

"I'm impressed with the way Ipswich has embraced development in
Springfield and Ripley.

"A public transport corridor linking back into Ipswich from Springfield
and Ripley would ensure high speed/high quality public transport within
Ipswich, rather than just making it high speed/high quality to and from
Brisbane.

Mr Lucas said the study, which has been identified under the State
Government's innovative South East Queensland Infrastructure Plan and
Program, would be undertaken in two phases. The first phase will be
conducted in 2 sections, with each section having two possible route
options.

Section one goes from Ipswich to Ripley. Option 1A passes through
Yamanto. Option 1B passes through Flinders View. Section 2 goes from
Ripley to Springfield. Option 2A goes via Redbank Plains South, Option
2B goes via the South West Transport Corridor.

Mr Lucas said the study would look at both bus and heavy rail public
transport modes for future use of the chosen corridor.

Member for Ipswich Rachel Nolan said extra public transport options
would provide an economic and social boost to the region.

"This is not about putting on an extra train or bus service," Ms Nolan
said.

"This study will help us identify a route for a high quality busway or
train line, which will be a boost for Ipswich for decades to come.

"Dedicated public transport will support employment and build industry
growth in the corridor. The era of cheap oil is ending and we need to
plan a sustainable transport future, that's what this corridor is
about."

Member for Bundamba Jo-Ann Miller said planning a dedicated public
transport corridor ahead of major growth in the region was a smart
approach.

"Doing this work now lets us develop good public transport and good
planning for the communities that will be growing up in the western
corridor in coming years," Mrs Miller said.

"Providing dedicated public transport connections into and out of
Springfield, Redbank Plains, and into Ipswich is a benefit for the whole
region.

"While the Federal Government continues to ignore Ipswich and refuses to
upgrade the entire motorway, the State Government is backing the
region's future.

Mr Lucas said the State Government was building a rail link to
Springfield and extending the Centenary Highway to Yamanto to help enure
the region's transport future.

Mr Lucas said around 35,000 newsletters would be distributed in the
region over the next week. The first round of consultation will run for
six weeks with four community open days planned during consultation and
displays at seven sites.

The decision on the preferred corridor is expected to be made early
2007. Further consultation will follow with the community on the EIS and
preferred corridor, and a final decision is scheduled for mid-2007.

Media inquiries
Minister's office: Robert Hoge 3237 1942, 0419 757 868
Member for Ipswich: 3202 3452
Member for Bundamba: 3288 3737