Some progress

[ozbob]

Queensland invests in rail
International Railway Journal,  June, 2005  

THE Queensland government, Australia, plans to spend $A 35 billion ($US 27.3 billion) on transport over the next 20 years, with about $A 3 billion planned for railways.

The upgrade and track doubling of the North Coast route between Caboolture and Landsborough will be completed, as well as an upgrade of the line from Landsborough to Nambour. A new 38km line will be built from Beerwah to serve nearby coastal areas. The combined cost of these projects is almost $A 2 billion.

A third line in the Western Corridor from Corinda to Redbank for suburban passenger services will be built, as well as a new line from Darra to the growing area of Springfield, at a cost of $A 590 million.

The remaining major rail project is a $A 500 million extension of the Gold Coast line from Robina to Coolangatta, which also includes capacity enhancements from Ormeau to Coomera, Helensvale to Robina, and a third track from Salisbury to Kuraby. Extra rolling stock is also planned, though this has not been specified.

A planned new line west of Brisbane to link with a proposed route from Melbourne is being given support by the government, but detailed proposals have not yet been made.

[richard]

Have you heard whether the third road to Refbank will be dual gauge?

[ozbob]

G'day Richard,

Yes, I have heard that is a distinct possibility.  No authoritive reference though.  It makes sense with QR being nationally focussed with standard gauge locos to be serviced.  Will provide a path to Redbank for servicing.
The only thing I can find out with confidence at this time is that the triplication from Corinda to Darra is definitely proceeding,  and this will be important when the Springfield line is factored in.

Best wishes
Bob