13 Oct 2017: State Government should commit to Beerburrum-Landsborough North ..

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Media release 13 October 2017

SEQ: State Government should commit to Beerburrum-Landsborough North rail duplication

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org), a web-based community support group for rail and public transport and an advocate for public transport passengers, has called on the State Government to use the visit by State Cabinet to the Sunshine Coast next week to announce funds and commit to a definite start date for construction of a realigned and duplicated Sunshine Coast Railway Line from Beerburrum to Landsborough North.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"The economic stimulus that will be unlocked by a state government commitment to the next stage of the Sunshine Coast Line duplication from Beerburrum to Landsborough North should be unleashed when State Cabinet meets. It should be the first item of business.

"Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and her Deputy Jackie Trad cannot continue to hold back the region by prevaricating on this issue, or playing political games with a Coalition Government in Canberra around funding. The statesman-like position would be to put real money on the table, at least $300 million and ask Canberra to find $500 million.

"The Premier would then be in a position to challenge the LNP to use its influence on Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull to commit to the bulk of the funds. At this stage, all the LNP has done is seek public support for the duplication via a poll. Public support is a given – from the Sunshine Coast Council, to Chambers of Commerce, to community groups and the RACQ. There are no more excuses for all sides of politics."

Jeff Addison Sunshine Coast Region Spokesperson for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Duplication does not depend on construction of the Cross River Rail project in Brisbane. Real efficiencies – in terms of travel time savings and more frequent train services to Nambour – will be won.  Workers will have a faster, more reliable means of travel to Brisbane, relieving pressure on the Bruce Highway, where there is a major crash almost every day. The line is an important freight corridor and duplication will improve the flow of freight to and from northern Queensland.

"Sunshine Coast workers are being turned down for jobs in Brisbane because employers don't want them being regularly late for work. The massive new housing developments at Caloundra South and Palmview will put added strain on a road and rail transport network that is already overworked.

"This project has been signed off by Infrastructure Queensland, has all environmental approvals in place and is construction ready. Construction will unlock jobs, which the Premier says is her No.1 priority.

"If the Premier is not prepared to back duplicated rail to Nambour for the Sunshine Coast, starting with Beerburrum-Landsborough North, maybe State Cabinet should not come to the Coast, because the rail duplication will be the topic on everyone's lips."

Contacts:

Jeff Addison
Sunshine Coast Region Spokesperson for RAIL Back On Track

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

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