Artticle: Fast-tracked rail line tip for election (Springfield)

[ozbob]

From the South West News 4th March 2009 page 3

Fast-tracked rail line tip for election

Fast-tracked rail line tip for election
By KYLIE KNIGHT

SPECULATION is rife that an announcement is imminent about the Darra to Springfield railway line extension being fast-tracked. Springfield Land Corporation managing director Bob Sharpless told Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce members on Friday night he expected "something will emerge in the election campaign" to announce it is going ahead sooner than expected.

Mr Sharpless said SLC was working with Federal Member for Oxley Bernie Ripoll and Ipswich mayor Paul Pisasale to make the case for funding.

Mr Ripoll said while no announcements had been made, the Darra to Springfield railway line extension had made the short list and was being considered by Infrastructure Australia.

He said the project "ticked all the boxes" because it was ready to go, was financially viable and would be good for the whole state not just the southwest region Mr Ripoll said the Infrastructure Australia funding process was independent and would not be influenced by potential political gains.

"We're working through the process now and I'm hoping to get some announcement very soon and before the budget, but I'm only speculating here," he said.

[stephenk]

Let's just hope it gets built with two tracks. Oh, and a few intermediate stations would be nice!