17 June 2009: Queensland: Commitments to rail in State budget welcome!

[ozbob]

Media Release 17 June 2009

Queensland:  Commitments to rail in State budget welcome!

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web based community support group for rail and public transport and an advocate for public transport commuters has welcomed the ongoing commitments to further improving rail transport in Queensland.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Railways are the long term sustainable transport mode for the future. Nationally, rail is the fastest growing urban transport mode.  In south-east Queensland we are on the threshold of a transformation in urban transport as more rail infrastructure and rolling stock comes on line."

The Minister for Transport has indicated the following rail improvements:

$125 million for the Springfield line to Richlands,

$62.7million MetTRIP track infrastructure mainly for the Caboolture to Beerburrum duplication,

$97.3 million for the Gold Coast rail extension from Robina to Varsity Lakes,

$57 million for a third track from Corinda to Darra,

$17.9 million for metropolitan freight capacity enhancement and $155.1 million for additional rolling stock,

$862 million on coal network track works and new and upgraded locomotives and wagons.

"All public transport modes are experiencing sustained growth. As a community we are fortunate that we have untapped capacity in our rail network.  This will prove critical in the years to come."

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

[O_128]

These are things that are we already have why wasnt there any new spending?

[ozbob]

This is the actual funding for the projects ongoing.