Ministerial Statement: Southern Freight Rail Corridor Study report released

[ozbob]

Minister for Transport
The Honourable Rachel Nolan
25/03/2010

Southern Freight Rail Corridor Study report released

Transport Minister Rachel Nolan today announced the revised assessment report for the Southern Freight Rail Corridor Study will be released for public consultation.

The Southern Freight Rail Corridor is a future rail corridor linking the existing western line at Rosewood with the interstate line near Beaudesert.

The revised assessment report shows the preferred alignment, associated impacts and land requirements for the corridor and follows release of the draft assessment report for public consultation in 2008.

The revised report includes information about a 12km corridor deviation which has occurred since the draft report. This section of the corridor was moved to preserve important koala habitat.

The revised report also contains details about submissions received in the previous round of consultation.

Minister Nolan said that with the volume of freight set to double over the next 20 years it is vital that a future rail corridor be protected now before it is too late.

It is not anticipated that the Southern Freight Rail Corridor will need to be constructed until after 2031.

Ms Nolan said the release of the revised report marked the final round of public consultation for the project.

"We encourage community members to take this opportunity to let us know what you think about the rail corridor," she said.

A newsletter will be delivered to more than 19,000 homes and businesses shortly to provide the local community with an update on the study.

From later next week, the revised report can be viewed in person at locations (shown below) in Rosewood, Ipswich, Boonah and Beaudesert and copies of the report will also be available on CD.

Two community information days are being held on Saturday 17 April (Peak Crossing) and Saturday 24 April (Rosewood) 2010.

The report is available from the Department of Transport and Main Roads by calling 1800 116 215.

The report can also be viewed in person at the following locations:

    * Ipswich City Council office, Rosewood Plaza, John Street, Rosewood
    * Ipswich Library, 40 South Street, Ipswich
    * Boonah Library, High Street, Boonah
    * Scenic Rim Council Office, 82 Brisbane Street, Beaudesert

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[johnnigh]

I see that time for submissions on the Southern Freight Rail Corridor alignment expires end of next week. I've no knowledge or special interest in the alignment, but perhaps other members might have.

I'd encourage anyone with arguable views to put them into a submission, if they haven't already done so.
Cheers,
J.