The Queensland Government will invest nearly half a billion dollars over the next eight years to fund a world-class rail signalling system – the first step to build the state’s Cross River Rail.
According a statement from the office of Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, the $634 million investment in a new European Train Control System (ETCS) would lay the foundation for the delivery of Cross River Rail, helping to improve rail capacity and safety in the inner city rail network.
“The new European Train Control System, subject to final approvals, will boost inner-city rail capacity by 20 per cent and allow an extra 12,000 people through the CBD each peak period,” said the Premier in a statement.
“We are also investing $50 million next financial year to establish a Cross River Rail Delivery Authority to oversee the final planning and delivery of this project.
“This funding announcement is a clear commitment to Queenslanders that we are serious about delivering this crucial infrastructure project to ease congestion and unlock the economic potential of our state.”
Deputy Premier and Minister for Infrastructure Jackie Trad also said in a statement once finalised, the updated business case for Cross River Rail would be provided to Infrastructure Australia to make the urgent case for Federal Government funding.
“Queensland cannot afford to delay Cross River Rail, which is why the Palaszczuk Government has said we are determined to make this project happen,” Ms. Trad said.
“This announcement of establishment funding for a Delivery Authority sends a clear message to private enterprise, the Federal Government and local councils in South East Queensland that we’re going to forge ahead and it’s time for them get on board,” she said.
“The Cross River Rail Delivery Authority will be able to commence early works on the project including gaining environmental impact approvals, scoping of value share opportunities and commencing appropriate procurement activities.”
Ms. Trad further added that the government with consider further contributions to the project once the state’s independent infrastructure advisor, Building Queensland, provides final recommendations and the business case to government.
Treasurer Curtis Pitt also said in the statement that the new ETCS would allow an extra 21 million commuters to move through the CBD by rail each year.
“The signalling system to be installed between Milton and Northgate stations will unlock urgently needed rail capacity through Brisbane’s CBD and support on average 120 jobs per year over the eight year implementation period,” Mr. Pitt said.
“ETCS will completely modernise the inner city rail network, with state-of-the-art technology set to increase capacity, maximise rail safety and allow us to safely run trains closer together.
“An extra eight trains – four in each direction – every hour will increase core capacity by 20 per cent, which means there is the potential for an additional 12,000 people to be transported through the CBD during each peak period. Over the course of a year this means we will be able to move an extra 21 million commuters.”
The Cross River Rail Delivery Authority will be able to commence early works on the project including environmental impact approvals, scoping of value share opportunities, starting early works and commencing appropriate procurement activities.
Queensland Rail will manage the delivery of the ETCS project, which is expected to be operational from 2021.