The Queensland Government’s 2022-23 budget will deliver a $3.5 billion pipeline of new rail projects, on top of its existing Cross River Rail commitments.
The new funding is contained in the Queensland budget forward estimates for new projects over the next four years, which includes many projects that will be delivered over the next decade.
Mark Bailey, Transport and Main Roads Minister said the investment in Queensland’s transport would support the state’s booming population.
“Queenslanders know that our $5.4 billion investment in Cross River Rail is the government’s most significant single infrastructure investment,” he said.
“But this budget shows we are not just building a new underground line, with significant investments in freight and passenger services across our state, we are transforming the network.”
Among the new projects are $924 million towards the Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 3, $876 million towards the Logan and Gold Coast Faster Rail upgrade, $489 million towards the Beerburrum to Nambour Rail Upgrade Stage 1, $265 million towards the New Generation Rollingstock and European Train Control System fitment, and $107 million towards the construction of three new Gold Coast railway stations at Pimpama, Hope Island and Merrimac.
The investments also include $212 million towards the $600 million Queensland Train Manufacturing Program, which forms part of $7.1 billion to boost the state’s train manufacturing industry.
Cameron Dick, Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment, said investing in rail would get Queenslanders to work sooner, and back home sooner.
“But by making trains here in Queensland, it also supports traditional manufacturing, and skilled jobs in the many small and medium businesses that are a part of the supply chain,” he said.
“We want to see more of these skilled jobs here in Queensland, which is one of the reasons we recently finalised the purchase of the Rockhampton Railyards.”
For more information, visit: queenslandrail.com.au
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