Freight rail is expected to use the new corridor as well. Picture: ANDREW KACIMAIWAI
The Australian and Queensland governments are now studying protective measures for the Salisbury-Beaudesert rail corridor.
A Salisbury to Beaudesert Passenger Rail study is recommending a heavy rail-line as the best way to address forecast passenger demand in the corridor.
Beaudesert is a town in the Scenic Rim, west of Tamborine Mountain, and the corridor will link it to southern Brisbane.
The study has entered a new phase involving corridor protection, which will include a new study.
Both governments spent $10 million each on the study as the corridor runs through some of the fastest growing areas in South-East Queensland.
Federal Infrastructure and Transport Minister Catherine King says the corridor will meet passenger and freight rail needs.
“The Australian Government is committed to working with the Queensland Government to explore the next stage of investigations to ensure this important passenger and freight corridor is protected in a timely manner,” she says.
Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers says detailed planning is needed for the project because “it has the potential to deliver substantial benefits for people in our area”.
“New transport infrastructure is crucial to creating new jobs and opportunities and making it quicker and easier to get around our community,” he says.
“This is what happens when you get state and federal governments working together and investing in our community in the best interests of local people.”
Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Bart Mellish says the south-west corridor of South-East Queensland is one of the fastest growing areas in the region.
“High quality public transport infrastructure will play an important role in servicing these new and growing communities,” he says.
MP for Algester Leeanne Enoch says it is “an incredibly important project” that will make a huge difference to residents of his electorate.
“As our government progresses the planning for this significant public transport infrastructure, community consultation will play an important role.”
Community consultation is due to begin in 2025.
