The government says the proposed projects will make Queensland’s supply chain more efficient
The Federal government has allocated $2.7 billion to rail projects in Queensland dedicated to relieving freight corridors under the latest Federal budget.
A total of $1.6 billion has been assigned to the Brisbane to the Sunshine Coast (Beerwah – Maroochydore) rail extension project and $1.1 billion to the Brisbane to the Gold Coast (Kuraby – Beenleigh) faster rail upgrade project.
The Brisbane to the Sunshine Coast rail extension is expected to reduce travel times by almost 20 minutes between Beerwah and Maroochydore while also providing more options to keep the supply chain moving.
The Kuraby – Beenleigh faster rail project aims to improve connectivity between Brisbane and major regional centres in the state’s north and south areas as part of a strategic 200 kilometre north-south rail corridor.
The upgrades will also help double express and all stop services on the corridor according to the Federal government, meaning more passengers will take the line and open up key freight passages for transport companies.
The north-south corridor and its funding will play a critical role in opening freight routes for transport companies, making Queensland’s supply chain more efficient by taking more people and cars off the roads.
With recent flooding blocking many crucial freight corridors, the Federal government says these projects will keep the supply chain moving through Queensland.
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“By enhancing transport connectivity, we’re strengthening our supply chains against challenges such as Covid-related disruptions and the impact of natural disasters,” Treasurer Josh Frydenberg says.
“This gives businesses and consumers the confidence and certainty they need in uncertain times.”
In October last year, the Queensland government unveiled plans to invest $7.1 billion in building and running 65 six-car passenger trains to support the state’s train manufacturing industry.
The program intends to convert Queensland into a rail manufacturing hub in Australia.