The Queensland Government is establishing a body to deliver the Cross River Rail, a new 10.2 km line connecting Dutton Park south of the river with Bowen Hills to the north.
Deputy Premier Jackie Trad said the project had been recognised by both state and federal governments as a critical infrastructure project and offered a "once-in-a-generation" to reshape the city.
“With South East Queensland’s population set to grow to 4.9 million by 2036, Cross River Rail is the state’s number one infrastructure project to boost network capacity in the region and unlock economic opportunity and productivity for our state," she said.
“Almost half the state’s total jobs growth will occur in Brisbane and without an effective transport system to accommodate growth, Infrastructure Australia estimate the cost of congestion in the region could total $9 billion each year. Once operational, Cross River Rail will provide the equivalent capacity of a 30-lane highway and will provide faster and more effective connections to jobs throughout the region."
She said the Government was establishing a Cross River Rail Delivery Authority to take the politics out of delivering the project. It will lead the development, procurement and delivery of Cross River Rail and seek federal, state and local government co-investment and private sector participation as funding, financing and delivery partners.
Transport Minister Stirling Hinchliffe described Cross River Rail as the state's number one priority infrastructure project.
“The new 10.2 kilometre alignment announced today, including 5.9 kilometres of tunnel, is built on planning from previous projects and will unlock network capacity to meet forecast passenger demand and accommodate future growth,” he said.
“Over the next 20 years rail demand will increase threefold in South East Queensland and without major investment in the inner-city rail network by 2021, there will be no capacity to increase services during our busiest times and passengers will face overcrowding on platforms and trains.
Chris Warnock, Queensland Infrastructure spokesperson for Engineers Australia, welcomed the announcement.
"With our rail network fast approaching capacity, this much needed project will deliver additional capability to support our growing population base and help shape the future development of the Brisbane CBD for the next century," Warnock said.
"The establishment of a Delivery Authority to lead the development, procurement and delivery of Cross River Rail and support wider economic and social outcomes is a positive initiative. This should ensure that the appropriate skill sets, including engineers, are applied to achieve the most effective outcomes. It also provides a greater opportunity to include private sector involvement."
Map of the proposed rail line, courtesy Queensland Government.