Australia forging ahead with three new train stations on the Gold Coast
The Queensland State Government has revealed the preferred location for the first of three Gold Coast train stations that will be delivered as part of their Cross River Rail Project.
Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones inspected the site at Pimpama, where a new station will be delivered as part of the Palaszczuk Government’s $120 million commitment for three new Gold Coast railway stations at Pimpama, Helensvale North and Merrimac/Worongary.
The Minister responsible for delivering Cross River Rail also announced the government would start a month of thorough community consultation in October.
The Minister commented: “The Gold Coast is one of the fastest growing cities in Australia. These new stations are an important part of our commitment to improving public transport on the Coast.
“The government’s number one priority is to create jobs. This project won’t just create jobs during construction but will support Gold Coasters who need to travel for work each day.
“With the population expected to grow by an extra 350,000 residents over the next 25 years, better public transport is crucial on the Gold Coast.”
Assistant Tourism Industry Development Minister and Member for Gaven Meaghan Scanlon said patronage on the Gold Coast line had grown by more than five per cent for the past five years – with over 5.8 million trips in the past 12 months.
“This is a great win for Gold Coasters. Through Cross River Rail, we’re creating an extra 3150 seats. This means trains to Brisbane will leave as regularly as every five minutes during the morning peak period,” she said.
“We promised to deliver these stations during the election and today’s announcement proves we’re honouring that commitment.
“The Newman Government took the Gold Coast for granted when it came to public transport. In stark contrast, we’re investing in new infrastructure that will create jobs and make it easier for locals to get from A to B.”
Ms Scanlon said the Cross River Rail Delivery Authority was working with the Department of Transport and Main Roads and Translink to develop the early planning work for the new stations.
“Next month a period of public consultation will begin to get the community’s feedback on the proposed concept station design,” she added “We want to hear from Gold Coasters about what they want to see at these stations.”
