Queensland’s number one infrastructure priority, Cross River Rail, has entered the next stage of development after the Board of the Cross River Rail Delivery Authority approved the demolition of the GoPrint site at Woolloongabba.
Premier, Annastacia Palaszczuk, said it marked the start of the $5.4 billion city-shaping project.
“This morning the Cross River Rail Delivery Authority Board has given the green light to start the early works which will transform the GoPrint site, a former rail and tram depot, into the new Woolloongabba Station for Cross River Rail,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
“The area will also be the primary staging site for the tunnel boring machines to dig the twin tunnels towards the city as well as south towards the new Boggo Road Station.
“People will soon see fences and signs at the site proudly proclaiming this is the start of Cross River Rail.
“I’m proud to be delivering this critical project for Queensland – the jobs start now.”
Deputy Premier and Minister for Infrastructure, Jackie Trad, said the early site works of the government-owned GoPrint building is expected to start in September 2017.
“This is the start of the something big – Cross River Rail will transform South East Queensland, taking 18,500 car trips off our major arterial roads every day,” Ms Trad said.
“It adds a second inner city river rail crossing and is the key to connecting road, rail and bus networks to create a fully integrated transport network.
“It will get Queenslanders home faster, create thousands of jobs and it is critical for the growth of our region.”
Treasurer, Curtis Pitt, said the Queensland State Government has fully funded Cross River Rail with a total commitment of $5.4 billion. The plan is expected to support more than 1,540 jobs each year and 3,000 at peak over the construction period.
“Cross River Rail will deliver a significant boost to the economy in the South East and throughout the state, boosting the economy by $70 billion,” Mr Pitt said.
“This project will deliver strong economic benefits for Queenslanders providing value for money.”
The current short term tenants in the Government-owned buildings will be supported to find other accommodation.
Cross River Rail will allow the rail network to expand, offering faster travel times across South East Queensland:
- There will be four new underground stations at Boggo Road, Woolloongabba, Albert Street and Roma Street, and two upgraded stations at Dutton Park and the Exhibition Showgrounds
- Commuters will save up to 15 minutes if travelling from southern stations such as Beenleigh
- Commuters will save up to eight minutes if travelling from northern stations such as Petrie
- Commuters will save up to six minutes if travelling from western stations such as Ipswich
- Commuters will save up to 14 minutes if travelling from eastern stations such as Cleveland
