The South East Queensland rail network’s first new station in almost a decade is set to open next week, servicing one of the country’s fastest growing areas on the Gold Coast.
From Monday, 20 October, customers will be able to catch a train to and from the new Pimpama station for the first time.
Pimpama is the first new station to open on the South East Queensland network since the Redcliffe Peninsula line.
Commuters previously had to travel to Coomera or Ormeau to catch a train but can now benefit from easier journeys via Pimpama station.
To support the new station, local bus routes will be realigned and timetables updated to better connect with train services and improve travel across the Gold Coast.
These changes form part of the final stage of the $16.4 million Northern Gold Coast Bus Improvement Package, a joint initiative between the Queensland Government and the City of Gold Coast.
The completed station features 380 car parks, a pedestrian overpass with lifts on each platform, a 40-bicycle lock-up enclosure, lighting and CCTV throughout.
Designed in collaboration with an Accessibility Reference Group and other key stakeholders, the station is modern and accessible, with multiple features that will improve accessibility for customers.
Major construction at the station is now complete, with minor finishing, fit-out, fencing and landscaping works to take place before the station opens to customers.
Pimpama is one of three new stations being delivered on the Gold Coast, along with Hope Island and Merrimac.
Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Brent Mickelberg, said that the Queensland Government was focused on getting on with the job of delivering legacy infrastructure for South East Queensland.
“For one of Australia’s fastest growing areas, opening Pimpama station will mean a quicker trip home,” Mickelberg said.
“Locals will now be able to get a train much closer from home to the heart of the Brisbane CBD or the Gold Coast, and it will only cost them 50 cents.
“This is about the Queensland Government getting on with the job of delivering safer, more frequent and more reliable public transport for Queenslanders and ensuring we have the infrastructure in place to cater for the 2032 Games and beyond.”
Member for Coomera, Michael Crandon, said that the new station would be a game changer for the local community.
“It means easier, faster access to public transport for families, students, and workers travelling between the coast and the city,” Crandon said.
“We’ve been advocating for better infrastructure to keep up with our region’s rapid growth, and this is a major step forward in delivering the services our community deserves.”
Queensland Rail CEO, Kat Stapleton, said that Queensland Rail’s purpose was to connect communities and is has been doing so for 160 years.
“We are so excited to welcome our rail customers to this brand new, accessible train station,” Stapleton said.
“It will mean those travelling on the Gold Coast line will experience slight timetable changes – with trains coming up to two minutes earlier inbound (travelling to Brisbane) and up to two minutes later outbound (travelling to the Gold Coast) for stations between Varsity Lakes and Coomera.
“Queensland Rail is delighted to be growing our SEQ network.”
