South East Queensland on board with fast rail network

More than 83 percent of South East Queenslanders support the introduction of a regional fast rail network in South East Queensland (SEQ).
More than 83 percent of South East Queenslanders support the introduction of a regional fast rail network to significantly reduce travel times for commuters and tourists, according to the latest ReachTel poll commissioned by the Council of Mayors (SEQ).

More than 83 percent of South East Queenslanders support the introduction of a regional fast rail network to significantly reduce travel times for commuters and tourists, according to the latest ReachTel poll commissioned by the Council of Mayors (SEQ).

A region-wide poll of more than 2,200 respondents showed strong support for the concept of a South East Queensland (SEQ) fast rail network, and widespread agreement that the current delivery of transport infrastructure was not keeping up with the growth of the region.

More than 74 percent of respondents also believed that if SEQ hosted the 2032 Olympic Games, this could accelerate the delivery of transport infrastructure across the region. Subsequently, 72 percent of respondents were either extremely likely or likely to support an SEQ Games if it delivered major transport upgrades.

These results came off the back of the SEQ People Mass Movement Study, released by the Council of Mayors (SEQ) earlier this year, which showed that all major road corridors in SEQ would be over capacity by 2041 – even if every currently planned and funded project was delivered.

Council of Mayors (SEQ) Chair and Brisbane Lord Mayor, Cr Adrian Schrinner, said it was no surprise to see that commuters were ready to take advantage of an SEQ fast rail network that could slash travel times between the region’s cities to under 45 minutes.

“The SEQ Mayors embarked on an investigation of an Olympic Games with the belief that it would catalyse all levels of government to address the lack of transport investment in the region, and create a firm deadline to ensure it’s delivered,” said Cr Schrinner.

“Even at this early stage, we can see the Mayors’ vision for fast rail taking shape with the North Coast Connect business case due for completion later this year, the establishment of a national faster rail agency and funding commitments to investigate rail solutions for the southern and western corridors.

“Being able to move between our cities in under 45 minutes, even in peak times, makes SEQ a more liveable region for our residents and a more attractive destination for tourists. The economic uplift generated by the introduction of an SEQ fast rail network would be considerable.

“The Council of Mayors (SEQ) is supportive of an Olympic Games only on the basis it delivers regional connectivity for the residents, businesses and visitors of SEQ. Both the SEQ Mayors and the community believe fast rail is key to fixing the region’s transport and congestion issues.”

An SEQ fast rail network has the potential to reduce travel times from Brisbane to the Sunshine Coast by 48 percent, to the Gold Coast by 52 percent and to Ipswich by 66 percent. The maximum operating speed is anticipated to be between 200 to 250km/h with an average running speed up to 150 to 160km/h.

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