South East Queensland is projected to experience significant population growth over the next 25 years, with Queensland Government projections showing the region could grow by an additional 1.9 million people (from 3.4 million in 2016 to 5.3 million in 2041).
The concept of a South East Queensland Fast Rail Network has always had strong support from the community. When the Council of Mayors (SEQ) first raised the concept of Fast Rail in 2018, it was welcomed by both industry and the community.
A South East Queensland Fast Rail network will connect with the existing CityTrain services as well as other existing and future transport projects as part of a single integrated transport system. This will strengthen South East Queensland’s regional connectivity.
The Council of Mayors (SEQ) has been a strong advocate for a genuine and tripartite investigation into Fast Rail in South East Queensland since the release of its SEQ People Mass Movement Study.
The actual final costs of Fast Rail depend on many variables including the ultimate ownership, staging and timing and management arrangements for the Fast Rail infrastructure and rail operations. These functions could be performed by a mix of government and private sector agencies.
Transport is a key economic enabler of economic output and productivity as it allows denser land uses that businesses and people can access, generating economies of scale that make cities more productive and attractive.
In February 2019, the Council of Mayors (SEQ) released the SEQ People Mass Movement Study. The Study explored the impact that population growth will have on the region’s future transport demand, ultimately outlining a prioritised list of projects needed in South East Queensland to adequately meet this growing demand.