INLAND RAIL

ALTHOUGH the inland rail will be of great benefit to Australia and especially those who reside in the rural areas, there are some concerns regarding the route through farm land and low-lying areas and the cost of rerouting from these areas.

The rail line should service Wellcamp airport, both freight and passenger services.

My major concern is the waste in duplicity.

Why is there a need for an extra dual-gauge track that will run through the Lockyer Valley when there are two current narrow gauge lines running from Spring Bluff to Laidley?

Why can’t these lines be upgraded to standard gauge (or at least dual gauge)?

The money saved in the acquisition of land, rails, sleepers and ballast could be used elsewhere.

Why does the Queensland Government not upgrade all rail tracks to the 1435mm/standard gauge, (the Gold Coast light rail is standard gauge)?

The 1435/4’8 1/2” gauge would enable trains to operate faster passenger services and heavier and longer freight services.

It is about time that rail lines in this country were unified and yes Brisbane could still use the narrow (3’6”/1067mm) gauge.

Rural Australia needs fast passenger services and hopefully a service between Toowoomba and Brisbane will operate in the near future.

KEN SLATER, Gatton