Upgrade will spur regional growth

A FEDERAL Coalition fact sheet into the Gold CoastBrisbane fast rail business case says the funding will be provided on a “50-50” split with the State Government or private sector.

A Federal Coalition insider clarified they would be expecting State Government to match the $8 million contribution.

The fact sheet, seen by the Bulletin, says: “This corridor warrants investigation due to the opportunity to shift commuter demand from road to rail, the potential to stimulate regional growth, and provide access to jobs, services, housing and lifestyle amenity.

“The business case will undertake an options analysis to determine the optimal rail solution, determine requirements for integration with the existing rail network and provide patronage assessment, economic appraisal and funding and financial analysis.

“The Australian Government funding for this business case will be provided on a 50:50 basis with the relevant state government, and/or the private sector,” it reads.

Federal Member for Forde Bert van Manen said Prime Minster Scott Morrison’s business case commitment was “a result of our government’s strong economic management”.

“We’ve invested over $1.2 billion to fix the M1. But alternative long-term solutions must be explored and this is a big step,” Mr van Manen said.

“I’m incredibly excited for what fast rail could do for our Forde region because, as we all know, reliable and affordable public transport is a core element to busting congestion.”