by Kim Kennedy | Nov 21, 2019 | Latest News, QTLC At Work, QTLC Updates, Rail News, Road News
Queensland Transport and Logistics Council welcomes the federal government move to bring forward infrastructure funding commitments to stimulate the economy. For Queensland this includes a $1.9 billion road and rail package with $650 million funding brought forward and a new commitment of $680 million.
The Queensland Government has committed a further $606 million and estimates more than 7,200 jobs will be created. Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk called the historic deal a “huge win”.
“I have always said we work best when we work together and this proves it,” she said.
Queensland can expect a steady flow of road and rail upgrades over the next four years with 20 projects brought forward including M1, Bruce highway, Warrego highway, Cunningham highway and $90 million for the North Coast Rail Line Beerburrum and Nambour upgrade. Further detail on the breakdown of project spending can be found in the media release here.
The ABC reported that Queensland Transport Minister Mark Bailey said the arrangement was particularly successful because it involved a shift in a stalemate regarding the Inland Rail project.
“Inland Rail presents an opportunity to move more freight onto trains and take trucks off the roads”, he said.
“That becomes more important as South East Queensland continues to grow.
“This deal also prioritises planning for the passenger rail services that will be needed to serve growing parts of South East Queensland, like the Salisbury to Beaudesert rail link.”
The Queensland section of this nation building rail project is significant with an estimated $7 billion greenfield investment including tunnelling through the Toowoomba Range.
There are many issues with Inland rail yet to be carefully navigated including the alignment of the Condamine flood plain section. Meaningful progress on these concerns can now be achieved with an agreement in place.
The CEO of ARTCs Inland Rail group, Richard Wankmuller said at the Inland Rail conference earlier in the year that ARTC had learned many lessons about consultation working with effected communities along the line.
Richard said he was not surprised by the anger expressed by Condamine producers about the rail alignment considering all other infrastructure projects have washed away during severe flooding events. The answer it seems is technology and advanced engineering see earlier article on the conference here.
The Port of Brisbane won’t miss out either with $20 million funding set aside for a detailed study into the rail connection to the port.
Port of Brisbane CEO Roy Cummins said the announcement is a step in the right direction.
Funding a business case will allow all parties to assess demand, financing, design and timing for this project. It should also lead to corridor preservation as an immediate priority.
Details are yet to be ironed out and no doubt a steady stream of project announcements will follow in coming weeks.
by S M G | Mar 21, 2014 | QTLC Updates
QTLC Members Meeting
– 5 May 2014
5th Annual Queensland Transport Infrastructure Conference
– 6 to7 May 2014
by Nic ki | Dec 19, 2013 | Latest News, QTLC Updates
The Newman Government has developed a clear direction to guide Queensland’s growing freight industry by increasing rail use and creating a more efficient road network.
Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson said the Moving Freight Strategy, endorsed by several peak industry organisations, identifies 38 actions to meet the freight demand over the next 10 years.
“Freight volumes in Queensland are expected to increase from 871 million tonnes in 2010-11 to 1643-1741 million tonnes by 2026,” Mr Emerson said.
“That will be the annual equivalent of 21.7 million more truck trips on our roads or 174,000 more freight train trips on our network.
“The previous government failed to plan for future growth, but we promised at the election to deliver better planning and infrastructure.
“If we don’t put a clear plan in place our network will grind to a halt, unable to cope with the increase in demand.
“Actions identified to get more freight on to rail and reduce road congestion include preserving train paths on regional rail lines for agricultural freight and undertaking a pre-feasibility study for a new rail freight terminal on the north side of Brisbane.
“Already we have announced up to $50 million on additional passing loops and $17 million to lower train tunnels enabling the agricultural industry to use larger containers through the ToowoombaRange and LockyerValley.
“We have also increased cattle services from Winton to Brisbane and Cloncurry to Brisbane.
“In order to better support the road freight network we are looking at reducing red tape for heavy freight vehicle permits and investigating upgrades to key freight routes on the Flinders/Barkly highways, Warrego Highway, Capricorn Highway and Peak Downs/Gregory highways.
“Queensland’s freight network is critical to our economy and plays a valuable part in each of the four pillars of tourism, agriculture, resources and construction, that we promised to grow.”
The primary freight network is made up of 13,600km of road, 9,550km of rail line, 15 trading ports, three international airports as well as multiple domestic airports and freight terminals.
Mr Emerson said the freight industry was fully supportive of the Moving Freight Strategy.
Neil Findlay from Queensland Transport and Logisticis Council offered his support for the strategy, saying “The collaborative approach to developing Moving Freight between government and industry has enabled the identification of real freight issues and challenges.”
Another of the industry’s major bodies, AgForce Queensland said “This will ensure long term access for Agricultural fright on rail, the reduction of red tape and improvement of the road network.”
A copy of the Moving Freight strategy is available online at www.tmr.qld.gov.au/movingfreight.
[ENDS] 12 December 2013 Media contact: Stephanie Shield 0418 186 625
by Nic ki | Jul 24, 2013 | QTLC At Work, QTLC Updates
Supply Chain efficiencies have always been of paramount importance to the freight industry and the issue it is now gaining increased attention from all tiers of government that recognise the economic and community benefits these efficiencies deliver.
Since its release The QTLC’s Strengthening Queensland’s Supply Chains has received support from both industry and government for addressing the existing issues that impact on the efficiency of supply chains. The 52 recommendations contained within the report focus on low cost, innovative, systemic solutions to addressing these issues. It is intended that the SQSC will be a “live” document that is reviewed bi-annually and is responsive to changes in the freight environment.
The QTLC had an opportunity to discuss elements of the report with the Queensland Premier who was supportive of the initiatives identified, particularly those relating to rail and agricultural commodities.
The report makes strategic and operational recommendations to improve the development and sustainability of efficient and productive supply chains in Queensland. It also identifies freight transport and logistics infrastructure investment and necessary policy, planning and process reforms required to support the future freight task in Queensland.
To view the Strengthening Queensland’s Supply Chains Report please CLICK HERE
