Six Southside Stations to Receive Accessibility Upgrades

The Queensland Government has announced funding and unveiled its plans for major accessibility upgrades to six stations on Brisbane’s southside.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey and Member for Toohey Peter Russo has announced Fairfield, Yeronga, Yeerongpilly, Moorooka, Rocklea and Salisbury stations would receive a facelift and accessibility upgrades to coincide with the Palaszczuk Government’s $5.4 billion Cross River Rail project.

The upgrades are part of a $57 million boost to the Government’s $300 million station accessibility upgrade program.

“Queenslanders are backing public transport like never before with a record 182 million trips across the South East last financial year,” Mr Bailey said.

“Cross River Rail already includes plans to build an additional platform at these southside stations, so it makes sense that we also invest in accessibility upgrades to the existing station platforms at the same time, so they can be delivered by the Cross River Rail contractor.

“The station upgrades are designed to minimise network disruption with new platforms also to be prefabricated off-site.

“Station accessibility will be boosted with new overpasses, lifts, kiss’n’ride infrastructure and bike facilities included in Cross River Rail’s proposed package of works.

“These upgrades will make it easier for commuters with a disability, parents with prams and travellers with luggage to use our public transport system.

“We are committed to ensuring our public transport system delivers for all Queenslanders.

“Cross River Rail’s southside improvement plans will unlock extra rail capacity and deliver the essential infrastructure that can support high frequency services on the transport network.”

Member for Toohey Peter Russo said the upgrades will see the height of station platforms raised on the Gold Coast and Beenleigh lines that will use Cross River Rail’s capacity-building twin underground tunnels.

“An extra third platform will also be added to each of the six stations to boost capacity and convenience for passengers,” Mr Russo said.

Mr Russo said Cross River Rail’s proposed station upgrades would be assessed by the independent Coordinator-General with a community information forum planned for June 6, 2019 at Annerley Hall, 8 Waldheim Street, Annerley.

“This is an important opportunity to find out what’s planned for the southside and to have your say on Cross River Rail’s once-in-a-generation transformation of high frequency transport in our community,” Mr Russo said.