BTQ Backs Fast Electric Rail Link Demand from Southern Downs and Lockyer Valley Leaders

Better Transport Queensland (BTQ) today enthusiastically backed the unified call from local Southern Downs MPs, community representatives, and regional leaders in Toowoomba and the Lockyer Valley for a dedicated passenger rail link to Brisbane. As the region prepares for an influx of up to 100,000 new residents in the next 20 years, BTQ asserts that high-quality public transport is non-negotiable to manage growth and congestion.

BTQ strongly supports a future-proofed alignment for the proposed rail link that prioritises speed and efficiency, specifically one capable of supporting train operations up to 160 kph.

“The message from the Southern Downs and western regions is loud and clear: they need modern, fast public transport. We cannot afford to build slow rail. We can and must deliver a high-speed connection that genuinely competes with driving” said BTQ Spokesperson, Paul Guard.

BTQ notes that achieving the crucial 160 kph speed is entirely achievable through strategic engineering solutions, including:

• New tunnelling through complex terrain.
• Viaducts above the Brisbane Valley flood plain to ensure a high-speed, flood-resilient route.

BTQ urges the State Government to prioritise this essential project to deliver reliable, efficient public transport by 2032 as demanded by regional leaders.

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Better Transport Queensland Inc. — Queensland’s leading advocacy group for public, active, and freight transport.

Visit our website at www.bettertransportqueensland.org.

References

• Leaders push for ‘simple’ new train-bus link to connect Toowoomba and Brisbane - The Chronicle
• Influential businessman Denis Wagner urges government to plan Toowoomba-Brisbane passenger rail - The Chronicle

Spokesperson
Paul Guard - BTQ Spokesperson
[email protected]

General Media Enquiries
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