Queensland infrastructure minister Jackie Trad says $10 million in funding from the Federal Government to help plan Brisbane’s proposed Cross River Rail project was a sign the project has bipartisan support.
“We are taking the politics out of building Cross River Rail,” Trad said this week, after the Turnbull Government said it would contribute $10 million to progress planning and early works for the project.
“I’m delighted Malcolm Turnbull has come on board and agreed to partner with us moving forward,” Trad said.
“The cooperation of the Turnbull Government will help expedite the completion of the initial stages of Cross River Rail and is the next step towards fully funding this project.
“Cross River Rail is our highest priority infrastructure project which will fundamentally transform South East Queensland.
“This is a city-shaping project that will be a driver of new jobs, better housing and increased productivity.”
Turnbull said the funding would also support the establishment of the Cross River Rail Delivery Authority.
“This is an opportunity for the Commonwealth Government to work with the Queensland Government to ensure a long-term and integrated solution to reduce congestion in the CBD, improve public transport services and strengthen urban renewal and amenity opportunities offered by Cross River Rail,” Turnbull said in a joint statement with major projects minister Paul Fletcher.
“More work is required on how the Cross River Rail project will interact with other transport projects such as the proposed Brisbane Metro,” the PM explained.
“The Commonwealth Government encourages all levels of Government to work together to develop integrated transport solutions.”