Lockyer Valley Regional Council is urging the State and Federal governments to take action now and make passenger rail between Toowoomba and Brisbane a reality ahead of the 2032 games.
The Lockyer Mayor Tanya Milligan, along with Toowoomba Mayor Geoff McDonald, have renewed calls for the State Government to undertake further investigations into the corridor and plan now for the future.
Mayor Milligan said the Lockyer Valley had experienced a steady stream of new residents since COVID-19, with the trend showing no signs of slowing down.
“South East Queensland’s population continues to boom, and Brisbane’s urban sprawl is heading west to us – where owning a home is still achievable, land is available and the pace of life is less hectic,” she said.
“A passenger rail service is absolutely crucial to support this growth, and our residents deserve the same level of connectivity our city counterparts take for granted.
“The Lockyer Valley is situated on the doorstep of Brisbane in train commuting terms – and Toowoomba is Australia’s largest inland city – and that attraction and drawcard is only going to increase in the years to come, furthering demand,” she added.
Mayor Milligan said passenger rail wouldn’t just benefit residents through greater access to employment opportunities, tertiary education and specialist health services, but would relieve pressure on the road network and help meet government targets.
“It will take cars off our roads, ease congestion along the Warrego Highway, reduce the tragic road toll that occurs far too often on the Warrego Highway, and help reduce pollution and contribute to a more sustainable future,” she said.
“With seven more years until Brisbane 2032, there is still time for the State and Federal governments to deliver the infrastructure needed to make this a reality ahead of the games.
“We’re urging them to capitalise on this moment and invest in the future, today.
“The Lockyer Valley and Toowoomba councils have been collaborating for many years to advocate for this project and see it come to fruition. We know it’s what our people need, and it really isn’t a question of ‘if’ but ‘when’ it’s realised, so I am extremely pleased to see this important topic back in the headlines and hopefully front and centre in the minds of key decision makers.”
While a high-speed network is preferable, Mayor Milligan said the Lockyer Valley would settle for a regular passenger rail service that transported residents efficiently to and from work, to medical appointments, and to family and friends.
“What we are seeking is not outrageous or far-fetched,” she said.
“Electric passenger rail from Sydney to the Blue Mountains occurred way back in the 1950s and opened up significant economic opportunities for the region.
“Seventy years on, we’re once again simply asking for the same.”
