Toowoomba to Brisbane Passenger Rail Business Case

Project description

The project will involve the development of a business case to determine passenger rail requirements in the Toowoomba to Brisbane corridor. The Australian Government committed up to $15 million for the Business Case as part of the 2018-19 Budget.

The business case will investigate a range of route options, including but not limited to:

• upgrades to the existing rail line to enable regular commuter passenger rail services and integrating passenger services in freight corridors
• route staging and timing of construction
• consideration of costs and benefits of the project

Benefits

Regular passenger rail services have the potential to not only improve access to jobs, health services and affordable housing, but also to boost tourism and increase development throughout the region. A passenger rail line would also benefit the Toowoomba and wider area with increased tourism access.

Other benefits include:

• reduced travel times and improved travel reliability
• efficient and reliable travel options
• improved regional connectivity
• affordable housing opportunities in towns along the Brisbane-Toowoomba axis

Funding

The Australian Government will contribute up to $15 million to the project, with the Queensland Government providing a matching in-kind contribution.

Timetable

The Australian Government is considering the findings of the Strategic Business Case, which will inform the next steps for the Project. 

Project last updated: 22 Mar 2022