Opposition to government freight line
By Kerry Nebauer
BRISBANE — A group has formed in opposition to the state Labor government's plan for a dual standard gauge rail link through densely populated southern Brisbane suburbs. FEARR (Friends Encouraging Alternative Rail Route) has pointed out a number of problems associated with the government's preferred option.
The proposal is to build a rail link alongside the existing rail corridor from Acacia Ridge to Lytton Junction, joining the existing standard gauge at Dutton Park. FEARR agrees with having a "cost efficient" freight rail link to Brisbane's port, but says the government has not costed the non-resumed properties affected and the non-monetary social cost.
No thought has been given to the effects of a heavily used freight line so close to housing, schools and other facilities, such as the Princess Alexandra Hospital. And no public liaison has yet been undertaken on the environmental, social and health issues.
According to FEARR's alternative position paper, "Such an enquiry would clearly uncover the absurdity of constructing the standard gauge freight line through such densely populated Brisbane southern inner-city suburbs."
FEARR is urging the government to use an alternative route, such as the modern buffered transport corridor along the Gateway Arterial/Logan Motorway, all of which is government-owned and away from residential areas.