PLAN FOR NEW FAST RAIL LINE SLASHING GOLD COAST-BRISBANE COMMUTE TO 32 MINUTES

Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s Federal Coalition plans to fork out $8 million on a business case for a new fast rail line slashing the Gold Coast-Brisbane commute to 32 minutes. The business case will also look at the need for extending the existing rail line – or a new fast rail track – from Varsity Lakes to Gold Coast Airport.

The existing train connection between the two cities takes 74 minutes at an average speed of 69km/h, but the fast rail being envisaged would race along at 160km/h.

"The fast rail infrastructure plan gives time back to commuters and enable more people to live in regions and work in cities. This is all part of our plan to manage population growth – to take the pressure off our big cities like Brisbane and make our regional cities like the Gold Coast even more attractive places to live and work," said Mr. Morrison.

“As our population grows, fast rail networks are crucial to easing the congestion pressures in our cities and shaping Australia’s future."

Gold Coast-based Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews confirmed the business case would analyse heavy or fast rail extending to Gold Coast Airport. Ms Andrews said the growth of the southern Gold Coast’s population meant the need for infrastructure such as the heavy rail, light rail and an upgraded M1 were necessary.