Minister for Transport and Main Roads, HON. V. G. JOHNSON
23/1/98
GOVERNMENT AWARDS BRIZTRAM CONTRACT FOR STUDY
The plan to reintroduce trams into inner-city Brisbane gathered momentum today with the awarding of a contract to complete a detailed planning and environmental study of the proposed system.
In a joint announcement, Premier Rob Borbidge and Transport and Main Roads Minister Vaughan Johnson said PPK Environment and Infrastructure had won the contract to undertake the study.
The study will investigate how trams will operate in existing streets and benefit residents and businesses.
The company will also identify and recommend measures to minimise the impacts of light rail on the environment, traffic, business and residents.
The study will be conducted over the next five months and will include extensive community consultation.
Key issues to be considered will include how trams get priority at traffic lights, how pedestrians will mix safely with trams, and how to provide landscaping to preserve the attractiveness of streets.
"When completed, this project will revitalise the inner-city area, encourage urban renewal and support the trend toward inner city living," Mr Borbidge said.
Minister Johnson said that the project stemmed from the State Government's wish to provide a world-class integrated public transport system which would take Queensland into the next century.
"It represents a vision for the future of Brisbane," said Mr Johnson.
Minister Johnson said the Briztram project would provide a light rail network linking New Farm, Teneriffe, Fortitude Valley, Newstead, West End, the City centre, South Bank, the Royal Brisbane Hospital and The University of Queensland.
"The need for a better inner-city transport system for Brisbane was first identified in the Integrated Regional Transport Plan for South East Queensland when it was released early last year," Mr Johnson said.
"At the time, I gave a commitment that this Government would implement the plan with local government, business and the community to ensure that transport developments met future needs. This project is part of that commitment."
The State Government will call for expressions of interest (to build and operate the system) from the private sector on May 1, 1998.
The project is being led by a State Government Taskforce, with the aim of having the system operational by the Centenary of Federation in 2001.