Re: PREMIER ANNOUNCES BRIZTRAM ROUTE

[L & D <daisyw@ozemail.com.au>]

You can definitely feel an election coming on maybe he will announce the extension
of the railway from Robina to Coolangatta as well ! are well we always live in hope

Matt Spencer wrote:

> Latest on Briz tram
> Garry
>
>   ------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Subject: Qld. Media statement - PREMIER ANNOUNCES BRIZTRAM ROUTE
> Date: Mon, 27 Apr 1998 08:40:56 +1000
> From: premier@cabinet.qld.gov.au
> To: coal.comms.pol@merddyn.apana.org.au
>
> Premier,   HON. ROBERT BORBIDGE
>
> 25/4/98
>
> PREMIER ANNOUNCES BRIZTRAM ROUTE
>
> Premier Rob Borbidge today released details of the preferred route for
> Brisbane's 21st Century Briztram light rail network.
>
> The preferred network will link Fortitude Valley, Newstead, West End, the
> City centre, South Bank, the Royal Brisbane Hospital, Roma Street and the
> University of Queensland.  The network will be about 14km long and cost
> around $230m.
>
> "The selection of the preferred network is the culmination of extensive work
> and consultation," the Premier said.
>
> "The Government has clearly listened to the community and we have ruled out
> some route options which were causing concern.
>
> "These include the use of the Brunswick Street mall, crossing the Queen Street
> mall and the Dutton Park route.
>
> "Now that we have one network to examine in more detail, we can look more
> closely at local issues and maximising benefits to residents and businesses."
>
> Network alternatives were released on 25 February and since then considerable
> community interest has been shown and feedback has been received on all
> options.
>
> "We have been delighted with both the level of support and interest in the
> project," the Premier said.  "One of the key factors in choosing the preferred
> network was integration with other public transport modes."
>
> "The network will allow scope for extensions and when we receive proposals
> from the private sector these may well receive further consideration.
>
> "One of the attractive features of the network is the possible extensions by the
> option of joint use of busways by trams and buses."
>
> The Premier said that the Government is well on track to meet the commitment
> to call expressions of interest on 1 May.  This will ensure that the system will
> be operational by the end of 2001.
>
> The Prime Minister's $65m commitment has given the project a real boost.
>
> "In this lead-up to the expressions of interest process, we have concentrated on
> getting the detailed studies in place.  The planning, demand forecasting and
> financial analysis all show that this project is a winner."
>
> Apart from the 3000 jobs the project will create, the improved accessibility in
> the city will benefit shoppers, workers, tourists and residents.  The demand
> forecasting work confirms that over 45,000 people will benefit every day from
> the system.
>
> "I have said all along that Briztram is a land use/transport vision for Brisbane
> which will provide the city with a world-class integrated transport system and
> encourage urban renewal and redevelopment in the inner city."
>
> "The private sector are chomping at the bit to put in to develop the system and
> in a week's time they will have their chance when we call for expressions of
> interest."
>
> "Obviously the support of the Brisbane City Council is important as they will
> be a major beneficiary of this proposal, the Premier said.
>
> "Despite the overwhelming support for the project so far from the community,
> business and industry, the Lord Mayor continues to criticise this visionary
> public transport solution to the Brisbane's increasing transport problems.  I am
> hopeful that he will begin to see the light and recall his earlier commitment to
> light rail following his overseas trip."
>
> The preferred network can be viewed and comments lodged until 26 May 1998
> at:
>
> The corner of Melbourne and Manning Streets, South Brisbane (between
> 8.30am and 5.00pm).
>
> Shop Eight, TC Beirne Building, Brunswick Street Mall, Fortitude Valley
> (between 9.00am and 3.00pm) and
>
> The Queensland Transport Customer Service Centre, Anzac Square, 202
> Adelaide Street, the City (between 8.30am and 4.30pm).
>
> Further information can also be obtained by calling 1800 809 972 or assessing
> the Briztram Internet site on www.briztram.qld.gov.au.
>
> 25 April 1998
>
> For further information please contact Greg Jackson, Director Government
> Media Unit on (07) 3225 8866; Mobile 0419.713.246.