$146 million business case for Coopers Plains in Queensland has crossed the finish line

Plans to remove the Coopers Plains rail level crossing are progressing, with the draft business case now complete.  

This project will remove the current rail level crossing, which we know is one of South East Queensland’s most congested, and help improve traffic flow along Boundary Road.

Federal Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts, the Hon Paul Fletcher MP, said the Morrison Government has committed $73 million to this important project under the Urban Congestion Fund.

“The Morrison Government is getting on with delivering infrastructure projects that improve congestion and safety for commuters across Australia, making it easier for them to move around our capital cities and ensuring they get home quickly and safely,” Minister Fletcher said.

“Under the Urban Congestion Fund, we are delivering 185 packages of work nationwide. The total number of projects that are now completed or underway nationwide is 81. By the end of 2022, more than 80 per cent of all packages are expected to be completed or under construction.

“This is just the latest example of us delivering on our commitment to progress critical infrastructure projects across the country under our record $110 billion, 10-year infrastructure investment pipeline, which is helping to drive Australia's economic recovery.”

Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister, the Hon Mark Bailey MP, said the Palaszczuk Government had equally committed $73 million to this important project.

“The Palaszczuk Government is committed to getting this project off the ground, but we want it done right,” Minister Bailey said.

“My department has been working alongside Brisbane City Council and Queensland Rail to make sure we are delivering the best possible outcome for locals.

“With the draft business case now complete, we can push forward on the next important steps.”

State Member for Toohey, Peter Russo MP, said several options had been analysed during the business case phase.

“We know that our local community wants this level crossing removed – that’s why we’ve been working hard to get the planning right to work in with the local area in the best way possible.” Mr Russo said.

“During community consultation, it was highlighted that the preference was to build an overpass and minimise impact on the surrounding community as much as possible.

“The business case has identified two different design options for a road-over-rail overpass, which will be taken to the community for their feedback to help choose an option in the coming months before detailed design is progressed.

“The current indicative project cost estimate is $399 million, which the business case will confirm based on the preferred option.”

Future stages, including design and construction, is dependent on community consultation outcomes, funding agreements and BCC approvals.