By Lynda Myer
Local inhabitants have been called to express their comments about the exclusive designs that have been released of the new Pimpama station in the Gold Coast, as part of the transformational Cross River Rail project.
Queensland Premier, Annastacia Palaszczuk, said: “Major infrastructure like the Cross River Rail project was an important part of the government’s COVID-19 Economic Recovery Plan.
Ms. Palaszczuk said the images released are part of a consultation on the design of the new Pimpama station, running until August 7 2021.”
“My government is delivering new infrastructure on the Gold Coast to create jobs and stimulate the local economy at a time we need it most. In the future, this new station will ensure that locals benefit from Cross River Rail – being able to catch a train within minutes of arriving during peak times,” added Ms. Palaszczuk.
In accordance with Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Mark Bailey’s statement: “There would be a staged approach to community consultation on the designs for each of the three new Gold Coast stations, starting with Pimpama on 12 July. The $5.4 billion Cross River Rail project will transform the way we travel across all of South East Queensland.”
He continued: “The three new stations at Pimpama, Helensvale North and Merrimac, which are Palaszczuk Government election commitments, will help reinvigorate transport in key growth areas on the Gold Coast line. They are an important part of the Palaszczuk Government’s record $27.5 billion roads and transport investment over four years, which is creating 24, 000 jobs and helping to drive Queensland’s economic recovery.”
“These detailed designs are the next step in delivering these new stations for the Coast, and I urge locals to have a look at them and provide their feedback,” also added Mr. Bailey.
Member for Gaven Meaghan Scanlon said: “The new Pimpama station would transform public transport on the northern Gold Coast, together with new stations at Helensvale North and Merrimac. Just last year Pimpama’s population grew 13.7 per cent, making it one of the fastest-growing areas in our region.”
She also asserted: “Which is why we need more public transport that’s convenient and accessible – and why we’re investing in three new train stations and expanding light rail on the coast. With this important next step, we’ll see early works happening very soon and major construction happening in 2022, to create a pipeline of jobs alongside record investment on the M1 and Coomera Connector.”
According to Mr. Bailey: “Early investigations commenced for Pimpama and the other stations in January 2021, which included geotechnical works, survey work, utility identification and environmental studies, including heritage, flora and fauna. These early investigations, as well as feedback already received from the community, have been crucial in refining the concept designs.”
“Some of the design features for Pimpama include a new signalized intersection at the station entry off the Old Pacific Highway, improved pedestrian access, upgraded lifts to improve passenger movement, and provision for a future car park expansion. Feedback from the detailed design will be used to inform the final design for construction,” stated Mr. Bailey
He continued: “Early construction works were expected to commence in late 2021, with major construction to commence in 2022, completed in time for Cross River Rail’s opening in 2025. All three new Gold Coast stations will mean greater access to convenient rail services and easier travel within the Gold Coast as well as to Brisbane. Community consultation for Pimpama station was open until 7 August 2021.”
Ms. Palaszczuk said, “We’ll continue to deliver projects that help to rebuild our economy and cut commute times for Gold Coasters.”
Further more information about Pimpama station is accessible here.
Moreover, precise designs for Helensvale North and Merrimac is due to be released in late 2021 and residents can sign up for works notices and updates here.
