- First sod turn on $59 million station accessibility upgrade at Bundamba.
- Bundamba station works are taking shape with innovative temporary overpass installed and early works underway.
- Customers are reminded that alternative transport plans are underway to keep them moving during the station's temporary closure.
Works are 'going for gold' at Bundamba station with a landmark $59 million accessibility upgrade officially on track and well underway.
A special sod turning by Member for Bundamba Lance McCallum marked the official start of the major upgrade to the station which has served the community since 1878.
Special guest, three-time Paralympian long jumper, gold medalist and world record holder, Vanessa Low OAM, was given a behind the scenes tour of the upgrade and was impressed by the Palaszczuk Government's investment in accessible rail infrastructure in the lead up to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The Hutchinson Builders worksite is a hive of activity with a first of its kind temporary rail overpass erected over train tracks which will maintain cross-corridor access for the community during the construction of the upgraded station.
Demolition of platform awnings and shelters has commenced, and temporary barriers are also visible, giving a first glimpse of the station's major transformation to the public.
The major upgrade will deliver an accessibility improved train station for customers by late 2024, making catching a train easier for everybody, but especially those using wheelchairs, pushing prams or carrying heavy luggage.
When completed, all customers at Bundamba will be able to use a lift to the station overpass to move between the platforms, which will be fully raised to reduce the gap, making boarding a train safer and easier for all customers.
Hearing augmentation loops, tactile floor indicators, new way finding signage, information screens and better security through CCTV and lighting upgrades is included and customer facilities like accessible toilets, disability-compliant ticket window, improved seating and extended platform shelters are also part of the upgrade.
To deliver the upgrade as safely and quickly as possible, customers are reminded Bundamba station will temporarily close to customers in January with full details of a replacement bus timetable being finalised.
Quotes attributable to the Minister Mark Bailey:
"Bundamba station is undergoing its biggest transformation since it was built almost 150 years ago," Minister Bailey said.
"Accessibility in public transport has been a major focus of the Palaszczuk Government and with this upgrade it won't matter if you use a wheelchair or have suffered an injury, you will be able to catch the train to and from Bundamba station with ease.
"We welcome Paralympian long jumper Vanessa Low on site. Vanessa knows first-hand the challenges faced when you have different accessibility needs and we're proud of the work underway here which will have a major impact on so many people in our community."
Quotes attributable to Bundamba MP Lance McCallum:
"This major upgrade to our local station is a huge boost to our community and with the 'sod turned' we can officially mark the first step in a very important journey for better accessibility and inclusivity for local train commuters," Mr McCallum said.
"I'm proud to be able to deliver this job creating project which means better public transport services for our local community.
"Vanessa's experience as a gold medal winning Paralympian and world record holder is one to admire, and we're thrilled to have her here to celebrate this incredible milestone as we 'go for gold' to make Bundamba station accessible."
Quotes attributable to Queensland Rail CEO Kat Stapleton:
"We're only a few months into this incredible upgrade and already we've seen a temporary footbridge installed so the community can continue to move across the rail corridor, between Upper and Lower Mining Street," Ms Stapleton said.
"This temporary footbridge keeps the community connected as we are required to close the subway.
"Ensuring that the community impacts are minimized during the works, where is it safe to do so, is paramount and we're happy to have the opportunity to deliver this solution.
"In addition, the teams have conducted piling works, platform awning and shelter demolition, signaling and vegetation works so the station has been a real hive of activity.
"When complete, customers can look forward to an incredible upgraded station from the accessible drop off points, to lifts to take them up and down to platforms which are close to the trains – making the whole experience of catching a train easier."
Quotes attributable to Paralympian Vanessa Low OAM:
"Since my accident as a teen I have come of age watching our world become a more accessible place – but there is so much more to be done, which is why I'm so thrilled to see this incredible project up close," Ms Low said.
"This upgrade won't only serve those in wheelchairs or with walking aides, but it will help the elderly, parents with young children, which includes myself, or customers travelling with luggage or a bike – I can't wait to see the finished product.
"Brisbane is soon to be on the world stage during the Olympic and Paralympic Games and I congratulate the Queensland Government for its commitment to an inclusive and accessible transport system."
BACKGROUND:
- When Vanessa Low OAM lost both of her legs in a tragic train accident in Germany at 15 years old, she was told she would never be able to walk again. She has overcome immense challenges to become a Paralympic gold medalist and world record holder in long jump and is working towards competing in Paris in 2024.
- Vanessa Low OAM is a TrackSAFE ambassador and speaks passionately about rail safety and accessibility.
- Bundamba's temporary bridge is made using innovative Fibreglass Reinforced Polymer (FRP) by local Queensland manufacturer Composite Engineering.
- As part of the Station Accessibility Upgrade Program upgrades will be delivered at Bundamba, Lindum, Morningside, Buranda, Banyo, and Burpengary stations.
- Since 2017, Queensland Rail has completed 12 full station upgrades including at Alderley, Newmarket, Graceville, Nambour, Dinmore, Morayfield, Boondall, Strathpine, East Ipswich, Dakabin, Cannon Hill and Auchenflower. Southbank Platform 1 was also completed in November 2022.
