Brisbane’s underground bus and train project has been named the BaT (Bus and Train) Tunnel after an extensive competition, giving the winner, Capalaba’s Lynne Doyle six months of free travel.
Premier Campbell Newman said the name for the once-in-a-generation project featuring a split level transport tunnel was chosen from almost 1,000 entries in the month-long competition.
“We are delivering better infrastructure through better planning as we promised at the election, and today we are announcing the name and releasing the draft reference design,” Mr Newman said.
“There were some wonderfully creative names that an independent panel narrowed down to four sensible options and Lynne’s entry was chosen as the winner.
“The three other short-listed names were River Link, River City Tunnel and B-Line and the people who nominated these will each receive a $50 top-up for their go card
“We are now getting down to the business end of the modelling and consultation for this project, to unlock the future of public transport through the heart of Brisbane.
“An underground transport line was talked about by Labor for years, but we are delivering.”
Treasurer Tim Nicholls said the draft reference design was now open for public feedback and included a new location for the George Street station and minor adjustments to the alignment.
“I’d urge anyone interested in this project to jump online or visit a session over the next four weeks and speak to the project team to have their say,” Mr Nicholls said.
“We promised at the election to revitalise frontline services and this project delivers on that, but we are also a government that listens and we are very keen to hear that feedback.”
Mr Nicholls said six community information sessions would take place from 27 March to 9 April in and around Brisbane. A virtual information session would also take place online on Monday, 14 April from noon to 2pm and information displays were available for viewing at six Brisbane City Council libraries as well as the State Library of Queensland.
Transport Minister Scott Emerson said the project was generating a lot of interest from industry and the community.
“This design now outlines the full scope of the project, including the location of a station at 63 George St to service QUT, Brisbane’s CBD and the Queen’s Warf Precinct,” Mr Emerson said.
“I’m excited by the level of interest in this project with more than 1000 people suggesting a name and 250 construction and finance industry representatives attending the first industry briefing.
Lord Mayor Graham Quirk said the release of the Draft Reference Design was a critical step in the planning process for the BaT Tunnel.
“With the release of draft Reference Designs we are one step closer to delivering this world-class public transport project for Brisbane,” Cr Quirk said.
“Brisbane residents will have the opportunity to view the Draft Reference Designs and provide feedback to be considered in the development of the Final Reference Design.”
The Final Reference Design and Environmental Impact Statement are expected to be available for public comment later this year.
The project is due to be completed in 2020 and operational in 2021. Detailed maps of the Draft Reference Design are available online at www.tmr.qld.gov.au/ubat and at upcoming community information sessions.
