There has been a lot of rumour and speculation around what will be lost as the Logan and Gold Coast Faster Rail project unfolds.
Community consultation first began in September and October 2021 and a Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) spokesperson has said that consultation will continue in 2023 ahead of TMR providing an update to the community of the project design this year.
The Logan and Gold Coast Faster Rail project will improve train station accessibility by upgrading nine stations, removing five level crossings, adding around 950 park ‘n’ ride spaces and providing new active travel paths connecting to stations along the 20km section of upgraded tracks.
During community consultation in 2021, the project team received a large range of feedback on the early design from over 500 face-to-face engagements and nearly 400 emails and 300 phone calls.
At this stage of the planning, there is no confirmation that the council owned assets in Bethania will be resumed or changed in anyway. However, the final plans are yet to be confirmed.
“The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) is grateful for the feedback received from the community about the Logan and Gold Coast Faster Rail project, which has helped us to understand the importance of the Bethania pool and community centre to the local community,” said a Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) spokesperson.
“We are yet to finalise the design for the project, but the design team is considering options that would support the ongoing operation of important community facilities.
“TMR is continuing to refine the reference design for the Logan and Gold Coast Faster Rail project, including the solution for Bethania station.”
With the Logan and Gold Coast Faster Rail project, the rail crossing on Station Road Bethania will be getting an upgrade.
“TMR will be removing the open level crossing at Station Road to improve safety for the local community and will be replacing it with a new grade-separated crossing.
“The design at Station Road is continuing as part of design refinement activities.”
The Department of Transport and Main Roads is refining the reference design and due to this being a complex infrastructure project along an existing 20km rail corridor, this process will take some time to work through.