Crisafulli Government gets train station back on track to open for Ekka!
- The Crisafulli Government has ensured rail services will run to and from this year's Ekka after years of delays under the former Labor Government.
- The new Exhibition Station is complete, meaning rail services can operate for major events at the Brisbane Showgrounds.
- The new station will open tomorrow for the Queensland Caravan and Camping Supershow.
The Crisafulli Government has today announced, for the first time in three years, Queenslanders will be able to catch a train to the Brisbane Showgrounds to attend major events, including this year's Ekka.
Exhibition Station was unable to open for the Royal Queensland Show last year due to the former Labor Government's mismanagement of the Cross River Rail project, which has led to years of delays and almost $12 billion in cost blow outs.
With major construction now complete at Exhibition Station, it can also be confirmed the station will temporarily open tomorrow for the Queensland Caravan & Camping Supershow.
The new station features improved access with new lifts, a new entry plaza and pedestrian access to Bowen Bridge Road, as well as first class accessibility features including wayfinding signage, hearing aid loops, and step-free access.
About 1,700m³ of concrete, 1,100 tonnes of structural steel, 105,500 brick pavers and 11,000 tiles have been used to construct the station.
The station's plaza also contains approximately 73,000 custom bricks sourced from an Australian manufacturer to maintain the precinct's heritage look and feel.
Exhibition station is due to reopen for year-round services in line with the opening of the Cross River Rail tunnels, which has been delayed under the former Labor Government until 2029.
Temporary station openings for major events at the Brisbane Showgrounds, including specific timetables, will be communicated well in advance.
Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg said the Crisafulli Government was getting on with the job of fixing Labor's mess and delivering for Queenslanders.
"I'm pleased to announce rail services to Exhibition Station will operate for major events being held at the showgrounds, starting from tomorrow, for the Caravan and Camping Supershow," Minister Mickelberg said.
"Then in August, Queenslanders will be able to catch a train right into the heart of the Ekka, making it easier to bring the country and city together to celebrate our great state.
"Not only have we brought back rail services to the Ekka, but we've also made it cheaper thanks to the LNP Government's permanent 50 cent fares on all public transport.
"Back in 2022, catching a train to and from the Ekka from Ipswich would have cost a family of four using a Go Card more than $38 in peak hour – now we've made it $4 return, no matter when you travel."
RNA CEO Brendan Christou said the new Exhibition Station featuring great accessibility was a game changer for not just the Ekka but the Brisbane Showgrounds events precinct.
"This is great news for everyone who loves the Show and it's just fantastic that people can arrive and depart from inside the Ekka for the first time since 2022,'' Mr Christou said.
"It also offers an exciting glimpse of what is to come for the Showgrounds and we look forward to the immense benefits the new station will bring when it opens for daily use, alongside the major upgrades for the precinct ahead of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games."
Queensland Rail CEO Kat Stapleton said the new train station would play a key role on the South East Queensland public transport network.
"We're all about helping people get where they need to go in a convenient, accessible, and safe way. Once open for daily use, this station will significantly improve the commute for those working at nearby hotels, restaurants, and the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital," Ms Stapleton said.
"This fully accessible, modern station is just one part of the legacy transport infrastructure around the Games precinct at Victoria Park and Spring Hill that is starting to take shape well ahead of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games."
