EIS to be prepared for amended Cross River Rail route

EIS to be prepared for amended Cross River Rail routeThe Qld Coordinator-General is seeking public comment on the environmental effects of the Government’s preferred Cross River Rail route.While an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Cross River Rail project was approved in 2012, the Queensland Government has since refined the project’s route and was subsequently required to lodge a Request for Project Change, requiring a new EIS assessment.The Government has outlined that the revised alignment impacts on fewer properties and reduces costs. The proposal will see four new underground stations developed at Boggo Road, Woolloongabba, Albert Street and Roma Street and two stations upgraded; Dutton Park and the Exhibition Showgrounds.The Property Council of Australia strongly supports the delivery of infrastructure projects that have the potential to unlock significant economic growth opportunities for Queensland. However, the Property Council remains cautious of the prospect of utilising ‘value sharing’ or some form of ‘value capture’ levy to contribute towards financing Cross River Rail. The Property Council has cautioned the Government on the need to ensure any potential funding model does not become simply another tax.Submissions on the new alignment close at 5pm on 27 March 2017.