News Gabba Upgrade & Olympics News

[Johnny Bananas]

One approach to a possible Stadium Event train station, would be to construct two island platforms (4 platform faces) above the cross river rail tunnel between the Brisbane Girls Grammar School and the ICB.

It won't happen. Our state government are cheapskates, looking to cut wherever they can.

 

[Perrip]

Magic Round staying in Brisbane till 2032. Big coup for Brisbane and Queensland.

 

[weevil]

It won't happen. Our state government are cheapskates, looking to cut wherever they can.

Yeah, unfortunately, at this late stage, the chances of GIICA and the government suddenly turning around and saying “Surprise new train station!!!” are pretty much less than zero.

 

[Grasshopper17]

One approach to a possible Stadium Event train station, would be to construct two island platforms (4 platform faces) above the cross river rail tunnel between the Brisbane Girls Grammar School and the ICB.

Each platform is dedicated to to an event train from a specific line.
Platform 1 - Rosewood Line
Platform 2 - Cleveland Line
Platform 3 - Shorncliffe Line
Platform 4 - Ferny Grove Line

Anyone wanting Sunshine Coast, Redcliffe, Beenleigh or Gold Coast still use Exhibition Station.

4-6 event trains run on each line before and after an event. All arrive at the event station from the south, and depart from the south. The trains are stored at the Mayne Yard depot during the event.

The Shorncliffe and Ferny Grove trains stop at Central and Fortitude Valley but not at Roma Street station.

Shorncliffe trains do not stop at Northgate or Eagle Junction stations to prevent transfers from the Sunshine Coast and Redcliffe Lines.

Cleveland trains do not stop at Boggo Road station to prevent transfers from the Gold Coast and Beenleigh Lines.

View attachment 2610086

View attachment 2610087

This will help to disperse the crowd more. Passengers wanting stations on the Doomben and Springfield Lines can transfer to/from the event trains at a common station.

Like Perth Stadium, the event trains probably won’t run before weeknight events during Peak Hour, due to the lines already being full of trains running to timetable. But there could be event shuttles running back and forth between Roma Street and the event station during the Peak Hour period. After events after peak hour, the event trains can still operate.

I'm sold. When do you start?

 

[Grasshopper17]

Magic Round staying in Brisbane till 2032. Big coup for Brisbane and Queensland.

Will be interesting to see how they fit in the 9th game.

And the 10th for that matter.

 

[MSB ROYS]

Will be interesting to see how they fit in the 9th game.

And the 10th for that matter.

Redcliffe?

 

[weevil]

Right on cue, the Brisbane Times has a story about a leaked draft of the council’s transport legacy plan.

Victoria Bridge shade secured, but Metro expansion hits Games hurdle

A leaked copy of Brisbane council’s transport plan resurrects a controversial St Lucia to West End bridge, while the Metro expansion may not meet a crucial Olympics deadline.

www.brisbanetimes.com.au

The story is pretty light on, the journalist likely does not know what most of it means. "Highlights" are new Metro stations off the table until after the games, but shade for Victoria Bridge.

It's very light on actual venue transport detail, but importantly does say:

The council has also started planning to inform a Bowen Bridge Road corridor transport mobility business case.

The corridor moves more than 56,000 vehicles daily, including feeder buses for the Metro, and it is the primary gateway to Victoria Park, the athletes’ village, the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, and the inner-city via the Airport Link tunnel.
Related Article

The document shows the council plans to have the business case completed by late 2027, approvals, funding and design by 2028-29, and delivery of a project for the corridor in 2030-31.

So they are going to "fix" the road, which you would think (hope?) would give us more space for our pedestrian corridor.

 

[Perrip]

The story is pretty light on, the journalist likely does not know what most of it means. "Highlights" are new Metro stations off the table until after the games, but shade for Victoria Bridge.

Sounds like Metro extensions are dead in the water unless the Feds cough up money according to Schrinner tosay

 

[Section 5]

One approach to a possible Stadium Event train station, would be to construct two island platforms (4 platform faces) above the cross river rail tunnel between the Brisbane Girls Grammar School and the ICB.

Each platform is dedicated to to an event train from a specific line.
Platform 1 - Rosewood Line
Platform 2 - Cleveland Line
Platform 3 - Shorncliffe Line
Platform 4 - Ferny Grove Line

Anyone wanting Sunshine Coast, Redcliffe, Beenleigh or Gold Coast still use Exhibition Station.

4-6 event trains run on each line before and after an event. All arrive at the event station from the south, and depart from the south. The trains are stored at the Mayne Yard depot during the event.

The Shorncliffe and Ferny Grove trains stop at Central and Fortitude Valley but not at Roma Street station.

Shorncliffe trains do not stop at Northgate or Eagle Junction stations to prevent transfers from the Sunshine Coast and Redcliffe Lines.

Cleveland trains do not stop at Boggo Road station to prevent transfers from the Gold Coast and Beenleigh Lines.

View attachment 2610086

View attachment 2610087

This will help to disperse the crowd more. Passengers wanting stations on the Doomben and Springfield Lines can transfer to/from the event trains at a common station.

Like Perth Stadium, the event trains probably won’t run before weeknight events during Peak Hour, due to the lines already being full of trains running to timetable. But there could be event shuttles running back and forth between Roma Street and the event station during the Peak Hour period. After events after peak hour, the event trains can still operate.

I am all for a new station but how would building a station above the tunnel even work
Are you talking about an underground station
If so that's not possible.
If above the tunnel. How do trains get there and then get back on to the new suburban lines

On the timetable/routes i agree something will have to be done in that area
I have not thought your suggestions through though

Below image
When CRR is open the orange line markings will be freight only
Reason being freight trains won't hold up passenger trains and vice versa
The only suitable place for a station is the Train Wash Station that QR have put aside in case it's needed

 

[Perrip]

Sounds like Metro extensions are dead in the water unless the Feds cough up money according to Schrinner tosay

 

[Section 5]

Metro expansion stalled as business case delayed until 2028, Labor claims - Redland Bayside News

BRISBANE’S outer suburbs will not be connected to the Brisbane Metro network before the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, with Brisbane Labor claiming new council documents show the Metro expansion business case will not be completed until 2028. Labor says council procurement documents...

redlandbaysidenews.com.au

Schrinner blaming federal Labor. But the BCC business case has not even commenced

“Instead, we’re looking at a business case that won’t even be finished until 2028.

A Significant Contracting Plan approved in December 2025 states the business case is “anticipated to be delivered within 24 months,” with the contract commencement date set for 1 June 2026.

On that basis, the earliest expected completion would fall in mid-2028.

The Federal Labor Government handed Council $50 million for this business case a year ago – money labelled for RAPID delivery,” he said.
............................................................................................

In my opinion no way it gets built in 4 years, but in reality, 3.5 years needed to be ready for Olympics

 

[weevil]

Metro expansion stalled as business case delayed until 2028, Labor claims - Redland Bayside News

BRISBANE’S outer suburbs will not be connected to the Brisbane Metro network before the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, with Brisbane Labor claiming new council documents show the Metro expansion business case will not be completed until 2028. Labor says council procurement documents...

redlandbaysidenews.com.au

Schrinner blaming federal Labor. But the BCC business case has not even commenced

“Instead, we’re looking at a business case that won’t even be finished until 2028.

A Significant Contracting Plan approved in December 2025 states the business case is “anticipated to be delivered within 24 months,” with the contract commencement date set for 1 June 2026.

On that basis, the earliest expected completion would fall in mid-2028.

The Federal Labor Government handed Council $50 million for this business case a year ago – money labelled for RAPID delivery,” he said.
............................................................................................

In my opinion no way it gets built in 4 years, but in reality, 3.5 years needed to be ready for Olympics

I think the bus transit lanes might be an okay stopgap.

But we really badly need a change of government locally; these guys are so tired and out of ideas/energy.

 

[kranger]

I am all for a new station but how would building a station above the tunnel even work
Are you talking about an underground station
If so that's not possible.
If above the tunnel. How do trains get there and then get back on to the new suburban lines

On the timetable/routes i agree something will have to be done in that area
I have not thought your suggestions through though

Below image
When CRR is open the orange line markings will be freight only
Reason being freight trains won't hold up passenger trains and vice versa
The only suitable place for a station is the Train Wash Station that QR have put aside in case it's needed

View attachment 2610299

I’m suggesting a surface event station. That has no interaction with the trains that run through the Cross River Rail Tunnel.

Anyone on the Gold Coast/Beenleigh or the Sunshine Coast/Redcliffe Lines have to still use Exhibition Station.

My suggested event station is to provide a station that is closer than Roma Street Station. And spread train patrons across two stations fairly. I.e. after an event, not having a train arrive at your station that is already full of event goers from the previous station.

The event station could go to the west of the tunnels here:

https://www.coordinatorgeneral.qld.gov.au/projects/find-a-project/completed-projects/cross-river-rail-project

And then use these tracks to get to the rest of the network. Whilst they are used by freight trains, they are also used by out of service passenger trains heading to the Mayne Yard.



There would be minimal impact to the freight network if these tracks are used by event trains for one hour before and one hour after an event, once a week. But what ever disruption there is, would be planned for weeks in advance by freight train schedulers.

 

[Section 5]

I’m suggesting a surface event station. That has no interaction with the trains that run through the Cross River Rail Tunnel.

Anyone on the Gold Coast/Beenleigh or the Sunshine Coast/Redcliffe Lines have to still use Exhibition Station.

My suggested event station is to provide a station that is closer than Roma Street Station. And spread train patrons across two stations fairly. I.e. after an event, not having a train arrive at your station that is already full of event goers from the previous station.

The event station could go to the west of the tunnels here:

https://www.coordinatorgeneral.qld.gov.au/projects/find-a-project/completed-projects/cross-river-rail-project

View attachment 2610610

View attachment 2610611

And then use these tracks to get to the rest of the network. Whilst they are used by freight trains, they are also used by out of service passenger trains heading to the Mayne Yard.

View attachment 2610614

There would be minimal impact to the freight network if these tracks are used by event trains for one hour before and one hour after an event, once a week. But what ever disruption there is, would be planned for weeks in advance by freight train schedulers.

You have put a fair bit of thought into a possible solution but like me we are probably wasting our time.
However, it is always interesting to look at possibilities.

You have selected a tight spot for a 3/4 platform new station.
Getting crowds in and out of that space would be a big challenge

You mentioned and i have also said similar "And spread train patrons across two stations fairly. I.e. after an event, not having a train arrive at your station that is already full of event goers from the previous station."

I think this (full trains) can be addressed at the Train Wash Station location.

But i can't think how your suggestion of separate event trains running on the freight line would work at the Wash Station.
Not sure if it's feasible at your suggested location either.
Need someone from QR in the right department to see if that's feasible at either location
...................................................................................................
My thoughts if they stick to an upgraded Ekka station

If only Ekka station used (likely) it should only be for people on the Gold Coast/Beenleigh - Sunshine Coast/Redcliffe Lines
That would be extremely hard to police unless they ran express to certain stations as you alluded to.
That would force everyone on all the other lines to walk.
That walk being to either Roma Street, Fortitude Valley and possibly Central if desperate.

One station (Ekka) even with big improvements is crazy in my opinion.

For me this is one of the LNP's version of Labors choosing QSAC over a new Stadium
I know the LNP are waiting for the Arup draft, but my concern is they gave instructions to Arup no new rail station

 

[Perrip]

Seems like there's already some temporary fencing starting to go up in Vic Park.

 

[Section 5]

And spread train patrons across two stations fairly. I.e. after an event, not having a train arrive at your station that is already full of event goers from the previous station.

I mentioned in a previous post i agree fully that having 2 train stations could create a problem of full trains stopping with very little chance of people being able to get on that train.

Below my layman's thoughts on how it could be done.
People being paid to sort these things out are better equipped to get the right balance and solution though.

The CRR line (Stadium & Ekka Stations) should only be for passengers on the Sunshine Coast/Caboolture/Redcliffe to Gold Coast/Beenleigh lines
All other train passengers have to walk to Roma Street or Fortitude Valley. Could/should be buses?

It has to be a costing issue for Crisafulli not to want a new station.
As such i will only have a new 3 platform station. 4 might be better but dearer.

To save heaps of money on new extensions to Exhibition station leave it as it is. Put that towards a new station
Exception being any type of security structures needed would have to be done anyhow.
These security structures and measures will be less as i have Exhibition Station a drop off only no picking up passengers.

Brisbane Stadium station has three platforms using 2 lines
Platform 1 & 2 - The destination station for passengers coming from the south
These 2 platforms service the one train coming from the Gold Coast/Beenleigh/City direction
Doors on left open to let all stadium passengers off. Then doors on the right open to let passengers on.
The train then continues express to Albion (maybe further) and by-passing Exhibition Station.

Platform 3 - Only for passengers getting on and heading south. No way to stop passengers getting off though.
Those doing so will just have to deal with getting through the large numbers getting on.

Exhibition Station has 1 platform using only 1 line when in event mode.
The destination station for the Brisbane Stadium for passengers coming from the north.
But not the return home station. That is the new Brisbane Stadium Station
Below my attempt at a 2-station drawing

 

[kranger]

You have put a fair bit of thought into a possible solution but like me we are probably wasting our time.
However, it is always interesting to look at possibilities.

You have selected a tight spot for a 3/4 platform new station.
Getting crowds in and out of that space would be a big challenge

You mentioned and i have also said similar "And spread train patrons across two stations fairly. I.e. after an event, not having a train arrive at your station that is already full of event goers from the previous station."

I think this (full trains) can be addressed at the Train Wash Station location.

But i can't think how your suggestion of separate event trains running on the freight line would work at the Wash Station.
Not sure if it's feasible at your suggested location either.
Need someone from QR in the right department to see if that's feasible at either location
...................................................................................................
My thoughts if they stick to an upgraded Ekka station

If only Ekka station used (likely) it should only be for people on the Gold Coast/Beenleigh - Sunshine Coast/Redcliffe Lines
That would be extremely hard to police unless they ran express to certain stations as you alluded to.
That would force everyone on all the other lines to walk.
That walk being to either Roma Street, Fortitude Valley and possibly Central if desperate.

One station (Ekka) even with big improvements is crazy in my opinion.

For me this is one of the LNP's version of Labors choosing QSAC over a new Stadium
I know the LNP are waiting for the Arup draft, but my concern is they gave instructions to Arup no new rail station

The Train Wash Facility is probably the idea location for a Brisbane Stadium station.

Ideally a 6 platform station. Forget using Exhibition Station, it’s just too far.

2 platforms are for the regular trains that run through the Cross River Rail Tunnel (Gold Coast/Beenleigh and Sunshine Coast/Redcliffe Lines).

4 platforms are for the event trains that I mentioned previously to Ferny Grove, Cleveland, Rosewood and Shorncliffe lines.

But that’s not likely, as the State Government would have to commit to providing event trains.


So alternatively, a 4 platform station.

2 platforms are for the regular trains that run through the Cross River Rail Tunnel (Gold Coast/Beenleigh and Sunshine Coast/Redcliffe Lines).

2 platforms for event shuttle trains between the Stadium Station and Roma Street Station, that run on the surface tracks, allowing everyone to transfer to the other lines. This would be a much smaller future commitment for the State Government for event planning.

 

[kranger]

I mentioned in a previous post i agree fully that having 2 train stations could create a problem of full trains stopping with very little chance of people being able to get on that train.

Below my layman's thoughts on how it could be done.
People being paid to sort these things out are better equipped to get the right balance and solution though.

The CRR line (Stadium & Ekka Stations) should only be for passengers on the Sunshine Coast/Caboolture/Redcliffe to Gold Coast/Beenleigh lines
All other train passengers have to walk to Roma Street or Fortitude Valley. Could/should be buses?

It has to be a costing issue for Crisafulli not to want a new station.
As such i will only have a new 3 platform station. 4 might be better but dearer.

To save heaps of money on new extensions to Exhibition station leave it as it is. Put that towards a new station
Exception being any type of security structures needed would have to be done anyhow.
These security structures and measures will be less as i have Exhibition Station a drop off only no picking up passengers.

Brisbane Stadium station has three platforms using 2 lines
Platform 1 & 2 - The destination station for passengers coming from the south
These 2 platforms service the one train coming from the Gold Coast/Beenleigh/City direction
Doors on left open to let all stadium passengers off. Then doors on the right open to let passengers on.
The train then continues express to Albion (maybe further) and by-passing Exhibition Station.

Platform 3 - Only for passengers getting on and heading south. No way to stop passengers getting off though.
Those doing so will just have to deal with getting through the large numbers getting on.

Exhibition Station has 1 platform using only 1 line when in event mode.
The destination station for the Brisbane Stadium for passengers coming from the north.
But not the return home station. That is the new Brisbane Stadium Station
Below my attempt at a 2-station drawing
View attachment 2612135

Perth Stadium only has a single station, but the 6 platforms are staggered.

The middle 2 platforms are only accessible from the western entrance. This results in the station almost operating as two separate stations.

It is a good way to split up the passengers.

Something similar could be done with a Brisbane Stadium Station.

 

[Section 5]

I stuck to the 3-platform format because that's what a QR leaked document mentioned.
Maybe QR believe that's all the surface area will accommodate

The LNP basically saying without stating the costs are too much.
A 4-6 platform station would be better but i doubt that would be considered.
As we know any new station is also doubtful, but we can hope Arup think it is.
................................................

No Cookies | Sky News Australia

SkyNews.com.au — Australian News Headlines & World News Online from the best award winning journalists

www.skynews.com.au

Queensland Rail has proposed a three-platform train station on the site of the current rollingstock wash facility next to the Inner-City Bypass.

According to the documents, the station would serve as “a key component of the precinct’s integrated transport solution, enhancing accessibility, supporting future population growth and ensuring long-term economic and social value”.

 

[kranger]

I stuck to the 3-platform format because that's what a QR leaked document mentioned.
Maybe QR believe that's all the surface area will accommodate

The LNP basically saying without stating the costs are too much.
A 4-6 platform station would be better but i doubt that would be considered.
As we know any new station is also doubtful, but we can hope Arup think it is.
................................................

No Cookies | Sky News Australia

SkyNews.com.au — Australian News Headlines & World News Online from the best award winning journalists

www.skynews.com.au

Queensland Rail has proposed a three-platform train station on the site of the current rollingstock wash facility next to the Inner-City Bypass.

According to the documents, the station would serve as “a key component of the precinct’s integrated transport solution, enhancing accessibility, supporting future population growth and ensuring long-term economic and social value”.

Just going to point out, that doesn’t specify if they mean ‘three platform faces’ or if they mean ‘three island platforms’, resulting in 6 platform faces, the later being the Perth Stadium Station arrangement.


I reckon, considering the number of tracks getting removed by the CRR project, and with some re-alignment of the CRR southbound track, two island platforms providing four platform faces could fit.


Platform 1 and 2 run event shuttles and back and forth with Roma Street Station on the surface tracks.

Platform 3 and 4 are just part of the lines that run through the CRR tunnel.

 

[Section 5]

Never been to Optus so found a station map. The one below in Events mode.

https://www.transperth.wa.gov.au/timetablePDFs/BusStationMaps/Perth%20Stadium%20Station.pdf

 

[weevil]

Each location has its pros and cons. Optus is the gold standard for public transport access, but it's worth keeping in mind what's actually driving that.

Optus is essentially an island. Aside from the casino precinct, there's almost nothing around it. It has supreme rail and bus connectivity because there is basically no other viable way in or out. The public transport infrastructure was the only solution to a geography problem.

Victoria Park sits in a completely different context. It's embedded in the inner city, surrounded by established suburbs, with connectivity already radiating in every direction and multiple independent options for dispersal rather than dependence on a single corridor.

In terms of public transport, it's fairly comparable to London Stadium, which has a couple of smaller stations nearby but whose major multi-platform heavy rail hub at Stratford is around a 20-minute walk away. London 2012 is widely regarded as one of the great Olympic transport success stories.

And as I've mentioned before, in addition to Exhibition Station and the two park busway stations, I'd be surprised if locations like Kelvin Grove, Herston Road and the RBH busway weren't used as additional event stops to support Fortitude Valley and Roma Street.

I absolutely would have loved a dedicated station, but even without one, I think Vic Park has the best transport connectivity of all the shortlisted Brisbane locations by a huge margin.

Unfortunately, Brisbane just doesn't have a conveniently disused chunk of land sitting next to a train line. The only place with anything like Optus-style public transport would have been Roma Street Parklands. And that was never going to happen.

 

[Perrip]

Each location has its pros and cons. Optus is the gold standard for public transport access, but it's worth keeping in mind what's actually driving that.

Yeah, the stadium designers on that Courier Mail pod reiterated a few times that they didn't want to recommend a single station like Optus has, they want to spread everyone out to get their own way home through various modes of transport rather than push everyone to a single form of transport.
Penny Hall of Arup said something similar last week at that press conference, Vic Park as a location already has really great connectivity to multiple transport options.

 

[Perrip]

Magic Round staying in Brisbane till 2032. Big coup for Brisbane and Queensland.

Courier Mail saying a Suncorp upgrade could just increase capacity by "more than 6K seats". Going to annoy NRL fans if vic park still has more seats than suncorp despite an upgrade lol