More than 100 people are working on the Cross River Rail, Queensland’s largest infrastructure project, set to bring in electric trains.
The New Generation Rollingstock (NGR) are electric multiple units being manufactured in India for the Queensland Rail City network.
Cross River Rail minister Kate Jones says the Brisbane Transit Centre will be demolished, marking the transformation of Roma Street to build the rail – Queensland’s most significant transport interchange.
“The Brisbane Transit Centre must come down to make way for the new underground Cross River Rail station.”
The 1000th worker has been identified as a female engineer, Maija Bicevskis, who returned home to Queensland specifically to work on Cross River Rail.
“This government’s number one priority is to create jobs. Already we’ve got 1000 workers on site but we’re just warming up – this project will create around 7700 construction jobs including 450 opportunities for apprentices and trainees,” Jones says.
Bicevskis had been working interstate on another large infrastructure project.
“It’s great to be back in Brisbane, working on a project that is going to change my hometown for the better and really help me develop in my career.
“I work on designing and implementing the cable carrying system, which will help Cross River Rail trains to join back into the rail network near Bowen Hills.
“This project has given me a way into the rail construction industry which I hadn’t worked in before. This will give me more opportunities and options by the end of the project.”
Jones says Bicevskis’ story shows how important Cross River Rail is in providing career-defining opportunities for young people.
“Not only are we making it quicker and easier to travel right throughout southeast Queensland, we’re creating unique job opportunities for the next generation of Queensland workers.”
A plan has also been developed to ensure train and bus passengers will have continued access to existing services as well as to Roma Street Parkland throughout the works.
