Overview of investment
The $5.4 billion Cross River Rail infrastructure project, involves the provision of four underground stations, eight upgraded stations and three new stations, all located in South-East Queensland, Australia. The project will comprise the construction of a 10.2 kilometre rail line connecting the north and south of Brisbane, including twin 5.9 kilometre tunnels under the Brisbane River and central business district.
Public benefits:
- Tackling congestion
- Catalysing local economic development
- Improving mobility & noise pollution in urban areas
- Status
- Transportation (PPP)
- Investment date
- June 2019
- Fund
- DIF VI
- DIF ownership stake
- 26%
1,700
10.2km
ESG impacts
Demand for Brisbane’s rail services is anticipated to double by 2026, and triple by 2036 (from a 2015 baseline), unblocking this commuter bottle-neck within a rapidly growing city, is a critical challenge for the Queensland government, but one Cross River Rail are rising to.
- The project has also become an exemplar for green transport in the country as the Australian government strives for climate neutrality by mid-century. In addition to offering a low-carbon means of transport, Cross River Rail will help cut air-pollution levels in urban centres, and will bring the botanic gardens into the city through the Albert Street ‘green spine’.
- The project provides a vital connecting piece for public transport across Brisbane, unlocking critical capacity on the city’s constrained rail network, allowing more trains to run more often and enabling a turn-up and-go public transport system, while an automated rail management system, provides world class passenger comfort and service reliability.
- The project has also won the support of the local community through popular initiatives like the Cross River Rail Experience Centre, a hub providing digital engagement experiences and learning opportunities for local schools and the public.
- CRR has pioneered the use in Queensland of crushed recycled glass, or glass embedment, in place of natural quarry sand. Up to 10,000 tonnes of glass sand is anticipated to be used and will see beneficial reuse of material that would otherwise have been sent to landfill.
- Amidst the Covid-19 pandemic, construction continued under stringent social distancing restrictions and hygiene protocols, enabling a workforce of almost 1,800 workers mobilised across eight different worksites to move ahead. At its peak, Cross River Rail is expected to create 7,700 construction jobs throughout south-east Queensland.
“With increased capacity for more frequent rail services providing greater connectivity to other public transport, Cross River Rail will encourage road users to use the train instead, helping Australia to achieve its low-carbon investment objectives and ease congestion on major roads.”
Martin Hanke,
Managing Director, DIF Capital Partners
