Last week saw the release of the QLD Budget and NSW Budget for 2025-26. The ARA is pleased the Queensland Government has invested substantially in maintaining local train manufacturing capabilities and jobs, as well further investment in faster rail infrastructure for Logan and Gold Coast, as well the Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line as part of The Wave public transport project. The NSW Government has invested in improved public transport connectivity to rail stations and metros, light rail accessibility upgrades, and regional rail upgrades to support freight movements and improved reliability.

Key highlights for QLD

  • $950 million invested in 2025-26 (as part of a total $4.8 billion investment) to save the Queensland Train Manufacturing Program, grow Queensland’s manufacturing capabilities, and protect local jobs in Maryborough.
  • $300 million (plus $300 million from the Australian Government) to unlock pre-construction works on the Logan and Gold Coast Faster Rail project in 2025-26, as part of the $5.7 billion project investment.
  • $40 million to accelerate planning for stages 2 and 3 of The Wave to provide seamless public transport all the way to the Sunshine Coast Airport – with heavy passenger rail to Birtinya and metro all the way to the Sunshine Coast Airport through Maroochydore CBD

Key highlights for NSW

  • $150 million to create, reinstate and extend bus routes, which will include improved connections to rail services
  • $206.0 million over four years to continue delivering the Tichborne and Harris Gates Grade Separation Road Interface to enable grade separations on the Inland Rail alignment south of Parkes (NSW and Australian Government funded).
  • $40.0 million for upgrades to Wentworth Park Light Rail stop to improve accessibility
  • $5.4 million over four years to reopen Wallerawang Railway Station
  • $3.0 million to continue the Regional Network East/West Upgrade Program to support freight movements and improve reliability on the regional rail network
  • $2.0 million to investigate a new train stabling facility at Orange, to extend new rail services from Sydney.