LNP offers minimal funds to fix Savannahlander rail bridge

Katter’s Australian Party MPs Shane Knuth (Hill) and Robbie Katter (Traeger) have welcomed news that disaster recovery funding will be delivered to repair a key bridge along the iconic Savannahlander rail line, but say the State Government must commit to significantly more investment to secure the future of the full service.

Queensland Rail will undertake $500,000 worth of works on the Copperfield Gorge trestle bridge, alongside repairs to other flood-damaged structures, allowing the Savannahlander to push further along its famous route between Cairns and Forsayth.

The announcement comes after significant public pressure through an already 8,000 plus strong petition, sponsored by Knuth and Katter and both members highlighting the rail lines plight, through speeches and questioning ministers in state parliament.

Mr Knuth said while the announcement was welcome, this was only a fraction of the funding required to keep the entire line operational and reinstate the Savannahlander back to its full operational capacity:

“There has been widespread, passionate support throughout the community and across Queensland towards the Savannahlander, said Mr Knuth.

While it’s a start, we don’t want to let the government of the hook by giving us a sugar hit of funding to satisfy us in the short term, then forget about the rest of the line.

The Savannahlander is more than a train, it’s a lifeline linking Far North Queensland’s coast to its inland communities, and it’s a massive drawcard for tourism.

Half-measures will not keep it on the tracks. We need a full commitment from the State Government to restore and maintain the entire line from Cairns to Forsayth.”

The Savannahlander has been forced to start its journey from Mareeba since last year, after multiple bridges between Kuranda and Mareeba were deemed unsafe. This has deprived visitors of the scenic climb up the range and taken economic activity away from key towns.

“Communities like Almaden, Mount Surprise, Einasleigh and Forsayth all benefit when the Savannahlander runs it’s full service, Mr Knuth said.

I worked for Queensland Rail for 20 years and know how they operate. If this was a city train line, there would be an immediate, multi-million-dollar commitment to get it fully operational. It’s the same old story if it’s north of Brisbane, it’s not a priority.

That has to change.”

KAP Leader Robbie Katter and member for Traeger which encompasses a large section of the rail line, said the State Government should see the Savannahlander as critical regional infrastructure, not just a tourist novelty.

“We’re talking about a government-owned rail line, public assets, that have been allowed to fall into disrepair,” Mr Katter said.

Mr Katter said that beyond tourism, the rail corridor had potential for expanded freight and passenger use if the State Government invested properly in its long-term future.

“This isn’t just about nostalgia, it’s about keeping remote communities connected and thriving by offering an unforgettable experience that will attract visitors from around the world to contribute substantially to the regional economy,” he said.

Both MPs called for the Queensland Government to immediately outline a 10-year, fully funded plan for the restoration and ongoing maintenance of the Cairns-Forsayth rail corridor.

“While we are glad to see shovels will finally hit the ground, it’s not enough. The KAP will continue the fight we started to secure the funding to bring the line back to full operation,” Mr Katter said.