A BUSINESS case into the proposed Salisbury to Beaudesert passenger rail line is among a raft of initiatives to be fast-tracked as part of a deal between the federal and Queensland governments.
The deal will bring forward $1.9 billion in federal funding and state funding for roads, rail and regional Queensland infrastructure projects.
The federal government will contribute $1.3 billion while the Queensland government will fund the remaining $600 million.
Key projects include $400 million in road funding, $46.3 million for two M1 exit upgrades and agreement on the Melbourne to Acacia Ridge Inland Rail project.
LNP Forde MP Bert van Manen said the Morrison government would contribute $10 million towards the $20 million Salisbury to Beaudesert rail business case from 2020-2021.
"Public transport serviceability has lagged behind the growth rate of the region and the Morrison government is recognising the importance of the passenger rail for our local community of Logan and commuters," Mr van Manen said.
Transport Minister Mark Bailey the historic deal was a win for Queensland.
"This deal also prioritises planning for the passenger rail services that will be needed to serve growing parts of south-east Queensland, like the Salisbury to Beaudesert rail link," Mr Bailey said.
"It delivers funding for what's needed now, like the next stage of light rail on the Gold Coast, and what will be needed in the coming decade.
"Inland Rail presents an opportunity to move more freight onto trains and take trucks off roads."
Jordan MP Charis Mullen said the $20 million business case was an important first step to make passenger rail a reality in the region.
"It'll mean that we can get on with the job of connecting our community with services, schools and jobs by train once Cross River Rail is complete," Ms Mullen said.
In a surprising statement, Queensland LNP leader Deb Frecklington attacked both levels of government for playing catch-up after years of chronic underspending.
"Regional Queensland has missed out and it's not right," Ms Frecklington said.
"We need a stimulus package for all of Queensland to get Queensland working.
"The single biggest issue in Queensland is water security but there is not one extra cent to help regional communities in drought.
"Both levels of government are failing to do enough to tackle the drought."
Queensland's peak motoring body, RACQ, welcomed an end to the funding stalemate between the two levels of government.
Head of public policy Rebecca Michael said the fast-tracked road projects would reduce congestion on busy roads.
"The missing links between Eight Mile Plains to Daisy Hill, Daisy Hill to Logan Motorway and Varsity Lakes to Tugun will create up to five northbound and four southbound lanes," she said.
"Upgrades will fix bottlenecks that have caused motorists lengthy delays - they'll also increase traffic flow for commuters and get people home faster and safer."