G,H & D Light Rail Pre-Feasability Study

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At the beginning of the new millenium FIDO released its most expensive project since it first built the first Eli Creek boardwalk in 1981-82, the Pre-Feasibility Study of our light rail proposal on Fraser Island. This is an independent report by one of Australia’s leading firms of engineering consultants, Gutteridge Haskins and Davey of Brisbane. FIDO has presented copies of the report to both the State and Commonwealth Governments.

The study focussed on an examination of the options for building the light rail following the route of the first ever light rail (and FIDO’s preferred route) which runs from the mouth of Urang Creek through the Bogimbah Scrub to Poyungan Valley on the eastern side of Fraser Island. It builds on two earlier independent consultant’s studies including one done in 1991 for FIDO by GH&D which showed that prima facie a light rail would be feasible following the former rail line from the mouth of Wanggoolba Creek, through Central Station to Eurong. In the last decade there have been many changes which now make the option of building the light rail more attractive. The initial study was based on a much higher interest rate than now generally prevails which makes it more attractive. The volume of potential use has also grown substantially. There have also been studies done supporting FIDO’s contentions that the current use of many of the major tourist routes on Fraser Island by 4WDs is unsustainable and that they are being used far beyond their capacity. Existing road use is seriously impacting on Fraser Island’s lakes, which are some of its most important and significant World Heritage icons.

Bogimbah Route: The examination of the Bogimbah route was commissioned because:

• This is the cross island route which would least disrupt the existing road use and therefore would attract minimum opposition from existing road users;
• It is historically more significant because it follows the route of the first rail line built on Fraser Island in 1905, with its western terminal close to the old Bogimbah Mission, the old telegraph line terminal and the first Forestry station on the island;
• It has potentially better grades and would have less environmental impact than any alternative route. The line could be laid on the existing road for most of the way with virtually no earthworks or clearing;
• Its western terminal is much closer to the Hervey Bay boat harbour Thus reducing travelling time across the water) and its eastern terminal would be more central (midway between Eurong and Happy Valley) to extend services up and down the island;