Hello everyone, it’s been awhile since we posted…

Since November 2020 APT Kuranda have been trying to unravel the reasons why the Kuranda Steam company, who run the Kuranda Scenic Rail and Savannahlander trains between Cairns and Kuranda, and south west to Forsyth, are given the use of state owned government infrastructure without first offering services to locals at affordable prices.  I mean really what is the reason?

Money? Foresight? Public need? 

We have been told by the QLD Rail CEO Nick Easy that there will be a $1.6M study of “potential capacity and efficiency improvements” into the road/bridge/transport options.  

Great.  So until the QLD TMR come up with these very expensive upgrades, shouldn’t they be getting people off a road which is dangerous… and supporting the private business who already run a perfectly good transport option all the way into the Cairns CBD? Why aren’t they?  

We have already suggested they run it at affordable public transport prices, with relevant timetables for workers with bus transfers, and they will get the data they need!  MP Craig Crawford listened but all we recieved from QLD TMR was to speak with QLD Rail who told us that QLD TMR were the only ones who could make these decisions…?

We would like QLD TMR’s TransLink division to stop referring to the public bus service offered as being the only suitable option.  In the current climate of damage control of routes to the tablelands, the signatures prove there is need and desire for alternative public transport.  

With more people on the road, costs of maintaining a car and safety of these to meet the distances travelled, there is more likelihood of fatalities. 

Residents will now be monitored on the Kuranda Range via the bridge cameras and imminent cameras on the range to regulate the traffic.  

Locals deserve use of the KSR train, or another train supplied with local prices so that they can continue to support the tourist industry in a safe and accessible manner.  It is time to stop thinking that locals dont contribute significantly to the tourism industry!

Please SHARE and sign this petition, APT Kuranda continues to post through Facebook.  Please become a member and post, share and relay your concerns on this topic.

Have a safe and happy day!