Response to opinion article, published in The Courier Mail on Saturday, 30 December 2023.
STATEMENT TO BE ATTRIBUTED TO A QUEENSLAND RAIL SPOKESPERSON:
“Since it was first approached in 2018 by the property developer of 88 South Pine Road (Mr Marcus Saltmarsh), Queensland Rail has actively engaged with the developer on multiple occasions to help them safely build their development.
“Ultimately, the upgrade works have not proceeded because, despite Queensland Rail's requests, the property developer has failed or refused to pay for the necessary planning works to be undertaken.
“It is Queensland Rail's policy to not commit public funds to works that are to be undertaken on behalf of private developers.
“Queensland Rail has taken this matter seriously and has responded to all the property developer's queries and letters.
“If the property developer wishes to progress this development, and in particular meet the safety requirements clearly prescribed by the State Assessment and Referral Agency, Queensland Rail remains happy to engage in accordance with the established process for external projects that interface with our network.
“In addition, Mr Saltmarsh has, over a long period of time, made numerous and serious allegations against Queensland Rail, none of which have been substantiated.
“Mr Saltmarsh has refused to cooperate with Queensland Rail, despite our best attempts to work with him.
“Queensland Rail takes the allegations which Mr Saltmarsh has raised very seriously, therefore, in another attempt to work with Mr Saltmarsh and investigate his many allegations, Queensland Rail has engaged the services of an independent legal counsel to work with Mr Saltmarsh. To date, Mr Saltmarsh refuses to cooperate with the independent legal counsel."