CLAIMS that six Bayside train stations will lose critical staffing under a Queensland Rail jobs cut have been raised by State Member for Lytton Joan Pease
But Queensland Rail has rejected the allegations, insisting jobs are secure and services will improve under a new rostering model.
Ms Pease claimed the Queensland Government planned to cut 700 Queensland Rail jobs from May, directly impacting local stations, reducing support, accessibility and safety for commuters.
Speaking after standing with rail workers at Wynnum North Station, she outlined what she said the cuts would mean on the ground.
Ms Pease claimed Wynnum Station would only be staffed in the mornings until 9am on weekdays – except Wednesdays, when coverage would extend to 1pm – with no staff on weekends.
She said Lindum Station, despite being recently upgraded for accessibility, would have no staff on weekends, while Hemmant, Lota and Wynnum North stations would face reduced weekday coverage and no weekend staffing.
Wynnum Central, she claimed, would have no staff on Sundays.
Ms Pease said the changes would disproportionately affect vulnerable passengers.
“When you cut train staff, you cut support,” she said.
“You cut help for a person with a disability who needs a ramp to get on a train.
“You cut assistance for a young mum trying to get a pram onto the platform.
“You cut guidance for an elderly passenger who simply needs help to navigate the network.
“And you cut the safety net for thousands of school students travelling home every day.”
However, Queensland Rail has strongly rejected the claims, describing the figure of 700 job cuts as false and reiterating that all frontline roles remain secure.
Executive General Manager South East Queensland Operations Rob Hill said the changes were about improving service delivery, not cutting jobs.
“We want to reassure our employees, and the community, that front line jobs are secure,” he said.
“Queensland Rail is simply putting staff where and when they are needed to service the needs of our customers.
“We are simply rostering staff where and when our customers need them most.”
Queensland Rail said the revised model was based on patronage data, with staffing levels adjusted to reflect demand across the network.
The agency said dozens of the busiest stations – including Manly – would remain staffed from first to last service every day, while most stations across South East Queensland would continue to be staffed after 1pm on weekdays, including Cleveland, Murarrie and Wellington Point.
New Assistant Station Masters will also be introduced at Lindum, Murarrie and Wellington Point to boost customer service, assist with ticketing and bike storage, and help manage large school groups during peak periods.
