A RAIL line could be built alongside thousands of southeast Brisbane homes if a new proposal gets the green light from the Federal Government.

The ARTC Inland Rail Programme Business Case report, released this month, stated the Eastern Freight Rail Corridor, which would run between Karawatha Forest along the Gateway Motorway to the Port of Brisbane, was the “most cost-effective” option for the Melbourne-to-Brisbane line.

It is one of two options deemed suitable for further development.

The second option, a tunnel between Acacia Ridge and the Port of Brisbane, comes with an “increased cost and more significant risks”, according to the report.

Brisbane City Council Deputy Mayor and Chandler ward councillor Adrian Schrinner said the first proposal would bring 1.5km-long coal trains past thousands of homes and bushland areas along the Bulimba Creek corridor.

“Because no specific timeframe for community consultation has been announced, local residents are potentially faced with years of uncertainty,” Cr Schrinner said.

“The rail line would operate 24 hours per day, carrying huge coal and freight trains of more than 1km in length. I say no way and I urge local residents to join me in doing the same.”

media_camera Some of the proposed rail lines as part of the Inland Rail report. PICTURE: Supplied.

Doboy ward councillor Ryan Murphy said the plans would have a huge impact on residents in his ward.

“I have concerns that this is going to be diabolical for residents, and in particular residents in my ward in Tingalpa and Belmont,” Cr Murphy said. “Air quality along the Gateway Corridor is already at the fringe of acceptable levels and you can imagine any kind of introduction of diesel-powered coal trains would only negatively affect that air quality.”

Clean Air Queensland campaigner Michael Kane said there could be impacts on residents’ health and property values. “What we’re looking at is a massive increase in coal transport through urban areas. These coal trains will be uncovered and pose serious health risks to tens of thousands of Brisbane residents,” he said.

A Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development spokeswoman said no decision had been made.

“The Australian Government will work with the Queensland Government, the Port of Brisbane Pty Ltd and the ARTC to determine the timing of the project and preserve an alignment so that it can be built when it is required,” the spokeswoman said.

“The Port of Brisbane does currently have a rail connection.

However, freight trains need to compete with passenger trains and it will be become further constrained in the future. The Port of Brisbane will ultimately need an improved and dedicated connection to inland rail.”