RAIL - Back On Track Forum

http://www.budget.qld.gov.au/

QuoteThe 2010–11 Budget will be delivered by the Treasurer and Minister for Employment and Economic Development, the Honourable Andrew Fraser MP, on Tuesday, 8 June 2010.

There might be some good news in the budget:

This is from a Ministerial Statement  here

... knowing Tuesday's Budget includes a raft of new initiatives for public transport infrastructure ...

Media Release 3 June 2010

Queensland:  2010-2011 State Budget

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web based community support group for rail and public transport and an advocate for public transport commuters has said the state budget is an opportunity to move forward with sustainable transport options for Queensland.  The failure to properly fund public transport infrastructure for the long haul needs to be addressed in the forthcoming budget.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Proper pro-active public transport infrastructure has been sacrificed for a long period to sustain the greed of the road lobby throughout Australia, nowhere is this more evident than in south-east Queensland. It is now more then ever evident that a road centric transport system is a congestion and safety failure, as well as environmentally unsustainable."

"The 2010-2011 State Budget provides an opportunity to continue with the construction of the railway line to Springfield.  Construction to Richlands is ahead of schedule and it would make sound economic sense to continue with the present construction force.  Stopping and starting is very expensive.  The savings if construction continues now would allow full duplication to Springfield and construction of the stations at Ellen Grove and Springfield Lakes as well as Springfield."

"Rather than cutting back rail freight services, there needs to be an investment for the future.  The more bulk freight moved off the roads the better off society is.  The world is moving forward with the rail revolution, it seems it takes a bit longer in Queensland. Smart state or late state?"

References:

1. 29 Jan 2010: SEQ: Richlands next, keep going! http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=3367.0

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

Quote from: ozbob on June 06, 2010, 04:35:01 AM
http://www.budget.qld.gov.au/

QuoteThe 2010–11 Budget will be delivered by the Treasurer and Minister for Employment and Economic Development, the Honourable Andrew Fraser MP, on Tuesday, 8 June 2010.

... knowing Tuesday's Budget includes a raft of new initiatives for public transport infrastructure ...

Call me a pessimist, but will this statement just be full of projects that are already under planning or construction (Northern and Eastern Busways, Keppera to Ferny Grove)? We will have to wait until later this week to see if it's spin or substance.

There are a raft of infrastructure projects that according to the ICRCS were required this year. Few of these projects have been considered by the government let alone being ready for planning and construction. Public transport infrastructure in SE Queensland is far behind where it needs to be to develop future patronage growth.

I'm willing to reserve judgement until Tuesday on that one, but

Quote

Quote.... knowing Tuesday's Budget includes a raft of new initiatives for public transport infrastructure ...

Note how they didn't say public transport services?  So, even if they deliver as promised, who cares?

Quote from: somebody on June 06, 2010, 10:24:06 AM
I'm willing to reserve judgement until Tuesday on that one, but

Quote

Quote.... knowing Tuesday's Budget includes a raft of new initiatives for public transport infrastructure ...

Note how they didn't say public transport services?  So, even if they deliver as promised, who cares?

It's a bit like Mitchelton to Keperra duplication which increased the am peak service from 7tph to, er, 7tph.

Considerably more services can be run on the existing infrastructure, especially off-peak, yet the government seems to be rather unwilling to fund extra services.

Quote from: stephenk on June 06, 2010, 10:43:43 AM
It's a bit like Mitchelton to Keperra duplication which increased the am peak service from 7tph to, er, 7tph.

Not to mention maintaining the timetable which has a now unnecessary dodgy cross at Keperra and long dwell at Ferny Grove.

From the Caboolture Shire Herald 1st June 2010 page 24

In line for upgrade

QuoteIn line for upgrade

NARANGBA Railway Station may receive an upgrade, with calls for a cash injection in next week's State Budget.

Member for Morayfield Mark Ryan and Member for Kallangur Mary-Anne O'Neill have approached Treasurer Andrew Fraser for funds to be allocated for a full upgrade estimated at $25 million.

The funds would be used to bring the Narangba station in line with disability regulations, upgrade the overhead bridge and refit the station master's office.

Mr Ryan said the funding was important for a growing community like Narangba. "Public transport is a priority for our community and I will continue to fight for more public transport infrastructure and services for our area," he said.

Mrs O'Neill said the State Government needed to provide the Narangba station with a level of funding that reflected its status as a major hub on the northern train line.

"More and more people are choosing to make their home in or around Narangba and many of those have to commute to the city every day for work," Mrs O'Neill said.

The budget comes down on June 8.

The comment re no comitmentment to increasing services is valid but without infrastructure upgrades it is doubtful how increased services can be provided on a reliable basis.

Quote from: mufreight on June 06, 2010, 15:28:14 PM
The comment re no comitmentment to increasing services is valid but without infrastructure upgrades it is doubtful how increased services can be provided on a reliable basis.

A realiable(ish) 20min off-peak service could be provided on nearly all lines with current infrastructure. Reliable 15mins off-peak is possible on current infrastructure, but to less destinations.

Improving peak services is however much harder on the current infrastructure, and not helped by lack of trains. I doubt that most lines could handle more than one or two extra tph in the am peak with the current infrastructure. However as an example, even 1tph extra would result in 14% capacity increase on the Ferny Grove and 33% capacity increase on the Shorncliffe Line - both of these are theoretically possible with current infrastructure.

From the Courier Mail click here!

Anna Bligh pins hope on Budget as support slumps

QuoteAnna Bligh pins hope on Budget as support slumps

    * Steven Wardill
    * From: The Courier-Mail
    * June 07, 2010 12:01AM

ANNA Bligh's personal popularity has sunk to a dramatic new low, hampering hope of a Labor resurgence.

Ahead of tomorrow's State Budget, a Galaxy poll conducted exclusively for The Courier-Mail has revealed Queenslanders are seething about the Premier's performance and overwhelmingly opposed to asset sales.

In 15 months, Ms Bligh has turned from an electoral darling to a drag on Labor's vote, which the party had believed would bounce back following the Liberal National's recent turmoil.

The result will pour added emphasis on the Government's make-or-break second Budget that will detail a significantly improved financial position.

With debt levels to drop $6 billion below forecast for 2009/10, Treasurer Andrew Fraser yesterday said the Budget would show the benefits of the Government's reform.

"We have taken the tough decisions to improve the State's finances, and it's starting to pay off," Mr Fraser said.

However, it's yet to pay off with improved polling, with the number of people dissatisfied with Ms Bligh's performance hitting 69 per cent, up from 64 per cent in February. Only one in four were satisfied.

Liberal National Leader John-Paul Langbroek has also suffered significantly, with his dissatisfaction rating rising from 38 per cent to 44 per cent.

On a preferred premier basis, Mr Langbroek leads Ms Bligh 43 per cent to 36, a major result for such a low-profile leader.

According to the Galaxy poll of 800 voters taken late last week, the Liberal Nationals lead 55 per cent to 45 on a two-party preferred basis, with Labor's vote recovering four points.

However, the result was caused by the Liberal Nationals leaking primary support to the Greens rather than any Labor revival.

The Liberal Nationals were on a primary vote of 44 per cent to Labor's 32 while the Greens have jumped to 16 per cent, almost double what the party achieved at the last election.

With the Government poised to sell an improved economy as justification for its efforts, the poll shows the key plan to sell $15 billion in state assets was more unpopular than ever.

Only 12 per cent of people are in favour of the sales while 85 per cent are opposed, up from 77 per cent in February.

And 52 per cent of people believe Queensland is heading in the wrong direction, up from 46 per cent.

The Liberal Nationals are now believed to be better able to manage all major areas of responsibility, including health, education and transport.

Mr Fraser said the Budget would show a recovery had begun.

"We elevated jobs above all else in the decisions that we took," he said.

The Budget will reveal an estimated actual debt bill of $51.6 billion in 2009/10 compared to the forecast $57.7 billion. The reduction is likely to be caused by a combination of resurgent revenue and an infrastructure underspend.

From the Queensland Times click here!

Springfield railway 2 years early

QuoteSpringfield railway 2 years early

Brad Weier | 7th June 2010

THE $646 million Springfield rail line will be delivered two years ahead of schedule.

Part of tomorrow's State Budget announcement, The Queensland Times can exclusively reveal the move will fast-track one of the western corridor's major pieces of infrastructure.

State Member for Bundamba Jo-Ann Miller said the development would now be delivered in 2013.

"This result is a huge win for all the communities of Springfield, Springfield Lakes, Augustine Heights, Redbank Plains and Bellbird Park," Mrs Miller said.

"I've been telling (Treasurer Andrew Fraser) how important this project is for our area, and the impact it would have on sustainable public transport for families."

Mrs Miller said the 10-kilometre line was the next step in Springfield's evolution.

"It will provide a direct link between Springfield and Brisbane, which will mean a lot to the community. It will offer better access, cheaper travel, less congestion and fewer delays," she said.

"It's about giving these growth suburbs access to world-class public transport, significantly improving the way they travel, and a better work and family balance.

"It will also hopefully relieve the car-parking pressures at the Redbank, Goodna, Gailes and Wacol railway stations."

Mrs Miller said tomorrow's announcement was part of a commitment to public transport across Ipswich.

"We believe in public transport as a means to get people out of their cars, to cut congestion, reduce greenhouse gases and manage growth," she said.

"We've already invested almost $400 million to build a new line from Darra to Richlands, and getting the rail line to Springfield as soon as possible is really important.

"Tomorrow's State Budget announcement will also include $104 million to complete the rail line from Darra to Richlands and $25 million to complete the third track from Corinda to Darra."

The Budget will be delivered by Queensland Treasurer and Employment and Economic Development Minister Andrew Fraser tomorrow afternoon.

From the Brisbanetimes click here!

Budget plans to fast track rail line to Springfield

QuoteBudget plans to fast track rail line to Springfield
TONY MOORE
June 7, 2010 - 6:28AM

The state government will fast track a new train line to Springfield in the wake of its recent announcement that nearby Ripley would be one of three new "cities" in south-east Queensland.

brisbanetimes.com.au can reveal the new rail line from Richlands train station, west to Springfield, will be fast-tracked to be completed in 2013, two years ahead of its planned 2015 completion date.

The plan will be contained in tomorrow's State Budget and follows Premier Anna Bligh's announcement last month that three new population centres would be constructed in the south-east corner.

"We're going to work with those councils in Logan and in Ipswich, with the Urban Land Development Authority using its powers to bring forward the planning approvals and bring these projects to the market much sooner than the councils could," Ms Bligh said last month.

The first stage of the Darra to Springfield Transport Corridor will allow the Centenary Highway to be widened from two lanes to four lanes from Darra through to the Logan Motorway.

That project will also include a new 3.6 kilometre rail line from Darra, over the Ipswich Motorway, to a new train station being built at Richlands.

The state government plans to have the project's $800 million first stage, where the rail line reaches Richlands, completed by 2011 and the four-lane Centenary Highway to reach the Logan Interchange by late this year.

However, the first stage is already 80 per cent complete and five months of rail work started last month.

Stage two will extend the rail line to Richlands and the Centenary Highway widening to Springfield.

brisbanetimes.com.au understands negotiations are underway to bring the project's completion date forward by two years to 2013.

"That would be sensible speculation," a government source confirmed on Friday.

Public transport lobby group Rail Back on Track spokesman Robert Dow said it made economic sense to bring forward the project, given stage one of the project was 80 per cent complete.

"Construction to Richlands is ahead of schedule and it would make sound economic sense to continue with the present construction force," Mr Dow said.

"Stopping and starting is very expensive."

Queensland Rail plans to build a single rail track from Richlands to Springfield, but Mr Dow called for a dual line track.

"We think that it should be double-tracked all the way to Springfield, mainly in view of the Ripley Valley announcement," he said.

Mr Dow said new stations should be built at Ellen Grove and Springfield Lakes while the project team was in place, rather than retro-fitting rail stations.

He said the experience of the Gold Coast rail line, where a second rail line was now being added, proved the folly of not building suitable rail infrastructure in the first place.

The Gold Coast rail line was closed in 1964, but was re-opened with new stations built at Helensvale in 1996, Nerang (1997), Robina (1998) and Varsity Lakes last year.

In the past five years, the state government has been forced to double the number of tracks between Ormeau and Coomera and from Helensvale to Robina at substantial cost.

I can't believe I'm reading this?!!!   

Quote from: stephenk on June 06, 2010, 08:25:45 AM
Call me a pessimist, but will this statement just be full of projects that are already under planning or construction (Northern and Eastern Busways, Keppera to Ferny Grove)?

I'm with stephenk on this one.  Apart from Springfield which has been "fast tracked" (i.e. brought back to its original schedule), I believe the budget will confirm (allocate funds) to projects that already appear on the SEQIP - including those that are under way (such as the ones Stephenk mentioned and CRR).  There won't be any "surprises".  (I'll eat my hat if there are.)  The only thing we can hope for is that they will fast track some of the other projects.

Premier and Minister for the Arts
The Honourable Anna Bligh
07/06/2010

Rail infrastructure fast-tracked for growth

Managing population growth, boosting public transport and protecting the environment will be a major focus in tomorrow's State Budget with Premier Anna Bligh today announcing construction of a major new rail line would be brought forward by two years.

Ms Bligh said the State Budget would include funding to accelerate the new $646 million 10km rail line to Springfield by two years.

Work is already underway to extend the region's rail line from Darra to Richlands.

"Before the last election we said infrastructure investment and the jobs it supported were our top priority," Ms Bligh said.

"Bringing forward the extension of the rail line all the way to Springfield will give its 18,000 residents access to world class public transport.

"And it will mean a massive investment in jobs, public transport and the environment."

Work is already underway to extend the region's rail network from Darra to a new station at Richlands.

Work on the stage one of the project began in 2008 and is expected to be completed next year. It includes 5km of new rail line and 4km of road upgrade. The Richlands railway station will include a 650 space carpark.

Ms Bligh said special new local bus services would be established when the new Springfield rail station was operational to encourage commuters to take public transport all the way to work.

"Quality public transport like this not only means that people can live further away from the city without having to drive but it also delivers major environmental wins as well," Ms Bligh said.

"The new line will provide a direct link between Springfield and Brisbane which will mean a lot to the local community - better access, cheaper travel, less congestion, and fewer delays.

"Our government believes in public transport - as a means to get people out of their cars and where they need to travel faster, to cut congestion, reduce greenhouse gases and manage growth.

"We're already investing almost $400m to build a new line from Darra to Richlands and getting the rail line to Springfield as soon as possible is a priority."

The new Springfield rail line could be open by 2013, two years ahead of the current schedule.

The 2010-11 State Budget includes $104 million to complete the new rail line from Darra to Richlands and $25 million to complete the third track from Corinda to Darra.

Ms Bligh said the bring-forward of the rail line to Springfield showed the State Government's commitment to its go west for growth strategy.

"We've been consistent in our approach to directing growth to the western corridor," Ms Bligh said.

"And we've already secured a corridor next to the Centenary Highway from Springfield to Yamanto for a future rail line."

==============================================================

Main transport points from 2010/11 budget:

• Station renovation program $200 million


• Narangaba  Eagle Junction major Straphine Morningside minor others to be announced.


• TransLink additional $179 million  1204917 actual 2009/10   budget 2010/11 1383804 ($'000)


• SEQIP works continue


• Springfield

Quote$200 million for station renovations

Treasurer and Minister for Employment and Economic Development
The Honourable Andrew Fraser
08/06/2010

$200 million for station renovations

The State Government will undertake the biggest upgrade of South East Queensland's train stations since services began in the 1860s.

Treasurer Andrew Fraser said $200 million would be allocated as part of the 2010/11 State Budget to upgrade almost one-third of train stations across South East Queensland

Around 50 train stations in South East Queensland will receive some form of upgrade with work to be prioritised in coming weeks.

"From this year Queensland Rail will be a dedicated passenger carrier for the first time and our customers will see better customer service as a result," Mr Fraser said.

"This station renovation will be the biggest clean up blitz ever seen on the CityTrain network, taking us from the steam age to the gleam age.

"The renovated stations are used by 90 per cent of daily passengers meaning most people will see and experience a brighter introduction to their daily commute.

"Our budget will pave the way for t his massive modernisation program that will make our stations more accessible and customer-friendly.

"Upgrades will range from major works such as new lifts, escalators, ticket offices and expanded car parks to fixing up the basics like new toilets, passenger information, seating and LCD screens displaying service information."

Mr Fraser said LCD screens in particular would provide customers with the latest real time train information and would also communicate details of special events and other essential information.

"These new screens will help Translink and QR provide customers with easy-to-understand, up-to-the minute countdowns on train departures and arrivals," Mr Fraser said.

"By using the latest technology available we are able to ensure our services are of the highest standards to improve the customers' experience."


==============================================================

Ignoring the generated fares, how much would a reasonable train frequency actually cost?

Media release
Rachel Nolan MP
Minister for Transport

8 June 2010

Budget building transport for the future

The Bligh Government's massive investment in better public transport will bring forward
completion of a new rail line to Springfield by two years and carry out the most intensive station
upgrade program in Queensland's history thanks to a massive boost for public transport in the
2010-11 State Budget.

Transport Minister Rachel Nolan said the Government would deliver the new Springfield rail line
by 2013, two years ahead of the current schedule.

"The Government's massive investment in public transport will deliver better services and more
jobs," Ms Nolan said.

"The $646 million, 10 kilometre extension of the rail line to Springfield will provide one of our
fastest growing regions with high quality public transport for the first time.

"Delivering this project earlier will create a public transport culture in this new community and
give people a real choice to use the train instead of buying that second car.

"This will ease congestion, take pressure off the family budget and reduce emissions."
Ms Nolan said the Springfield line acceleration would be accompanied by the biggest overhaul
of South East Queensland's train stations since services began in the 1860s.

"This Budget delivers more than $200 million for new and improved stations right across the
South East – that means almost a third of all stations will see a big improvement this year."

"The rail boost is the first step in a new era for passenger rail.

"From July 1 this year, the new Queensland Rail will be established as a passenger focused
organisation.

"Our upgrades will range from new lifts and escalators to expanded car parks and fixing up the
basics like new toilets, signage, seating and LCD screens displaying service information.

"We are going to transform our stations into places that are modern, inviting and accessible for
the whole community."

The infrastructure funding boost will be matched by record funding for new public transport
services, with an extra $179 million for trains, buses and ferries in 2010-11.

"This investment delivers 125 new buses and new three-carriage trains, rolling off the
production line at a rate of about one per month."

"These new services will ease congestion, help tackle climate change and deal with the
challenges of a growing region."

Ms Nolan said the Springfield line acceleration and station upgrades were just some of the Bligh
Government's investments in better public transport infrastructure, which include:

$174 million to continue building 64 new three-carriage passenger trains;
$35 million for the duplication of the rail line from Keperra to Ferny Grove, including a major
redevelopment at Ferny Grove;
$105 million to complete the new rail line from Darra to Richlands;
$25 million to complete the third track from Corinda to Darra;
$219 million for the Gold Coast Rapid Transit project;
$61 million for cycling infrastructure;
$197 million to continue construction of the Northern Busway from Enoggera Creek to
Kedron; and
$150 million to extend the Eastern Busway from Buranda to Main Avenue, Coorparoo.

Ms Nolan said that in total, the transport capital budget in 2010-11 is $4 billion – a $400
million increase on last year.

"This includes major investments to drive economic growth in regional Queensland, such the
Goonyella – Abbot Point Expansion Project, expansion of Abbot Point Coal Terminal, upgrade
of R G Tanna Coal Terminal, the Townsville Marine Industries Precinct and the Cairns Cruise
Ship Terminal," she said.

"Our focus remains building a sustainable transport system that will take Queensland into the
future."

From the Brisbanetimes click here!

Station upgrades for SEQ

QuoteStation upgrades for SEQ
TONY MOORE
June 8, 2010 - 2:30PM

Basic upgrades to about one-third of south-east Queensland rail stations are included in the $4 billion capital works budget for transport in this year's budget.

The $200 million investment will target fixing lifts and escalators, expanding car parks, upgrading toilets, signs, seats and LCD display screens across Brisbane, Ipswich and the Gold and Sunshine coasts.

About 400,000 Go Cards with a $10 credit will be rolled out at a cost of $5.7 million over the next two years, while $3.3 million will for provide for 23 new Go-Card vending machines.

The Budget has earmarked money for 125 new buses and 64 new three-carriage trains.

The Gold Coast Rapid Transit project will receive $219 million, and $35 million will be spent to double the rail line from Keperra to Ferny Grove.

Work will continue on the Northern Busway from Enoggera Creek to Kedron courtesy of a further $197 million.

The Budget's biggest transport announcement was revealed yesterday when the Premier confirmed $646 million would help bring forward the 10-kilometre rail extension from Richlands to Springfield from 2015 to 2013.

"Delivering this project earlier will create a public transport culture in this new community and give people a real choice to use the train instead of buying that second car," Transport Minister Rachel Nolan said.

About $150 million will help construct busway stations at Stones Corner and Langlands Park as part of the Eastern Busway project.

A little more than $20 million has been made available for new cycle links.

Of this money for bikeways, $10.9 million goes to bikeway projects with local councils and $9.4 million will be used for state government bike links.

Translink receives $59.4 million, which it will spend on a new bus station at Maroochydore($5.2m) and North Lakes ($3.4 million; a park and ride stations at Algester ($4m), Capalaba ($3.4m), Enoggera ($3.2m) and Klump Rd at Mt Gravatt ($3.2m).

Main Roads will complete the Ipswich Motorway, spending $550 million brought forward by the Australian Government.

It will also continue work on the Airport Link roundabout, spending $95 million of the total $297 million roundabout project during 2010/11.

Two sections of the Pacific Motorway, between Nerang and Worongary and between Springwood South and Daisy Hill will be widened this year with $106 million being spent in 2010/11.

So apart from a 2 year late Springfield extension, and refurbished stations, there is not really anything new to get excited about. As predicted, it's just a continuation of current projects.

At least now we will have shiny stations in which to wait up to 30mins between each train, and flashy passenger information displays showing us how lame the frequency is.

QuoteThe infrastructure funding boost will be matched by record funding for new public transport
services, with an extra $179 million for trains, buses and ferries in 2010-11.

Not sure what this means but at least an indication of more services.   But after the 300,000 weekly public transport seats it is little wonder that no one believes anything much any more ..

It is possible that with the looming changes with QR Passenger --> Queensland Rail, there may be some announcements etc. 

Ever hopeful ..   

Quote from: stephenk on June 08, 2010, 17:49:24 PM
So apart from a 2 year late Springfield extension, and refurbished stations, there is not really anything new to get excited about. As predicted, it's just a continuation of current projects.

At least now we will have shiny stations in which to wait up to 30mins between each train, and flashy passenger information displays showing us how lame the frequency is.

but there is 125 more buses that will be stuck in traffic because we won't give them their own bus lanes!!!! 

Quote from: ozbob on June 08, 2010, 17:56:44 PM

QuoteThe infrastructure funding boost will be matched by record funding for new public transport
services, with an extra $179 million for trains, buses and ferries in 2010-11.

Not sure what this means but at least an indication of more services.   But after the 300,000 weekly public transport seats it is little wonder that no one believes anything much any more ..

It is possible that with the looming changes with QR Passenger --> Queensland Rail, there may be some announcements etc. 

Ever hopeful ..   

Is that talking about the actual rollingstock/buses/ferries though, or does it include putting those in service?

Services, the new trains and buses etc. are different items.

Quote from: stephenk on June 08, 2010, 17:49:24 PM
So apart from a 2 year late Springfield extension, and refurbished stations, there is not really anything new to get excited about. As predicted, it's just a continuation of current projects.

At least now we will have shiny stations in which to wait up to 30mins between each train, and flashy passenger information displays showing us how lame the frequency is.

We do need to be careful about being critical of station upgrades. After all they (QR) are obligated to have stations disability friendly by a certain time (2026 I think). I can't remember who has imposed that date on QR although I know in NSW it was court imposed because they would not listen when people asked for it. That meant some recently upgraded stations in sydney had the work ripped up and done all over again to put in lifts. If only they listened they would have their own timetable to finish it instead of a court imposed timetable.

Good to see Sunshine Plaza is finally being upgraded and an interchange at North Lakes would be handy since the current stop set-up isn't great.

It is disappointing that there is no funding allocation for duplication works beyond Beerburrum - a necessary catalyst for the future Sunshine Coast connection.
The budget has allocated $15M+ towards the Caboolture-Beerburrum duplication works (opened for revenue service in April 09) yet the local rag has reported this as a 'good news' story. Goes to show how gullible the public really are.
In so far as remodelling works at stations - who remembers "operation Facelift" in the early 1990s when we witnessed the roll-out of the public lavatory design railway stations. There were many stations rebuilt or substantially refurbished in those 4 years - the first being Wooloowin in 1991.
If any of these stations are being substantially refurbished or rebuilt, it demonstrates that QR is not looking after their assets as whole of govt asset life is supposed to be 50years.
And yes, many of these stations are already DDA compliant.
In so far as toilets, what is sadly lacking at many stations is not the built asset but rather a poor attempt at cleaning and basic maintenance.
I would also be interested to know if at larger stations such as Northgate, Eagle junction, or Nundah, where the former gender specific toilets have been closed for years, with only a unisex disable WC in use, whether the now disused amenities still contain WC pedestals to which BCC sewerage rates are still being levied.
Much to keep a Public Accounts Committee busy methinks.