The Sunshine Coast Case : Rail duplication Beerburrum to Nambour

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

14th December 2015

Queensland a state of inertia ....

Greetings,

An opportunity presents itself.  Beerburrum to Landsborough North track amplification.   It is achievable and has very significant benefits for freight and passengers.  It will assist in getting freight of the Bruce.

As the Couriermail has highlighted today: Queensland is in a state of inertia.

The duplication of the rail line Beerburrum to Landsborough North must be a priority.

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

Couriermail --> Queensland economy: Fewer major projects in pipeline than ACT

QUEENSLAND has been declared a "state of inertia" with fewer major projects in the pipeline than the ACT.

    Infrastructure Partnerships Australia and BIS Shrapnel as well as investment bank Goldman Sachs have found Queensland is facing a $50 billion black hole in major building project investments in the next five years.

    The news will increase pressure on under fire treasure Curtis Pitt to find a way to spark the state's economy, with IPS chief executive Brendan Lyons saying a starting point would be to sell or lease the state's power network.

    "Queensland is the third biggest economy in Australia, yet on current settings its major project pipeline is smaller than that of the ACT,'' Mr Lyons said.

    "If Queensland cannot fix its budget, it cannot fix its infrastructure — which means fewer jobs, worsening congestion, higher than necessary electricity bills, crowded hospitals, schools and prisons and an exodus of skills and capital to other states." ...

Best wishes
Robert

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track http://backontrack.org

Media release: 13 December 2015

SEQ: A Christmas wish – Duplicate the Sunshine Coast Line

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web-based community support group for rail and public transport and an advocate for public transport passengers has called on the state government to end secrecy over its plans for the Sunshine Coast Line rail track duplication to Nambour and spell out a timetable for its construction (1).

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"If ever there was a collective Christmas gift the Queensland Government could give the people of the Sunshine Coast, it would be certainty over the timetable for construction of dual railway tracks between Beerburrum and Landsborough North, and then onto Nambour."

"The economic benefits of this construction project and the flow-on stimulus to the region and state are enormous and are known to the state government, which is preparing a business case and cost-benefit analysis cloaked in secrecy.  Previous studies have revealed that $1 spent on the Sunshine Coast Line duplication would generate $2.25 for the SEQ economy."

"The new study is doing the calculation based on 2015 dollars, but the result is likely to be very positive. Indeed, it seems a more extensive plan for the North Coast Line (including north of Nambour) is in prospect, but the state government won't reveal any of the detail or likely timings."

"This uncertainty is stifling planning and investment decisions by the private sector.  Also, many of the fly-in, fly-out mining workers employed in other parts of Queensland make the Sunshine Coast home. As the resources boom comes off the boil, affecting their jobs, the track duplication to Nambour would create new jobs for these people and sustain their spending contribution to the Coast economy."

"The latest advice from TransLink and the Department of Transport and Main Roads is that the cost-benefit analysis was due to be completed by the end of the year, with the results being used to inform the business case. The department has cited no reason, except to say it is not publicly available at this stage, in not releasing the details of what it calls the 'North Coast Line Action Plan'."

"Clearly, the government is talking to industry and private financiers about the most favourable solution involving joint private-public funding mixes.  While these may be commercially sensitive, this does not prevent the Palaszczuk government from explaining the timelines and stages for this preliminary work."

"We think it is also time for the government to pin its colours to the mast and stipulate what physical structural works it has in mind and what construction timetable it proposes.  Recent wording in government strategic documents now refers to this project as 'duplication to Landsborough and further upgrading to Nambour', suggesting that the project scope has altered to involve dual tracks to Landsborough only, with longer passing loops on a single track further north to Nambour."

"By not spelling out the detail, the government is creating an impression that it lacks a coherent infrastructure agenda."

"All we want for Christmas is two rail tracks, but it feels more like pulling teeth to get anything done. The time for playing Scrooge with the Sunshine Coast is over."

Contacts:

Jeff Addison
Sunshine Coast Region Spokesperson for RAIL Back On Track

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track http://backontrack.org

Reference:

1. The Sunshine Coast Case : Rail duplication Beerburrum to Nambour
http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=6647.0

[Stillwater]

Here's a question for wise heads ....

If track duplication was extended to Landsborough North and, taking account of the changed express running on the current track post MBRL opening, what would be the combined travel time saving for a Brisbane-Nambour train?

[ozbob]

Be a similar improvement to Caboolture - Beerburrum, probably 8 to 10 minutes, but the major improvement will be reliability and the ability to punch through more trains. 

[Stillwater]

From memory, and FF would know this exactly, Caboolture-Landsborough was an 8 min. saving (with some of that been won already with duplication to Beerburrum), so I am thinking 12 min. travel time saving IF duplication went to Landsborough North AND the changed express stopping pattern south of Caboolture was implemented post MBRL.  Landsborough North - Nambour duplication would save 17 min.  So almost half an hour off Brisbane-Nambour run than when duplication stopped at Caboolture.  Nambour would be 1.5hrs travel time from Brisbane using conventional units.

I am not sure though, need someone with greater familiarity of the subject to confirm.

[Arnz]

^

Caboolture to Landsborough was 8 minutes overall.
Stage 1 Caboolture to Beerburrum was 3 minutes
Stage 2 Beerburrum to Landsborough was 5 minutes.

For example; a typical Landsborough to Brisbane (originating from Nambour) run under the post MBRL standard stopping pattern in 2016 takes 1hr 21 minutes from Landsborough. 

If Stage 2 was done, it would be reduced to 1hr 16 minutes (the same travel time pre-2012 sectorisation). 
Most of the savings would be from the Beerburrum to Glasshouse section, whereas the Glasshouse to Landsborough N section just requires a track next to most of the existing alignment (the only curve easing required is just north of Glasshouse Mtns station).

The post MBRL timetables just shows how much fat is in the existing timetables overall, including the Caboolture/Sunshine Coast lines.

[Fares_Fair]

From memory, and FF would know this exactly, Caboolture-Landsborough was an 8 min. saving (with some of that been won already with duplication to Beerburrum), so I am thinking 12 min. travel time saving IF duplication went to Landsborough North AND the changed express stopping pattern south of Caboolture was implemented post MBRL.  Landsborough North - Nambour duplication would save 17 min.  So almost half an hour off Brisbane-Nambour run than when duplication stopped at Caboolture.  Nambour would be 1.5hrs travel time from Brisbane using conventional units.

I am not sure though, need someone with greater familiarity of the subject to confirm.

Spot on.
8 minutes is correct. (originally announced time-saving Caboolture to Landsborough) that TTBOMK never eventuated when work ended short at Beerburrum in April 2009.
Duplication to Nambour would save 17 minutes and 40 seconds (just between Nambour and Caboolture) according to one report.

I note Arnz's explanatory comments too. Thank you Arnz.

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

16th December 2015

Re Gold Coast heavy rail duplication on track for Commonwealth Games

Greetings,

We welcome confirmation that the track amplification between Coomera and Helensvale is to begin next year.

Joint statement: Gold Coast heavy rail duplication on track for Commonwealth Games
http://statements.qld.gov.au/Statement/2015/12/16/gold-coast-heavy-rail-duplication-on-track-for-commonwealth-games

This is an essential upgrade to deliver increased capacity and reliability for Gold Coast passenger rail services.

The Sunshine Coast Line also needs a track amplification from Beerburrum to Landsborough North.  This not only will deliver increases in capacity and reliability for passenger rail services it will also allow more freight train capacity as well.

Best wishes
Robert

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track http://backontrack.org

Media release: 13 December 2015

SEQ: A Christmas wish – Duplicate the Sunshine Coast Line

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web-based community support group for rail and public transport and an advocate for public transport passengers has called on the state government to end secrecy over its plans for the Sunshine Coast Line rail track duplication to Nambour and spell out a timetable for its construction (1).

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"If ever there was a collective Christmas gift the Queensland Government could give the people of the Sunshine Coast, it would be certainty over the timetable for construction of dual railway tracks between Beerburrum and Landsborough North, and then onto Nambour."

"The economic benefits of this construction project and the flow-on stimulus to the region and state are enormous and are known to the state government, which is preparing a business case and cost-benefit analysis cloaked in secrecy.  Previous studies have revealed that $1 spent on the Sunshine Coast Line duplication would generate $2.25 for the SEQ economy."

"The new study is doing the calculation based on 2015 dollars, but the result is likely to be very positive. Indeed, it seems a more extensive plan for the North Coast Line (including north of Nambour) is in prospect, but the state government won't reveal any of the detail or likely timings."

"This uncertainty is stifling planning and investment decisions by the private sector.  Also, many of the fly-in, fly-out mining workers employed in other parts of Queensland make the Sunshine Coast home. As the resources boom comes off the boil, affecting their jobs, the track duplication to Nambour would create new jobs for these people and sustain their spending contribution to the Coast economy."

"The latest advice from TransLink and the Department of Transport and Main Roads is that the cost-benefit analysis was due to be completed by the end of the year, with the results being used to inform the business case. The department has cited no reason, except to say it is not publicly available at this stage, in not releasing the details of what it calls the 'North Coast Line Action Plan'."

"Clearly, the government is talking to industry and private financiers about the most favourable solution involving joint private-public funding mixes.  While these may be commercially sensitive, this does not prevent the Palaszczuk government from explaining the timelines and stages for this preliminary work."

"We think it is also time for the government to pin its colours to the mast and stipulate what physical structural works it has in mind and what construction timetable it proposes.  Recent wording in government strategic documents now refers to this project as 'duplication to Landsborough and further upgrading to Nambour', suggesting that the project scope has altered to involve dual tracks to Landsborough only, with longer passing loops on a single track further north to Nambour."

"By not spelling out the detail, the government is creating an impression that it lacks a coherent infrastructure agenda."

"All we want for Christmas is two rail tracks, but it feels more like pulling teeth to get anything done. The time for playing Scrooge with the Sunshine Coast is over."

Contacts:

Jeff Addison
Sunshine Coast Region Spokesperson for RAIL Back On Track

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track http://backontrack.org

Reference:

1. The Sunshine Coast Case : Rail duplication Beerburrum to Nambour
http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=6647.0

[ozbob]

Sunshine Coast Daily --> Coast reacts as Gold Coast rail plans get nod ahead of Coast

AS THE Gold Coast today scored a green light in early-2016 for the final stage of its heavy rail duplication to Brisbane, Coast MPs and others have vented frustration at the Coast's inability to achieve State Government support.

Maroochydore MP Fiona Simpson slammed Treasurer Curtis Pitt after yesterday's announcement, as the Coast's own duplication plans are swept up in bureaucracy, while question marks linger over other major projects in the region including the Mooloolah River Interchange roads network around the new Kawana Health Precinct.

"I suggest the Treasurer take the train to and from the Sunshine Coast and tell us why he doesn't think the Sunshine Coast's rail duplication is important," Ms Simpson said.

"His announcement today of the final duplication of rail to the Gold Coast without committing to the Sunshine Coast is a kick in the guts for the region.

A TransLink spokeswoman explained there were planning works underway to address the Coast's rail network needs.

"The Department of Transport and Main Roads is working with Queensland Rail to develop an Action Plan for the North Coast line between Nambour and Cairns," the spokeswoman said.

"The Action Plan is currently in the preliminary planning stage.

"The business case phase of the Beerburrum to Nambour Rail Upgrade Project will investigate options to address the current deficiencies in the network to improve travel times, reliability and service frequency for passenger and freight services.

"As the project is in the business case development phase, the department has not finalised the project scope."

Meanwhile the State Treasury repeated further commitments to Gold Coast rail with the release of its Mid Year Fiscal and Economic Review, which again highlighted plans to fund stage two of the Gold Coast light rail network with savings found in the current Department of Transport and Main Roads budget.

Concerns were raised today as to what the commitments mean for the future of the Coast and its key infrastructure.

" ... Action plan ... " 

[#Metro]

Sunshine Coasters need to organise. Rallies, petitions, etc.
Also need to make the SC a marginal seat. Pollies won't listen until it is.

[ozbob]

Sunshine Coasters need to organise. Rallies, petitions, etc.
Also need to make the SC a marginal seat. Pollies won't listen until it is.

Hopefully we can move away from the politics of projects, to projects on merit.

This is the intention of the Feds, hopefully it can be translated down to the state level.

It is appalling that projects are based on politics rather than the actual merit and need.

[ozbob]

Fiona Simpson --> Pitt sticks it to Sunshine Coast with failing 1880's single rail track

Wednesday, 16 December 2015

Sunshine Coast MP Fiona Simpson has blasted Treasurer Curtis Pitt and Labor for putting back the Sunshine Coast's desperately needed rail upgrade while announcing rail duplication to the Gold Coast. 

"I suggest the Treasurer take the train to and from the Sunshine Coast and tell us why he doesn't think the Sunshine Coast's rail duplication is important," Ms Simpson said. "His announcement today of the final duplication of rail to the Gold Coast without committing to the Sunshine Coast is a kick in the guts for the region.

"Anna Bligh canned the 2009 upgrade, the LNP prioritised it as number one commitment for the 2015 election campaign and now it's back on the back burner under Labor despite relying on Nicklin MP Peter Wellington for the balance of power to hold Government," Ms Simpson said.

"This is an insult and ignores the existing demand, let alone what is coming thanks to Caloundra South and the
commercial-in-confidence infrastructure agreement signed by the Deputy Premier Jackie Trad."

"This Labor Government's got no plan and idea about managing growth with infrastructure  on the north of Brisbane." 

[ozbob]

Sunshine Coast Daily --> Sunshine Coast's infrastructure dreams drift off track

AS THE State Government reiterated its commitment to Gold Coast rail plans the Sunshine Coast's infrastructure dreams drift further off track.

An announcement was made yesterday on the final, 8.2km stretch of heavy rail duplication from Helensvale to Coomera, confirming works would start in March on the $163 million project.

It's left some on the Coast fearing vital infrastructure needs will be pushed further down the waiting list.

The final piece in the heavy rail puzzle will eventually link up with the Gold Coast Light Rail network with the second stage to link light rail from Southport to the heavy rail network at Helensvale.

The State Treasury reiterated the second stage of the light rail network would proceed thanks to savings made within the Transport and Main Roads budget in its Mid Year Fiscal and Economic Review released this week.

The announcement of further improvements on the Gold Coast, ahead of the 2018 Commonwealth Games, earned the ire of a number of Coast MPs as well as business advocates and frustrated commuters.

Sunshine Coast Rail Back on Track spokesman Jeff Addison said it showed the State Government could progress projects when it needed to, but questioned the apparent reliance on federal funds to do so.

Mr Addison was also critical of Independent Member for Nicklin and Speaker Peter Wellington, who Mr Addison said had failed his electorate by not using his powerful position to push for infrastructure.

"He called for it (rail duplication to the Coast) previously when the LNP were in government ... and now he's in a position of power there's just silence on the issue," Mr Addison said.

Despite the Daily's attempts, Mr Wellington could not be contacted for comment yesterday.

Sunshine Coast Business Council chairwoman Sandy Zubrinich spoke of the group's concerns about the Coast's seeming inability to demand priority for both road and rail infrastructure, asking Mr Wellington to make his position on Coast infrastructure needs publicly clear.

A TransLink spokeswoman said the Beerburrum to Nambour upgrade's business case would look to address current service shortfalls.

[Stillwater]

There is a whole lot of babble coming from the state government about the Sunshine Coast Line and North Coast Line that needs a forensic examination.  Here is the quote the SCD included in its story .... quoting a 'Transport and Main Roads spokesperson':

"A TransLink spokeswoman explained there were planning works underway to address the Coast's rail network needs.  The Department of Transport and Main Roads is working with Queensland Rail to develop an Action Plan for the North Coast line between Nambour and Cairns," the spokeswoman said.

"The Action Plan is currently in the preliminary planning stage.

"The business case phase of the Beerburrum to Nambour Rail Upgrade Project will investigate options to address the current deficiencies in the network to improve travel times, reliability and service frequency for passenger and freight services.

"As the project is in the business case development phase, the department has not finalised the project scope."

So, when asked about what was happening with duplication to Nambour, the spokesperson babbled on about a North Coast Action Plan from Nambour to Cairns, not the section of track of interest to the reporter?  It is preliminary and all very vague, as usual, 'can't tell you anything.... normal stuff ... way off in the future, etc.

Beerburrum to Nambour is an 'upgrade project' which may not involve full duplication.  (It is possible to 'upgrade' a single track.)

"As the project is in the business case development phase, the department has not finalised the project scope."

So, the EIS showing the duplicated track to Nambour is NOT the final project scope?  What is the scope of the project now being complicated?  Having regard to other subtle wording around this project, is the plan now to duplicate to Landsborough North, but only have extended passing loops further north, and beyond Nambour under an 'action plan'?

Remember when FF asked about the North Coast Line Action Plan, he was told words to the effect that it had been lost, or that reference to it on a website could not be found.

It is in the 'preliminary planning stage' we are told.  At least it has been found!

But what about other statements that Beerburrum-Nambour duplication was being costed as part of a business case to be ready 'by the end of the year'.  We now know it is in the 'preliminary planning stage'.

Perhaps RailBOT could get an explanation from government over the terminology and meaning of these words and phrases.

'concept stage'
'pre-feasibility stage'
'proving-up phase'
'planning work underway'
'desktop design stage'
'preliminary planning stage'
'scoping study phase'
'final design stage'
'pre-business case planning stage'
'business case stage'
'commercial and governance probity stage'
'pre-tender stage'
'shovel ready', and
'tender let'. finally
'construction underway'

is there a hierarch for these things, so we know just where a project is at on the greasy pole of government administration, or is the terminology designed to confuse, deliberately, so?

[#Metro]

Maybe we should do the EIS ourselves. LOL. 

[Stillwater]

Is the 'North Coast Action Plan' a different name for the QR-ARTC exercise that was started under the LNP to explore options for, and feasibility of, the ARTC taking over a lease of the North Coast Line to Townsville?  This Labor state government doesn't do leases or sales of government assets.  But if an 'action plan' is in the offing, there must be a lot of info on file ....

Click C, Click V

[#Metro]

Maybe we need to do a p%ss: Political Impact Statement Study....   

[#Metro]

*   P - PRELIMINARY
*   R - REALISABLE
*   O - OVER
*   C - COUNTRY
*   R - RAIL
*   A - ALIGNMENT
*   S - SUBSEQUENT
*   T - TO
*   I - INQUIRY
*   N - NETWORK
*   A - AND
*   T - TIMING
*   E - EXCERCISE

[ozbob]

Sunshine Coast Daily --> Time for action on transport infrastructure plans (SCL)

[Stillwater]

LNP copping flack for not doing enough when it was in government to improve the Sunny Coast's light and heavy rail infrastructure.

http://www.sunshinecoastdaily.com.au/news/back-in-your-boxesinteresting-reading-regarding-th/2878816/

[Stillwater]

It would now appear there is a 'North Coast Line Action Plan' in (preliminary) preparation.  It had been lost or 'not on the internet'.  It is not on the internet, we don't know the terms of reference or the objective.  We do know it's focus is the North Coast line north of Nambour.  Funding and the scale of works required would be a fair punt, but when will the plan emerge?

[verbatim9]

It would now appear there is a 'North Coast Line Action Plan' in (preliminary) preparation.  It had been lost or 'not on the internet'.  It is not on the internet, we don't know the terms of reference or the objective.  We do know it's focus is the North Coast line north of Nambour.  Funding and the scale of works required would be a fair punt, but when will the plan emerge?

They are probably updating the document then having it approved before web services puts it back online

[Fares_Fair]

These changes to rail transport will occur from 2am (0200) Thursday 24 December through to 8am (0800) Thursday December 31 2015.
A result of work on the Moreton Bay Rail Link.

Southbound: From 0200 (that's 2am) there will be Buses from Caboolture to Northgate, then transfer back to trains from Northgate to the City.

Northbound: Buses from Northgate to Caboolture (or your destination station if further north than Caboolture).

[Fares_Fair]

Sunshine Coast Daily
Plans for dual train track run off the rails

By Bill Hoffman | 9th Jan 2016 5:00 AM

http://www.sunshinecoastdaily.com.au/news/plans-for-dual-track-run-off-the-rails/2894186/

A CRITICAL rail upgrade promised for completion four years ago won't have its funding priority confirmed for another 18 months.

The Department of Transport and Main Roads has revealed a new business case for duplication of the Beerburrum to Landsborough section of the North Coast line won't be ready for consideration by the State Government until mid-2017, after which funding for the project will be assessed against other priorities.

The proposed work will also include upgrades of the track to Nambour, duplication of which is now not in the pipeline before 2031.

The project remains uncosted with a spokesman saying that would not be generated until the completion of the business case.

Transport and Main Roads officials revealed yesterday that planning of the long-awaited Caboolture to Maroochydore Corridor Options Study (CAMCOS) rail link into the Sunshine Coast from Landsborough via Caloundra South was still on the table with design work now focused on the best route through Stockland's 50,000-population Aura development.

However, no advance beyond planning can be expected before 2031 at the earliest.

Uncertainty over the delivery of the rail line duplication comes after a Christmas-new year holiday break that saw the Bruce Highway and roads across the Sunshine Coast gridlocked during peak hours.

And it is set against proposed changes to extend the SEQ Regional Plan urban footprint and State Government projections the Sunshine Coast will grow by 60% during the next 20 years.

In 2006 Former Labor minister Paul Lucas promised the Beerburrum to Landsborough duplication would be completed by 2012.

In 2007 a Landsborough to Nambour duplication "initial advice statement" produced by consultant Arup said under a "Do Nothing Option" it was "likely the region will experience adverse socio-economic effects should the North Coast line not be upgraded".

And then in 2011 former Labor state treasurer Andrew Fraser issued a media statement stating that planning for the Landsborough to Nambour duplication was on track.

The entire duplication from Beerburrum to Nambour was a critical element of key planning documents including the SEQ Regional Plan 2000-2026, the SEQ Infrastructure Plan 2005-2026, the Draft Translink Network Plan of 2005 and the Rail Network Strategy for Queensland 2001-2011.

Assessment of the business case for the project will now rest with Building Queensland, a body established last year by the Palaszczuk Government to determine the state's infrastructure priorities.

Funding for the Beerburrum to Landsborough link was withdrawn in 2009 after Labor lost the railway town seat of Glass House to the LNP's Andrew Powell, who remains the member.

The Transport and Main Roads spokesman said yesterday: "The Queensland Government is committed to the progressive priority upgrade of the North Coast line to improve safety, efficiency and reliability. As such, the government has assessed potential property impacts within the required corridor for the Beerburrum to Landsborough rail upgrade project.

"This includes 82 properties between Beerburrum and Landsborough, 24 of which are privately owned and 162 properties between Landsborough and Nambour, 153 of which are privately owned.

"To date the government has acquired 11 properties between Beerburrum and Landsborough and 109 properties between Landsborough and Nambour. This proactive approach demonstrates the government's longer-term commitment to the North Coast line."

Sunshine Coast rail upgrade advocate Jeff Addison said the main issue remained the need to upgrade the eastern seaboard line between Brisbane and Cairns with particular attention to the Brisbane to Nambour section that was its weakest link.

"We can't see any light on the horizon,'' Mr Addison said.

"The Environmental Impact Statement announced in 2011 giving approval to proceed expired in November. They now have to redo the entire process.

"It's just been a litany of disappointment. We'll end up with a car-centric Coast. There's another city the size of Gladstone to be built at our southern end and an inadequate highway.

"It's negligence on the part of government.

"One passenger train will take more than 500 cars off the road. A single 1500m freight train removes 110 semi-trailers from the Bruce Highway."

The lack of longer passing lines compromises the dual freight and passenger use of the line between Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast.

Delays caused by a lack of capacity in passing lines also compromises the performance of the entire railway line to Cairns.

Transport officials said the $4 million spent on the lapsed impact statement won't be wasted, with the old document able to be refreshed and re-used.

[Stillwater]

"Transport and Main Roads officials revealed yesterday that planning of the long-awaited Caboolture to Maroochydore Corridor Options Study (CAMCOS) rail link into the Sunshine Coast from Landsborough via Caloundra South was still on the table with design work now focused on the best route through Stockland's 50,000-population Aura development."

Wasn't there a route selected, a different route looked at and a final route eventually chosen so that the CAMCOS corridor could be reserved through Aura?  Like much of the planning for Queensland transport infrastructure, it seems a constant case of one step forward, two steps back.

[Stillwater]

There are lots of consequences arising from the decision to re-schedule the SCL duplication back to the original proposed date of 2031.  They are well documented, but here is one, from a submission to a federal parliamentary inquiry into the role of public transport in delivering productivity outcomes.  It quotes advice to the Queensland Government.

Under a 'do nothing' scenario, it is likely that the Sunshine Coast Region would experience adverse socio-economic effects should the SCL not be upgraded between Landsborough and Nambour. Increases in demand are likely to significantly challenge the ability of the current infrastructure to support an acceptable level of rail service in the future. Source: Landsborough to Nambour --- Initial Advice Statement by Arup Engineers (2007).

www.dip.qld.gov.au/docs/library/pdf/mp_landsborough_nambour_rail_IAS.pdf

So, there we have it, a Labor state government deliberately prepared to inflict adverse socio-economic impacts on the people of the Sunshine Coast.  It is an act of vindictiveness because that constituency doesn't vote Labor, whereas there are crucial Labor seats to be held on the Gold Coast.

[Arnz]

^^

Gold Coast is a safe Coalition region which has had spending from all sides of governments. 

Like SC (Noosa, Kawana and Glasshouse at one point being Labor seats), however they did held 2 Gold Coast seats during the Beattie era.

[ozflier]

Why does the government just get over not selling assets and get some real money and fix the problem?

[Fares_Fair]

I concur ozflier, and this is my personal opinion.

NSW have sold/leased assets and raised $20 BILLION Yes, you read that right, $20 billion, to put towards the state's infrastructure needs.

Of that $20 BILLION, almost $9 BILLION is directed towards public transport infrastructure.

Queensland can only look on and weep at what we won't get.

[#Metro]

There are a number of options to fund large and expensive projects, in addition to the well worn path of appearing before Federal Parliament in tears/weeping/begging/etc.

1. Sell/Lease Assets and use the funds to pay for projects (there is no loss of future income, as the value of an asset is the sum of its future income, discounted and expressed in today's dollars: In addition, Gov't is a non-profit organisation, so profit maximisation isn't the main goal here anyway).

2. Borrow against assets held. Use the future income from the assets to pay down the interest.

3. Broaden/Increase taxes. Extending Land Tax to residential property, and phasing out stamp duties is the obvious way to do this.

4. Get the private sector to pay for it. It is difficult to see how this would work, but it would be similar to a toll road, possibly with the gov paying over time the line off. Like Airtrain.

[#Metro]

I concur ozflier, and this is my personal opinion.

NSW have sold/leased assets and raised $20 BILLION Yes, you read that right, $20 billion, to put towards the state's infrastructure needs.

Of that $20 BILLION, almost $9 BILLION is directed towards public transport infrastructure.

Queensland can only look on and weep at what we won't get.

I'm not making a comment that this is good or bad either way, but what I can say is that it is a controversial position within QLD at least. Asset sales were rejected at the election and Red team swore that they would not sell any assets. This included Leasing (which is not a sale, just ask any homeowner) and this also included BCC buses, which isn't a sale, but a monopoly supply contractor. I think blue team, at least on paper, is in agreement.

What is your response to that?

Part of the issue is that with all this unwillingness to offend anyone, everything is stalled, and the way to do something is to push it out into the future, where it exists only in concept/paper.

[Stillwater]

If you look at all aspects of this project:
- all advice to government is that it should be built, without exception
- transport efficiencies are enhanced
- positive socio-economic benefits flow
- travel time savings are won for passenger rail and rail freight
- the environment benefits by having freight moved on rail, transport costs are increased
- the construction industry benefits, jobs are created
- the Queensland economy is enhanced
- while this is to be tested in the new business case, past business analysis says the project will generate more dollars than it costs to build.  It actually costs more not to build it.

The only variable left is politics.  Politics is holding up the duplication of the SCL to Nambour.

[Stillwater]

The 90km car park prediction:  http://www.sunshinecoastdaily.com.au/news/highway-warning-for-motorists-to-expect-more-delay/2894684

[achiruel]

The 90km car park prediction:  http://www.sunshinecoastdaily.com.au/news/highway-warning-for-motorists-to-expect-more-delay/2894684

Considering with one exception (some foamer who wants 420km/h HSR) every response to that article wants more roads built, I don't see much political will among the electorate on the Sunshine Coast for improving public transport.  I consider they're currently getting what they deserve.  Just a pity the rest of the State has to be affected by their shortsightedness.

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Fears Queensland's infrastructure plans not on track to meet future demand

MUCH-needed rail projects across Queensland are stalled in the planning stage, sparking fears that the state's heavy rail system will not be able to cope with growing passenger numbers in the future.

The Palaszczuk Government is under pressure to get moving on new projects amid concerns the Moreton Bay Rail Link may be the end of the line for heavy rail.

Acting Premier Jackie Trad and Transport Minister Stirling Hinchliffe yesterday spruiked the progress of the near-completed Moreton Bay Rail Link.

But RAIL Back On Track spokesman Robert Dow said the Government needed to turn its mind to delivering other crucial rail projects like the duplication of the Sunshine Coast railway line and cross-river rail.

"There's nothing in the pipeline. It's all planning and looking at cost-benefit and ­redoing studies that have been done many times already," Mr Dow said. "They produce the documents but nothing ever happens."

Mr Dow did acknowledge the announcement last month of the $163 million duplication of the Gold Coast railway line between Helensvale and Coomera, and the securing of Commonwealth funds for the Gold Coast light rail extension.

Experts have warned Queensland's rail system will not cope with rapidly growing passenger numbers and risk exceeding capacity by 2021.

Transport Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said the Government was moving on major projects and was poised to announce its infrastructure plan in coming months.

[Fares_Fair]

Right on the money with the comments.. just need money to actually start building #2tracks rail duplication to the Sunshine Coast.

As Robert Dow rightly points out, all the planning and studies have been done and are now being redone.. it's time-wasting procrastination on a Government scale IMO.

Only major projects with joint Commonwealth/State funding are being built.. and the money for the Gold Coast duplication is coming out of existing TMR budgets.
Barrel scraping for money is the order of the day.

The $4 million EIS for Landsborough to Nambour rail which expired in November 2015 was reported to be able to be partially reused.. lol  good news of course, but symptomatic of the always plan - never build it - scenario for the North Coast Line and the Sunshine Coast community.

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

15th January 2015

Track amplification Beerburrum to Landsborough North

Greetings,

Upgrading the Sunshine Coast Line, next stage from Beerburrum to Landsborough North, must be a key priority from here.  Expertise built up on the MBRL project can be moved onto this project?

It is a priority because:

- all advice to government is that it should be built, without exception
- transport efficiencies are enhanced
- positive socio-economic benefits flow
- travel time savings are won for passenger rail and rail freight
- the environment benefits by having freight moved on rail, transport costs are decreased
- the construction industry benefits, jobs are created
- the Queensland economy is enhanced
- while this is to be tested in the new business case, past business analysis says the project will generate more dollars than it costs to build.  It actually costs more not to build it.

The only variable left is politics.  Politics is holding up the duplication of the Sunshine Coast Line.

A recent article from the Couriermail:

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

Couriermail --> Fears Queensland's infrastructure plans not on track to meet future demand

MUCH-needed rail projects across Queensland are stalled in the planning stage, sparking fears that the state's heavy rail system will not be able to cope with growing passenger numbers in the future.

The Palaszczuk Government is under pressure to get moving on new projects amid concerns the Moreton Bay Rail Link may be the end of the line for heavy rail.

Acting Premier Jackie Trad and Transport Minister Stirling Hinchliffe yesterday spruiked the progress of the near-completed Moreton Bay Rail Link.

But RAIL Back On Track spokesman Robert Dow said the Government needed to turn its mind to delivering other crucial rail projects like the duplication of the Sunshine Coast railway line and cross-river rail.

"There's nothing in the pipeline. It's all planning and looking at cost-benefit and ­redoing studies that have been done many times already," Mr Dow said. "They produce the documents but nothing ever happens."

Mr Dow did acknowledge the announcement last month of the $163 million duplication of the Gold Coast railway line between Helensvale and Coomera, and the securing of Commonwealth funds for the Gold Coast light rail extension.

Experts have warned Queensland's rail system will not cope with rapidly growing passenger numbers and risk exceeding capacity by 2021.

Transport Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said the Government was moving on major projects and was poised to announce its infrastructure plan in coming months.

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

Best wishes
Robert

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track http://backontrack.org

[Stillwater]

The closure and mothballing of the North Queensland nickel refinery will push back the start on the SCL duplication.  Why?

Townsville's unemployment rate is 8 per cent and will shoot up even further with the loss of 200 jobs.

The state government will need to do something and will bring forward construction of the proposed new Townsville Sports Stadium, to which it has pledged $100 million.  http://www.statedevelopment.qld.gov.au/major-projects/north-queensland-stadium.html

The upcoming state 'infrastructure plan' will include all infrastructure, pitting SCL duplication against stadiums, hospitals, major road upgrades etc.

[ozbob]

I am not concerned with the stadium in Townsville.

Do nothing about the Sunshine Coast and LNP will simply march right back in ...

More than enough to do both.

[Fares_Fair]

A son has scored a job at Cooroy.
The first train of the day northbound in the morning departs Nambour at 11:26am!

So unfortunately, he must take to the highway on the car-centric Sunshine Coast.

#publictransport
#2tracks

More services required north of Nambour if we truly wish to encourage PT use.
Wonder how many others are in the same boat?

[ozbob]

From the archives ...

Sent to all outlets:

1st November 2015

SEQ: Nambour - Gympie North, more rail services needed

Good Morning,

We have previously highlighted the need for  more local rail services between Nambour and Gympie North.

SEQ: Nambour - Gympie North, more rail services needed  --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=9034.msg147601#msg147601

As we said, It makes a lot of sense to use existing infrastructure and improve public transport options for the Sunshine Coast.

Support for our call for more rail services has been echoed by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland (CCIQ) in their submission to the Queensland Government's Strong Choices Program process:

"As the Sunshine Coast is eager to promote itself as a lifestyle destination within commuting distance of the Brisbane CBD, it is necessary to increase the frequency of commuter services and extend services on existing lines (e.g. extend more than two peak services daily beyond Nambour) ..."

(page 6)

https://www.cciq.com.au/assets/Documents/Advocacy/submissions/StrongChoices-investment-040914.pdf

The draft timetables for Caboolture and Sunshine Coast Lines > http://translink.com.au/travel-information/service-notices/62896/details perhaps provides an opportunity looking at some extra services north of Nambour.

There are a lot of potential passengers just waiting for a more frequent service.  As Nambour and the rail towns & hinterland continues to develop this is becoming more important.

The Sunshine Coast deserves and needs better public transport.

Best wishes
Robert

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track http://backontrack.org