RAIL - Back On Track Forum

Quote from: timh on September 09, 2019, 22:35:49 PM
So I was taking a look at the alignment for the proposed Springfield - Ipswich rail extension, and I noticed on the Ipswich end it seems to follow a disused rail corridor (forgive me if I'm wrong)

https://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/-/media/Projects/I/Ipswich-to-Springfield-Public-Transport-Corridor-Study/ipswich-springfield-future-rail-corridor-0216.pdf?la=en

Curves off just west of Ipswich station, crosses Chalinor street, Tiger street, Keogh street, Omar Street, Moffatt Street. I couldn't find any reference to a branch line there in my digging online. Anyone know what this corridor was/is? Looks to me like a disused rail corridor but could be some other track idk.

Quote from: Stillwater on September 09, 2019, 22:58:27 PM
Maybe this it: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dugandan_railway_line

Yes.  This photograph was from a ARHS trip I did in the middle 1990s to Churchill, as far as the line went then.  This was just before Yamanto.  You can still see parts of the old formation around this part.

Hauled by a DH.



When you leave Ipswich for Rosewood, shortly after the stabling yard you can see where the former Dugandan line branched off the mainline.

These were taken in 2011 onboard to Rosewood, last little bit of the Dugandan branch can be seen.

Ah that's it! Thanks Stillwater and Ozbob. Dunno why I couldn't find any reference to that branch when I was researching.

Great to see that an old corridor has been preserved and will be used for a new line in future! Although I assume with the number of level crossings, the corridor may just be used for skyrail

Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk

http://statements.qld.gov.au/Statement/2019/9/20/71-million-ripley-valley-infrastructure-agreement-to-support-more-jobs

JOINT STATEMENT

Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning
The Honourable Cameron Dick

Assistant Minister for Veterans' Affairs and Assistant Minister of State
Ms Jennifer Howard

Friday, September 20, 2019

$7.1 million Ripley Valley infrastructure agreement to support more jobs

More roads and bridges will be built in the Ripley Valley Priority Development Area (PDA) with the Palaszczuk Government overseeing the signing of a $7.1 million infrastructure agreement for one of Queensland's boom growth areas.

Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning Cameron Dick said the Binnies Road West Catalyst Infrastructure Agreement for Ripley Valley will connect more Queenslanders with affordable housing and job opportunities.

"This $7.1 million agreement will ensure the delivery of essential road and bridge infrastructure along Binnies Road," Mr Dick said.

"As a result, this work will deliver more jobs to the south-east.

"The agreement is crucial to unlocking an additional 3300 affordable residential sites in one of the largest and most important urban growth areas in Australia.

"This continues Economic Development Queensland's vision to promote sustainable development in Ripley Valley, and across every PDA around the state."

Member for Ipswich Jennifer Howard said she was delighted the new roads and bridges would help generate more local employment.

"The new residents who move here will spend in our shops, they'll use our tradies, they'll attend our schools," Ms Howard says.

"Our economy is going to be stronger because of this growth, and the infrastructure delivered through this agreement will speed up that growth process, which is fantastic news for the city."

Orchard Property Group Managing Director Brent Hailey said the Binnies Road West Catalyst Infrastructure Agreement is pivotal to meet the region's future housing needs.

"The western end of this corridor would not have been able to be opened up without the catalyst infrastructure funding provided by EDQ," Mr Hailey said.

"As one of several land owners, we were unable to proceed without this capital funding, which will see greater land supply and affordability in this corridor."

The Ripley Valley PDA covers 4680 hectares and is located approximately five kilometres south-west of the Ipswich CBD, and south of Cunningham Highway.

Learn more about the Ripley Valley Priority Development Area.

ENDS

Ipswich First

Developer expands on vision for Ripley Town Centre

https://www.ipswichfirst.com.au/developer-expands-on-vision-for-ripley-town-centre/

" ... Key to the success of the masterplan vision will be the delivery of the Ipswich Central to Springfield Central Public Transport Corridor.

Mayor Teresa Harding said investment in a transport corridor between Ipswich Central and Springfield Central to connect high-growth areas such as Ripley, Deebing Heights and Yamanto – was essential.

"Council has invested in the development of a Strategic Business Case to assess demand for the Ipswich to Springfield transport corridor" Mayor Harding said.

"Infrastructure investment in a rail line, improved roads and more public bus services will be crucial to meet the future growth demands.

"The next step is the development of a Preliminary Business Case and then a Detailed Business Case, which will cost around $5 million, and further consider the options and project costing and benefits analysis.

"Projects of this scale and nature take a long time to develop, design and deliver and with our current growth rates and future demand, we cannot afford to wait. ... "

The Urban Developer--->Ripley Rail Line a Crucial Link in Region's Infrastructure Chain

Queensland Times --> Two-and-a-half hours to Brisbane? Why project is crucial

QuoteTHE growth corridor between the heart of Ipswich and Springfield will be choked up by traffic, with congestion costing up to $1 billion a year by 2036, unless funding is secured for a crucial public transport corridor.

Ipswich City Council has put the Ipswich Central to Springfield Central public transport corridor at the top of its checklist of needs ahead of the October state election.

The Ipswich local government area is the fastest growing region in the state.

Its population growth rate last year of 4.1 per cent was well above the state (1.7 per cent) and national (1.5 per cent) averages.

By 2041, Ipswich's population is expected to rise from 222,000 to 558,000.

About 70 per cent of that growth is expected to happen along or adjacent to the corridor between Ipswich and Springfield.

The newly-established Ipswich Leaders Alliance, made up of business and industry leaders, was formed to put pressure on incumbents and candidates ahead of the election to deliver the infrastructure needed to keep up with the needs of the rapidly growing city.

The group, chaired by mayor Teresa Harding, are fighting for more funding from the state and federal governments.

Cr Harding said Ipswich had not been receiving its "fair share" and wants that to change.

Over the past eight years, the per-capita spend on capital expenditure on Ipswich by the State Government has been $17,700, with $33,600 spent on inner-city Brisbane over the same period.

"Over the course of the next two months we will make it clear to all candidates and parties that the Ipswich community will not be ignored," Cr Harding said.

"We are ready to advocate for projects and policies that matter to the people of Ipswich most.

"We deserve our fair share. All candidates across the city are on notice."

A strategic assessment compiled on the corridor, dubbed the I2S Corridor, found if it doesn't come to fruition, Ripley residents will spend two-and-a-half hours driving into the Brisbane CBD in the mornings by 2036.

Excessive congestion is expected to cost $284 million a year in 2026 and that figure will rise to $1 billion per annum in 2036.

It was recommended to the council that four options (heavy rail, light rail, trackless trams and rapid bus transport) be taken forward to the next stage of the business case process.

That process is predicted to cost $2.5 million and take between 12 to 18 months to complete.

Ipswich Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Phil Bell is a member of the Ipswich Leaders Alliance.

"This is the first time it's been successfully put together," he said.

"It's been a long time coming.

"(The Ipswich Leaders Alliance) is about getting the best deal for our region.

"I think not only economically but around our social and community cohesion, we've been batting above our average now for 10 years.

"I think we've been undervalued and under rewarded when it comes to major infrastructure and investment.

"This leaders alliance is a really good opportunity for us as a community to agree upon priorities.

"We recognise it's been an interesting recent history for our region but this process is about looking forward."

Couriermail  --> Train line delays $18m Ripley shopping and residential complex $

QuoteA two-year delay in designs for a passenger train line has railroaded plans for one of the state's largest residential and retail precincts.

Property developer Peter Huang has been forced to ditch his dream of turning three blocks of land into a super shopping centre complete with a department store and up to 178 house lots.

Mr Huang's family company JHC Holdings Pty Ltd has been waiting two years to develop the Ipswich site after unsuccessfully lodging plans for the three blocks on Binnies Rd at Ripley in April 2018. ...

https://twitter.com/ozbob13/status/1432924312495820805

Brisbanetimes --> Problems loom while south-east Queensland's population booms $

QuoteA funding shortfall of just $1 million is holding up planning for a major multi-billion-dollar rail project to Brisbane's west.

First identified 15 years ago, the Springfield-Ipswich rail connection, which has bipartisan support, could be the catalyst for thousands of jobs.

The $1 million would allow a stalled $2.5 million options paper, the first part of a detailed business case, into a new rail line between Ipswich and Springfield to move ahead.

In June, the Queensland government provided $1 million towards that options paper. Ipswich City Council added $500,000, but the federal government did not include the other $1 million in its 2021 federal budget.

Both Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce, also the Infrastructure and Transport Minister, and Urban Infrastructure Minister Paul Fletcher have declined to comment. ...

The proposed Ipswich Central to Springfield Central public transport corridor showing nine stations over a 25 kilometre route.
CREDIT:IPSWICH CITY COUNCIL

https://twitter.com/ozbob13/status/1436347131850153995

Brisbanetimes --> Federal Labor commits $2m to push new SEQ rail line $

QuoteThe federal Labor Party on Friday promised $2 million to push ahead with the business case for a long-awaited 25-kilometre rail line from Springfield Central to Ipswich Central.

The population in the region – known as the Ripley Valley, which includes Springfield, Redbank Plains, Ripley and Deebing Heights – is growing at 25 per cent and is now Australia's fastest-growing region.

More than 500,000 people will live in the region by 2040.

By contrast, Queensland's average population growth rate is around 1.7 per cent.

A new rail line with nine new stations between Springfield Central and Ipswich Central was identified by the Queensland government in 2006-07.

However, the next stages of preparing a $2.5 million business case have stopped because the Federal LNP government would not add $1 million to prepare a business case.

The Queensland government has put forward $1 million and Ipswich City Council contributed $500,000 and in 2020 developed the project's initial business case. ...

https://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=12411.msg252175.msg#252175

When posting links, could you give a reason for the link as well please? So others know what the link is about (as it often just goes to the top of that page, not a specifoc post).

Agree I've noticed a lot of posts like that.

You get the notification for a new post, but then all it is is a link to a post that you have already read, with no commentary.

So disappointing.

With regards to the Ripley to Ipswich extention, would it be worth looking at the possibility of running Ripley - Yamanto - Amberly (outside the AFB) - Ipswich.
There is a large amount of people living around Springfield/Ripley areas who work at the Base and would be likely to use the train if it is available and convenient. The otger plus is those people would definitely pay for the trip, aa getting caught fare evading would also result in disciplinary action from the Defence Force!

Maybe something to look at?

Good idea!  But I think the section Ripley to Ipswich will be a lot less likely to be constructed as heavy rail than Springfield Central - Ripley.

I have had a number of meetings over the years with ICC transport staff about this corridor.  Light rail was once their preferred option, then heavy rail.  There are problems coming in around Yamanto now.  I suspect it will end up as electric BRT.  Which is not necessarily a bad thing.  A connection to or through Amberley could be possible for sure.

Being familiar with the area, Ipswich etc.  I have come to the conclusion from consideration over many years that electric BRT would be the best for the Ripley - Ipswich connection.  I have raised that with ICC as well.  There is a study going at present I think by ICC.
https://www.ipswich.qld.gov.au/about_council/media/media-releases/articles/2020/significant-step-forward-for-ipswich-spring-public-transport-corridor

Yeah i think with Ipswich, you just  need 4 or so bridging routes so you can give more people access.
Because the proposed rail alignment from Yamanto to Ipswich mostly follows the Bremer River, so aside from USQ so its a pretty crappy catchment that misses most of Ipswich.

If it did end up being rail via Amberly, maybe have it join the current line around Karrabin and do away with the Rosewood shuttle. By that time we would hopefully have a Toowoomba service that could stop at Rosewood and Walloon, to catch those stops, while negating the need for a new line through the west of Ipswich. BRT bridging connections for straight runs from Ripley to Ipswich etc as well.

Edit: Service pattern something along the lines of:
Springfield C - Redbank Plains - Ripley - Yamanto - Amberly - Karrabin - Wulkuraka - Thomas St - Ipswich

Ipswich Tribune --> City Deal delivers $10 million in planning studies

QuoteTHE long-awaited SEQ City Deal delivered on one major infrastructure project for Ipswich with a $10 million commitment between three levels of government for studies on the Ipswich to Springfield Central Public Transport Corridor.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison met with Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and the SEQ Council of Mayors in Brisbane after signing the City Deal, announcing a joint commitment to deliver $1.8 billion worth of infrastructure for the region. ...

Ipswich could be really cool to have BRT but I would suggest starting in their own reserved lanes from day one if possible.

QuoteIpswich Tribune --> City Deal delivers $10 million in planning studies

It's a good start, but its also a study report, not actual infrastructure.

^ it's been interesting.  I have had a number of meetings with transport people from Ipswich City Council over the years.  Initially they were keen on light rail, but they seem much more committed now to heavy rail.  My position is that the extension of the heavy rail from Springfield Central to Ripley North should go ahead asap.  Ripley North into Ipswich is going to be difficult to do for heavy rail.  If you have been out to Yamanto etc. lot of development and so forth into Ipswich. I have always suggested BRT using electric buses in dedicated bus lanes.  I am sure that will be looked at in the study.

Quote from: ozbob on March 24, 2022, 11:52:04 AM^ it's been interesting.  I have had a number of meetings with transport people from Ipswich City Council over the years.  Initially they were keen on light rail, but they seem much more committed now to heavy rail.  My position is that the extension of the heavy rail from Springfield Central to Ripley North should go ahead asap.  Ripley North into Ipswich is going to be difficult to do for heavy rail.  If you have been out to Yamanto etc. lot of development and so forth into Ipswich. I have always suggested BRT using electric buses in dedicated bus lanes.  I am sure that will be looked at in the study.

It's a bit disappointing that having known about this potential line for years, ICC did nothing to preserve the corridor.

Is there enough space on Warwick Rd to have dedicated bus lanes all the way into Ipswich. Will there be signal priority at intersections for BRT?

 

https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/97456

Palaszczuk Government funding to help unlock another 5,600 lots in Ripley Valley
28th March 2023

Deputy Premier, Minister for State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning and Minister Assisting the Premier on Olympic and Paralympic Games Infrastructure
The Honourable Dr Steven Miles

. Catalyst Infrastructure Fund (CIF) set to help unlock 5,600 lots in Ripley Valley Priority Development Area (PDA)

. $5.91 million in catalyst loans provided to Stockland to develop Barrams Road within Providence Estate

. The loan is part of the initial $40 million in catalyst funding to deliver essential infrastructure within Ripley Valley PDA

Another 5,600 lots are set to be unlocked in the Ripley Valley Priority Development Area (PDA) through the development of Barrams Road in Providence Estate.

Stockland will construct the road with the assistance of a $5.91 million catalyst loan from the Palaszczuk Government.

The loan is part of the initial $40 million in catalyst funding, aimed at delivering essential infrastructure with Ripley Valley PDA.

The development of Barrams Road is critical to unlocking the southeastern development precinct of the PDA and provides the missing link between the existing road network servicing Providence Estate and Intrapac's Cumner Road construction.

It will potentially develop into 48,750 dwellings to house a population of 131,000 people.

Quotes attributable to Deputy Premier Steven Miles:

"The Queensland Government is committed to tackling the current housing issues and ensuring every Queenslander has a roof over their head.

"To do that we need everybody's cooperation, because this is a national challenge, over 95% of people get their housing from the private market and councils are responsible for the majority of planning and approvals. 

"That's why we're helping councils by reviewing regional plans, preparing and delivering Local Housing Action Plans for rural and remote councils and providing Catalyst Infrastructure Funding to unlock growth.

"In the last Budget, the Queensland Government boosted the Catalyst Infrastructure Fund (CIF) with a further $150 million in equity funding to help deliver communities in Ripley Valley and Greater Flagstone."

Quotes attributable to Bundamba MP Lance McCallum:

"Our community is growing rapidly, so it is important to not only identify land for new homes, but also to make sure development can be accelerated.

"This is about having key infrastructure in place so that homes can be built as quickly as possible for Queenslanders who need them.

"Constraints on housing supply, diversity and affordability is one of the biggest challenges facing SEQ and the nation; a key part of the Queensland Government's plan to address this is by unlocking tens of thousands of lots across SEQ.

"I'm looking forward to welcoming more Queenslanders to live, work and play sooner in our wonderful Bundamba community, thanks to our Catalyst Infrastructure Funding."

For more information: Catalyst Infrastructure Fund

FURTHER INFORMATION:

In 2022, the Catalyst Infrastructure Fund (CIF) received a boost of $150 million in equity funding for the major infrastructure needed to continue the delivery of new communities such as Ripley Valley and Greater Flagstone.

The Ripley Valley PDA was declared on 8 October 2010 and covers a total area of 4,680 hectares.

Ipswich City Council has also been consulted in developing the catalyst infrastructure agreement with Stockland.

ENDS

                   I CAN FEEL SOME MORE CONGESTION ...OR FREEWAYS RAILWAY STATIONS ...COMING ON!!

Government Statement

Miles Doing What Matters: Thousands of new housing lots set to be unlocked in Ripley Valley

19th July 2024

https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/100858

So, that's 5600 lots facilitated in 2023 and now another 9000 or so in 2024. That's 32,000 extra residents at Ripley. Hummmmmm