RAIL - Back On Track Forum

^Thanks for the info Aldonius.

TravelTrain is not an issue. Landsborough is a timing and request only stop. They could keep both or move it to Beerwah. Moving to Beerwah will be the most likely one.

Yes Ozbob, that grey arrow running from Eagle Junction to Caboolture is about as vague as it gets when guessing the route of the Direct Sunshine Coast Line back towards Brisbane.

http://www.yourneighbourhood.com.au/2025-rail-network-south-east-queensland

Just stop all long distance trains at Gympie, Cooroy, Nambour, Beerwah and Caboolture.  Regional trains should be stopping at these places anyway so commuters can use these trains for a quicker journey to the CBD using TransLink fares given it is at most only a few hours, there is usually capacity and even if there are standees they can always get the Sunshine coast service instead.  The only regional service that isn't a tilt train is the SOTO, which is only 2 return trips a week and won't ever get more frequent, while there is scope to buy and run more tilts.

Plenty of interchanges throughout the network are less busy than they used to be (Enoggera), or are bigger than they ever needed to be (Nerang), or have been repurposed entirely (old Capalaba which is now parking).  Bus stations aren't actually that expensive so if Landsborough declines in importance it isn't that big a deal.  It won't be for years yet anyway.

Quote...  It won't be for years yet anyway. ...

Many, many years SurfRail 

Is this evidence that any rail spur from Beerwah 'towards the cost' is only ever planned to go as far as Caloundra?

South-East Queensland's Rail Horizon – dating from 2016

https://www.publications.qld.gov.au/dataset/south-east-queensland-s-rail-horizon/resource/7de43a6c-bad8-4697-ae5f-1cee148163e8

Page 15 reference – 'CALOUNDRA LINE'

And from the State Government's own website:

BEERBURRUM TO NAMBOUR RAIL UPGRADE
DETAILED BUSINESS CASE 2016

https://www.statedevelopment.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0023/54392/B2N-business-case-summary-1.pdf

"This document provides an overview of the Beerburrum to Nambour Rail Upgrade Detailed Business Case 2016. The primary objectives of this document are to outline the key aspects of the project and provide transparency for how the business case was developed and how the project may be implemented."

This is what presently is up on the TMR web site:

Beerwah to Maroochydore rail extension, planning

https://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/projects/beerwah-to-maroochydore-rail-extension-planning

QuoteWe are planning for a proposed passenger rail corridor between Beerwah and Maroochydore to increase public transport opportunities for the growing Sunshine Coast community.

The Queensland Government in partnership with the Australian Government are progressing Investment Planning for the Beerwah to Maroochydore rail extension.

This builds upon planning completed in 2001 by the Caboolture to Maroochydore Corridor Study. The purpose of the study was to determine the need for a new public transport corridor with consideration for route, mode, station location(s), broader public transport integration and staging between Beerwah and the Sunshine Coast Airport.

This project will review the preserved corridor and consider refinements to the alignment and station locations as well as potential staging plans to meet passenger demand and land use outcomes within the region.

This planning will also include a review of key road/rail interfaces along the proposed rail corridor including the Kawana Motorway, Mooloolah River Interchange and Buderim Mooloolaba Road interchange.

The Sunshine Coast Council lays out its transport wishlist for 2023:

https://www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/Council/Planning-and-Projects/Major-Regional-Projects/Sunshine-Coast-Mass-Transit-Project/Future-Transport-Plan

^

https://www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/Council/Planning-and-Projects/Major-Regional-Projects/Sunshine-Coast-Mass-Transit-Project/Future-Transport-Plan

It is important to note that Mass transit is one part of council's strategic plan for a future public transport system to meet the region's needs. This plan also incorporates:

. the upgraded existing regional heavy rail line running from Beerwah to Nambour

. a new regional heavy rail connection linking Beerwah to Caloundra, Kawana and Maroochydore along the CAMCOS corridor suitable for longer distances between stops

. a new local mass transit system along the coastal corridor suitable for shorter distances between stops

. an improved high frequency bus network connecting to other key destinations such as the hinterland

. an improved supporting network of feeder buses, park n rides and active transport connections
council will continue to advocate for all elements of this strategic plan for the future public transport system for the region.

I do wonder if HR to the airport is the best idea for the Sunshine Coast. Rather than make the Maroochydore CBD a spur, terminate the HR there, and extend LR to the airport. Will probably be much cheaper to build, and prevents needing to split the HR frequency.

Edit: surely QR/DTMR (whoever makes the decision) won't be daft enough to maintain the TT stop at Landsborough? It brings to mind the bad old days when the Brisbane Limited terminated at South Brisbane, and pax from the north & west were forced to change trains a second time (often with heavy luggage) to travel one more stop to connect to the main intercapital service...although that was due to a somewhat different reason; the failures to extend the DG across the Merivale Bridge until 1986.

I think exactly the same thing. It also makes sense because I'd say more of the airport traffic for LR would be aimed at the coastal strip and hotels, not back to Brisbane.

Splitting the HR line would mean either a 30 min frequency to Maroochydore CBD and the Airport (crap!)
If you made sure each terminus was 15 min frequency, then you are stuck running an unrealistic 7.5 min frequency through Caloundra all day.

Best thing to do is to just make sure the LR and HR station have a convenient transfer.

This study shows a sensible integrated model that can improve travel times to and from MCY airport, The Sunshine Coast surrounds and Brisbane.

It is best to leave it as heavy rail through to the airport as per the integrated study. There will be people catching flights to and from MCY airport in the future as well as workers from the Northern Brisbane suburbs up to Bundaberg no doubt. There may also be the need for people to connect to international flights or to cruises, thus having a direct HR connection is essential.

I hope they start acting on this study sooner than later. I think the Council up there are keen to get started now that the study is complete. 

QuoteThere may also be the need for people to connect to international flights

If you were connecting to international flights, you'd just fly into Brisbane and make the connection there.

Quote from: achiruel on January 18, 2023, 20:37:40 PMI do wonder if HR to the airport is the best idea for the Sunshine Coast. Rather than make the Maroochydore CBD a spur, terminate the HR there, and extend LR to the airport. Will probably be much cheaper to build, and prevents needing to split the HR frequency.

Edit: surely QR/DTMR (whoever makes the decision) won't be daft enough to maintain the TT stop at Landsborough? It brings to mind the bad old days when the Brisbane Limited terminated at South Brisbane, and pax from the north & west were forced to change trains a second time (often with heavy luggage) to travel one more stop to connect to the main intercapital service...although that was due to a somewhat different reason; the failures to extend the DG across the Merivale Bridge until 1986.

HR will go to Noosa if we care anything about the Sunshine Coast!! But LR also makes sense like Gold Coast. 2 very different purposes

Study, study, study. Investigate, explore, cost and plan. Plan some more ...... 

Nothing new here:

https://www.sandybolton.com/north-coast-rail-services-including-cooroy-gympie-north-update-january-2023

https://twitter.com/Jeffrey_Addison/status/1618428676147908609

" Beerburrum to Landsborough "    !

Quote from: Stillwater on January 26, 2023, 20:12:56 PMStudy, study, study. Investigate, explore, cost and plan. Plan some more ...... 

Nothing new here:

https://www.sandybolton.com/north-coast-rail-services-including-cooroy-gympie-north-update-january-2023

          < Queensland fast rail ... 

There is perfectly proper infrastructure (including upgraded stations) between Nambour and Gympie North.
The good citizens desire and are rightly entitled to an improved rail service. The shuttle plan we have promoted for 10 years plus is something that needs to happen. Constant referral to even more studies is just delaying tactics by TMR et al.  They need to be called out. I am convinced TMR is anti-rail.  Another reason for a proper public transport authority with its heavy rail division away for roads roads MOAR roads bias.

There might be a bit of a breakthrough, since Mr Bailey has told the local MP, Sandy Bolton, that what he is calling the Brisbane to Sunshine Coast Rail Corridor Strategy (B2SC) will: "consider the forecast population growth in the Brisbane, Moreton Bay, Sunshine Coast, Noosa and Gympie regions with increases in service frequency between Gympie and Nambour to be considered."

The strategy is expected to be completed in 2023.

Quote from: Stillwater on January 27, 2023, 01:03:58 AMThere might be a bit of a breakthrough, since Mr Bailey has told the local MP, Sandy Bolton, that what he is calling the Brisbane to Sunshine Coast Rail Corridor Strategy (B2SC) will: "consider the forecast population growth in the Brisbane, Moreton Bay, Sunshine Coast, Noosa and Gympie regions with increases in service frequency between Gympie and Nambour to be considered."

The strategy is expected to be completed in 2023.

A glimmer of light at the end of a tunnel.
Here's hoping it IS an oncoming train.

Quote from: Stillwater on January 27, 2023, 01:03:58 AMThere might be a bit of a breakthrough, since Mr Bailey has told the local MP, Sandy Bolton, that what he is calling the Brisbane to Sunshine Coast Rail Corridor Strategy (B2SC) will: "consider the forecast population growth in the Brisbane, Moreton Bay, Sunshine Coast, Noosa and Gympie regions with increases in service frequency between Gympie and Nambour to be considered."

The strategy is expected to be completed in 2023.

Minister stuck in the "need population and congestion growth to justify more services" mind set! No recognition of worst practice mode share he has presided over!!

The study the Minister has authorised is a "pre-investment planning study". So, it is the planning study you have before the real planning study before the glossy brochure announcement, before the business case and fight with the feds over who pays, before the real budget allocation, before any construction and implementation.

So, the government is thinking about a tunnel through which more frequent trains might pass one day.

Today, it has been 1717 days since we were promised the rail duplication from Beerburrum to Landsborough by the (former) Deputy Premier and the Transport Minister.
To date, not ONE sleeper has been laid.

That's 4 years, 8 months and 11 days.

Drove past the road realignments today which allow the rail alignment change. Not sure how close to opening. 

That is promising. I know the road works are required to allow for the new corridor section.
The pace of construction has been snail speed.
It is evidenced by the year after year budget under-spend.

For its size, this would have to be one of the slowest paced projects in the history of infrastructure in this state.

Quote from: Fares_Fair on February 19, 2023, 22:20:23 PMThat is promising. I know the road works are required to allow for the new corridor section.
The pace of construction has been snail speed.
It is evidenced by the year after year budget under-spend.

For its size, this would have to be one of the slowest paced projects in the history of infrastructure in this state.

There's a possibility with the materials shortage through Covid they decided to prioritise CRR?? Hopefully it speeds up soon.

It has been underfunded (budget wise) from the outset.
There is supposed to be an announcement for the successful tenderer early this year.
It's looking like it will be 5 years (since announced) before work ever starts.

But hey, they can find $2.7 billion for another stadium redevelopment in Brisbane

Quote from: RowBro on February 19, 2023, 22:39:53 PM

Quote from: Fares_Fair on February 19, 2023, 22:20:23 PMThat is promising. I know the road works are required to allow for the new corridor section.
The pace of construction has been snail speed.

It is evidenced by the year after year budget under-spend.

For its size, this would have to be one of the slowest paced projects in the history of infrastructure in this state.

There's a possibility with the materials shortage through Covid they decided to prioritise CRR?? Hopefully it speeds up soon.

Steam train alignment:

https://www.slq.qld.gov.au/blog/gympie-track-opening-brisbane-gympie-railway-1891

I mean, the Dularcha and Eumundi sections have gotten at least one alignment change between now and then...

The Beerburrum to Beerwah section is now progressing. Presumably at least some high-level planning has occurred for north of there considering it's billed as stage 1 of "Beerburrum to Nambour".

Beerwah to Landsborough is pretty straight and Dularcha's already been done so I doubt there's much of anything possible between Landsborough and Mooloolah.

North of Mooloolah there's a bit of a curve which could be removed, but it would need skyrail through the town, a bunch of resumptions and generally be quite disruptive. The skyrail does get rid of the LX at the station though. Leading up to "The Pinch" it looks like there's previously been a little bit of curve easing and that's all pretty straight.

South of Eudlo is very interesting. If you draw a line through Eudlo station it's practically a straight shot up to the tunnel... and it's only a 2% climb. Should be doable.

Immediately north of Eudlo station is quite difficult without a lot of resumption but the recurve near Banyan Rd can be flipped west (with a cutting). Alternatively, bash through the national park instead.

South of Palmwoods station is either very difficult or pretty straightforward, depending on if the state already owns those properties in the crook of the curve. In conjunction with bashing through Eudlo Creek NP it gets a pretty straight alignment.

The curve immediately north of Palmwoods station seems pretty unavoidable. From the crossing at Woombye-Palmwoods Rd it "feels like" it could be a straight shot. There's a bit of a hill in the way though so going through it probably isn't worthwhile.

Woombye to Nambour is fine.

Still prefer the 160kph quad from 2 decades ago.

Quote from: HappyTrainGuy on February 22, 2023, 14:05:40 PMStill prefer the 160kph quad from 2 decades ago.

Agreed, if you're going to be running trains from the Sunshine Coast etc to Brisbane on the current slow alignment you're throwing away so much potential it's not even funny

Are there plans somewhere for that? I don't think I've ever actually come across them.

Quote from: aldonius on February 23, 2023, 16:44:23 PMAre there plans somewhere for that? I don't think I've ever actually come across them.

The website was still active until last year so someone was paying the hosting bills

So it's probably on archive.org, sweet. Did the project have any sort of distinct name?

I think I've got a few of them saved somewhere. I'll post later tonight

 

http://www.landsborough-nambour.com.au/ was the site. It's also available via tmr on the way back machine. Quad 160kph alignment. If the current plans weren't a joke after looking at the original plans/timeline it certainly would be now.

https://web.archive.org/web/20200811154740/http://www.landsborough-nambour.com.au/

Hot damn they were not messing around with that proposal.

I suspect someone picked up the website and cloned it imperfectly for SEO linkage. The best Archive date seems to be 2011 - that has all the PDFs.

A proper railway line...

Google 'Landsborough to Nambour Environmental Impact Statement'

Good maps.

Also, google 'Landsborough to Nambour Rail Corridor Study'

And try this:
https://www.statedevelopment.qld.gov.au/coordinator-general/assessments-and-approvals/coordinated-projects/completed-projects/landsborough-to-nambour-railway

EIS 2009:

https://www.statedevelopment.qld.gov.au/coordinator-general/assessments-and-approvals/coordinated-projects/completed-projects/landsborough-to-nambour-railway/eis-documents


Get in quick before the lurkers remove.

Bob could we have a page on the website where all these dead proposals are archived, or perhaps even a sticked thread with a list?