RAIL - Back On Track Forum

As far as I am concerned, DSCRL is as dead as a dodo. The priority must be to get the duplication north of Beerburrum through to Landsborough (as was always the plan since 2005) before 2032. 

Sent to all outlets:

Why has the proposed duplication of the Sunshine Coast railway line been cut back from Landsborough to Beerwah?

10th April 2023

Good Morning,

Can the Minister for Transport Mr Bailey please provide a detailed explanation as to why the proposed duplication of the Sunshine Coast railway line has been cut back from Landsborough to Beerwah?  In 2018 Infrastructure Australia approved the business case consisting of duplication of the 20km section of North Coast Line from Beerburrum-Landsborough and extending passing loops from Landsborough-Nambour. Why has the Queensland Government cut it back?

It is extremely unlikely that the Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line (DSCRL) (Beerwah to Maroochydore) will be progressed in time for 2032, and this means that Landsborough will be a critical interchange between bus and rail for the Sunshine Coast.  Even if by some miracle DSCRL is progressed, duplication to Landsborough is still required to provide for the trains that will to continue to run on the mainline, at ever increasing frequency and demand.  It makes no sense to not duplicate through to Landsborough as part of the Beerburrum to Beerwah track duplication works.

We are waiting for the explanation please Minister, as are the citizens of the Sunshine Coast.

Best wishes,
Robert and Jeff

Jeff Addison
Sunshine Coast Region Spokesperson RAIL Back On Track

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

Quote from: ozbob on April 09, 2023, 04:13:03 AMSent to all outlets:

Be honest Premier Palaszczuk and Minister Bailey - DSCRL deception

9th April 2023

This morning we read at the Gold Coast Bulletin that the Palaszczuk Government is all for Gold Coast Light Rail stage 4, but the Sunshine Coast will not get the Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line (DSCRL) (Beerwah to Maroochydore extension) before the Olympics, if ever. We have always suspected this is the case with the DSCRL, and good to have it confirmed.  The DSCRL planning ( https://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/projects/direct-sunshine-coast-rail-line-planning ) is a charade, simply designed to buy some political time.

Gold Coast Bulletin --> Inside story: Why the Gold Coast and not Sunshine Coast will get rail upgrade before Olympics
https://www.goldcoastbulletin.com.au/news/gold-coast/inside-story-why-the-gold-coast-and-not-sunshine-coast-will-get-rail-upgrade-before-olympics/news-story/0c5ebedf778c7bcd82934a4f8a0906fb

The Premier sidesteps questions about the DSCRL.  It is clear it is off the construction agenda.  This makes the reinstatement of the Sunshine Coast track duplication back to Landsborough critical (see previous correspondence below).  Landsborough is, and will be an even more important rail-bus interchange station for the Sunshine Coast. Duplication through to Landsborough will allow for more trains to run reliably to service the interchange.

Heavy rail planning in Queensland is in a dismal myopic state sadly.  Come clean Premier Palaszczuk and Minister Bailey
and tell the truth please. We are all very tired of the deception, the vacillation, the political spin. It is time a broom went through Transport and DTMR. 
You are failing Queensland, and the nation.

Jeff Addison
Sunshine Coast Region Spokesperson RAIL Back On Track

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

Quote from: ozbob on March 18, 2023, 23:57:42 PMSent to all outlets:

Call to re-instate the track duplication through to Landsborough

19th March 2023

Greetings,

On the 9th June 2018, Minister Bailey in the company of the then Deputy Premier Trad confirmed that it was ' GO for Sunshine Coast rail commuters with the upgrade Beerburrum to Nambour including duplicate track Beerburrum - Landsborough ... " (

Code Select Expand

https://twitter.com/MarkBaileyMP/status/1005247557709303814 )
Since then the track duplication has been cut back to Beerwah.  Why?  This means single line working north of Beerwah, with the lack of train paths for interurban services, freight trains and long distance rail passenger services. It would be cost effective to do the section Beerwah to Landsborough as part of the upgrade from Beerburrum to Beerwah, rather than have to come back at a later date.

A recent article on the Sunshine Coast News 'Frustration builds over rail duplication project ..'
https://www.sunshinecoastnews.com.au/2023/03/17/frustration-builds-over-rail-duplication-project/

It was reported:

" ... Sunshine Coast News was waiting for a response from TMR, about why initial plans to duplicate the rail from Beerburrum to Landsborough (20km) were then changed to include Beerburrum to Beerwah (about 13km). But it's believed to be due to costs. ... "

There is plenty of money for a new stadium at the 'Gabba but penny pinching to seriously operationally compromise the long overdue track amplification of the Sunshine Coast line is simply unacceptable.  The bus interchange at Landsborough station is planned to be upgraded " A new bus interchange will also be created, servicing routes to the coast. Buses servicing hinterland routes will continue to operate from the existing, western side. " https://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/projects/beerburrum-to-nambour-rail-upgrade-stage-1
Having the two tracks through to Landsborough will mean more reliable and frequent services to match the bus interchange facilities and passenger requirements.

RAIL Back On Track calls on the Queensland Government to reinstate the works to enable the proper duplication of the line between Beerburrum and Landsborough as a priority.

This was always the plan, for very good reason.  To think that Beerwah, which might one day be the junction for the railway to Maroochydore will take pressure off Landsborough is hopeful thinking.  Trains will need to continue to run on the mainline, at ever increasing frequency and demand. The Queensland Government cannot even manage to upgrade the Sunshine Coast line properly, what chance is there for the branch line to Maroochydore?  Lets be real.

The Sunshine Coast has been neglected for too long. 
Time to treat the transport needs of the Sunshine Coast seriously.

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

Facebook ...

https://twitter.com/railbotforum/status/1645137609537253377

Infrastructure Australia: Project Evaluation Summary
Beerburrum to Nambour Rail Upgrade
Proponent Queensland Government
Evaluation date 16 February 2018

https://www.infrastructureaustralia.gov.au/sites/default/files/2019-08/project-evaluation-summary-beerburrum-to-nambour-rail-upgrade.pdf

QuoteInfrastructure Australia has added the Beerburrum to Nambour Rail Upgrade project to the Infrastructure Priority
List as a Priority Project.

The North Coast Line is Queensland's major north–south rail corridor, facilitating freight and passenger movements between Queensland's eastern coastal population centres, and is a part of the National Land Transport Network. It also has an important role in carrying commuter traffic between Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast. The configuration of the 39 kilometre section of the North Coast Line between Beerburrum and Nambour hinders its ability to effectively meet current and future rail demand. Without improvements, more of the transport task in this corridor would shift onto the roads, significantly increasing traffic on the already constrained Bruce Highway. The Beerburrum to Nambour Rail Upgrade was a Priority Initiative on the Infrastructure Priority List prior to its listing as a Priority Project.

The proposed Beerburrum to Nambour Rail Upgrade project involves duplicating 20 kilometres of rail line from Beerburrum to Landsborough, extending existing passing loops between Landsborough and Nambour, route realignments, level crossing removals, station improvements, and supporting works. The project will address capacity constraints on this section of the corridor by nearly doubling the capacity for freight paths and increasing the frequency and reliability of passenger services, easing pressure on the Bruce Highway. The project would also enable future public transport improvements within the Sunshine Coast. The proponent's reported net present value (NPV) for the project is $262 million, with a benefit cost ratio (BCR) of 1.5 using a 7% real discount rate and P50 cost estimate. Infrastructure Australia is confident that the benefits of the project will exceed its estimated costs, and that the project will provide a net benefit to the Australian economy.

BEERBURRUM TO NAMBOUR RAIL UPGRADE
DETAILED BUSINESS CASE 2016
BUSINESS CASE SUMMARY

https://www.statedevelopment.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0023/54392/B2N-business-case-summary-1.pdf
from https://www.statedevelopment.qld.gov.au/industry/infrastructure/completed-business-cases/beerburrum-to-nambour-rail-upgrade-project

QuoteThe project comprises the following key features:
▪ full rail duplication (two new tracks) of the section between Beerburrum and Glass House Mountains
within the protected corridor on an improved alignment
▪ duplication of the section between Glass House Mountains and Landsborough primarily within the
existing rail corridor
▪ extension of existing passing loops at Landsborough, Eudlo and Woombye stations
▪ road realignments to accommodate the new rail corridor and track infrastructure
▪ new structures (rail bridges, road bridges, drainage structures and retaining walls) to accommodate the
new track infrastructure
▪ replacing the Barrs Road level crossing near Glass House Mountains with a new connection to Coonowrin
Road in Glass House Mountains
▪ replacing the Caloundra Street level crossing in Landsborough with a road over rail solution (grade
separation)
▪ expansion of park and ride facilities at Beerburrum, Landsborough, Palmwoods and Nambour stations to
meet the 2036 passenger demand projections
▪ duplication of station platforms at Mooloolah, Eudlo, Palmwoods and Woombye to accommodate the
proposed operational improvements.

The decision to truncate the duplication at Beerwah is an insult to the Sunshine Coast, and Queensland.

Deplorable stuff ...

Seriously it is time to declare No Confidence in this Transport Minister! 

He has been at the helm of the most car-centric transport budgets/prioritization since the 1970's.

Strategies are just flashy pictures and fluffy words with no intention of doing anything other than build bigger and more dangerous freeways!

Queensland Parliament E-Petition

https://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/Work-of-the-Assembly/Petitions/Petition-Details?id=1565

Posting Date: 15/11/2010
Closing Date: 7/2/2011
Tabled Date: 16/2/2011
Responded By: Hon Annastacia Palaszczuk MP on 21/3/2011

RAIL UPGRADE FROM BEERBURRUM TO NAMBOUR

TO: The Honourable the Speaker and Members of the Legislative Assembly of Queensland
Queensland residents draws to the attention of the House the need to fast track the new rail corridor between Beerburrum and Landsborough and between Landsborough and Nambour.

Your petitioners, therefore, request the House to revise the timeframes published in the South East Queensland Infrastructure Plan and Program, and deliver the completed upgrades through to Nambour by 2021.

Response:

https://apps.parliament.qld.gov.au/E-Petitions/Home/DownloadResponse/c1f68b48-5119-4aab-aee7-8fba56e7a24d



 

^

QUEENSLAND RAIL COMMERCIAL-IN-CONFIDENCE
Declaration Review:
Queensland Rail's Response to
the QCA's Draft Recommendation
11 March 2019

https://www.qca.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/33-queensland-rail-submission-on-draft-recommendation.pdf

Page 121

Refereence to North Coast Line Capacity Improvement Study – Final Report (Version 2.1 -16 March 2015)


Beerburrum – Landsborough: A 17.6 km long re-alignment and duplication of this section of the
SEQ metro system, primarily focussed on providing track capacity and transit time savings for
increased Citytrain passenger services servicing the Sunshine Coast region. Freight services would
gain an advantage in capacity, transit time and improved train scheduling reliability. The previous
proposal for the new alignment standard provided for an extension of the 160 kph alignment adopted
for the Caboolture – Beerburrum upgrade, completed in April 2009.

Landsborough – Nambour: A 21.3 km long re-alignment and duplication of this section of the SEQ
metro system, primarily focussed on providing track capacity and transit time savings for increased
Citytrain passenger services to the Sunshine Coast hinterland region. Freight services would gain an
advantage in capacity, reduced transit time and improved train scheduling reliability. The alignment
design standard adopted for the Environmental Impact Assessment Study provided for an extension
of the 160 kph alignment adopted for the Caboolture – Beerburrum upgrade, a steepest grade of 1 in
100, and the elimination of most level crossings. The re-alignment removes the current freight
operational constraints imposed by level crossings at Nambour, Mooloolah and Woombye.
Duplication, in conjunction with re-alignment, eliminates the need for crossing loops south of
Nambour.

How can this keep getting pushed back?!? The amount of people getting on/off the train in Landsborough seems to be growing every year but no reason at all to give a sh*t and think that maybe even more people would catch the train instead of driving if it came more often and was just slightly faster than the snail it seems to be now.

^ Welcome SCLRLiam.  Spot on.

A number of us attended the opening of the Caboolture to Beerburrum duplication in 2009.
Very impressive track, 160 km/h running.

Here we are in 2023, 14 years on still trying to get something happening north of Beerburrum.
What is now proposed is half-baked, and a step back in time.  Lack of vision.

Maybe we need a non-partisan representative group of ALL the elected representatives in the Sunshine Coast to make coordinated efforts to get things happening.

I found the TMR Video.

Beerburrum to Nambour Rail Upgrade (Stage 1)
https://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/projects/beerburrum-to-nambour-rail-upgrade-stage-1

QuoteStage 1 is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland governments on a 70:30 (federal:state) basis with a commitment of $550.8 million towards Stage 1 of the B2N project. Investment ID: 858087

Have I missed something with the funding?

Hi Metro,
What's your question re: the funding?

When it was the full announced project (unstaged, before the state govt, under Palaszczuk and Bailey, cut it back) it was a $780 million budget for the 17.6km duplication to Landsborough.
Half of that funding was from the former federal government, announced in May 2018, of $390 million. Ted O'Brien MP (Fairfax) secured this $390m in his very first term as an MP.
The remainder the state refused to fund on a 50-50 basis, instead offering $160.8 million (that comprised just 20% of the then total cost) in June 2018, while calling on the former feds to fund it 80%.
Since the Feds changed in 2022, the call for 80% funding from them for this project has gone silent.
Today, the total project cost reduction, by the cutback, means the percentages changed to be closer to a 70-30 share.
Does that answer your question?

Quote from: #Metro on April 10, 2023, 17:29:34 PMI found the TMR Video.

Beerburrum to Nambour Rail Upgrade (Stage 1)
https://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/projects/beerburrum-to-nambour-rail-upgrade-stage-1

QuoteStage 1 is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland governments on a 70:30 (federal:state) basis with a commitment of $550.8 million towards Stage 1 of the B2N project. Investment ID: 858087

Have I missed something with the funding?

Quote from: Fares_FareHi Metro,
What's your question re: the funding?

Just clarifying my understanding.

It was a little confusing because there is this, then there is also DSCL to Maroochydore. And in between changes to which stations are in/out of scope. There seem to have been a lot of changes and I'm afraid I am not keeping up with them all!!

So the $550 m was originally (a) for only as far as Landsborough or was it (b) to Beerwah, and then it was cut back to Landsborough (but the total funding envelope remained the same?).



Update

Quote from: Fares_FairWhen it was the full announced project (unstaged, before the state govt, under Palaszczuk and Bailey, cut it back) it was a $780 million budget for the 17.6km duplication to Landsborough.

Half of that funding was from the former federal government, announced in May 2018, of $390 million. Ted O'Brien MP (Fairfax) secured this $390m in his very first term as an MP.
The remainder the state refused to fund on a 50-50 basis, instead offering $160.8 million (that comprised just 20% of the then total cost) in June 2018, while calling on the former feds to fund it 80%.

Since the Feds changed in 2022, the call for 80% funding from them for this project has gone silent.
Does that answer your question?

Ok, that makes more sense now. Thanks!   

Yes, the $550.8 million is the [cutback to Beerwah] total price.
$780 million was duplication to Landsborough works and extra lifts and platforms and carparks at stations north of Landsborough, as well as passing loop extensions at Eudlo and Woombye.

Quote from: ozbob on April 10, 2023, 08:15:07 AMThe decision to truncate the duplication at Beerwah is an insult to the Sunshine Coast, and Queensland.

Deplorable stuff ...

Memo to Palaszczuk Government:

Another pertinent point as to why the duplication needs to go to Landsborough is that if you peruse this document (BTW I have saved a copy in case they pull it).

QUEENSLAND RAIL COMMERCIAL-IN-CONFIDENCE
Declaration Review:
Queensland Rail's Response to
the QCA's Draft Recommendation
11 March 2019

https://www.qca.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/33-queensland-rail-submission-on-draft-recommendation.pdf

you will find mention of the intention to run more trains between Landsborough and Brisbane, and even mentions the need for an additional turn-back platform at Landsborough. 

The Palaszczuk Government is screwing over the Sunshine Coast and the rail network with their half-baked effort to Beerwah. 

Appalling stuff hey lurkers       Have you noted this?

Good 

We don't get angry lurkers, we get EVEN !

Sent to all outlets:

Re: Why has the proposed duplication of the Sunshine Coast railway line been cut back from Landsborough to Beerwah?

12th April 2023

Good Morning,

Having an educated guess as to why the duplication has been cut back is it due to a lack of funding?  There are plenty funds for the Gold Coast, but not the Sunshine Coast. Plenty of funds to rebuild the ' Gabba stadium, but properly improving rail services on the Sunshine Coast is too hard for this mob.  Half-baked upgrades are costly to fix.

The Sunshine Coast railway is a key freight and passenger link.  It is nothing short of appalling the neglect of this important transport link.  If the State Government cannot see its way to deliver what was promised in 2005 how can they possibly deliver the Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line (DSCRL) (Beerwah to Maroochydore)?  They cannot.  It is time the DSCRL charade was put to bed. 



Yours in much disappointment.

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

Quote from: ozbob on April 10, 2023, 04:00:25 AMSent to all outlets:

Why has the proposed duplication of the Sunshine Coast railway line been cut back from Landsborough to Beerwah?

10th April 2023

Good Morning,

Can the Minister for Transport Mr Bailey please provide a detailed explanation as to why the proposed duplication of the Sunshine Coast railway line has been cut back from Landsborough to Beerwah?  In 2018 Infrastructure Australia approved the business case consisting of duplication of the 20km section of North Coast Line from Beerburrum-Landsborough and extending passing loops from Landsborough-Nambour. Why has the Queensland Government cut it back?

It is extremely unlikely that the Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line (DSCRL) (Beerwah to Maroochydore) will be progressed in time for 2032, and this means that Landsborough will be a critical interchange between bus and rail for the Sunshine Coast.  Even if by some miracle DSCRL is progressed, duplication to Landsborough is still required to provide for the trains that will to continue to run on the mainline, at ever increasing frequency and demand.  It makes no sense to not duplicate through to Landsborough as part of the Beerburrum to Beerwah track duplication works.

We are waiting for the explanation please Minister, as are the citizens of the Sunshine Coast.

Best wishes,
Robert and Jeff

Jeff Addison
Sunshine Coast Region Spokesperson RAIL Back On Track

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

Quote from: ozbob on April 09, 2023, 04:13:03 AMSent to all outlets:

Be honest Premier Palaszczuk and Minister Bailey - DSCRL deception

9th April 2023

This morning we read at the Gold Coast Bulletin that the Palaszczuk Government is all for Gold Coast Light Rail stage 4, but the Sunshine Coast will not get the Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line (DSCRL) (Beerwah to Maroochydore extension) before the Olympics, if ever. We have always suspected this is the case with the DSCRL, and good to have it confirmed.  The DSCRL planning ( https://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/projects/direct-sunshine-coast-rail-line-planning ) is a charade, simply designed to buy some political time.

Gold Coast Bulletin --> Inside story: Why the Gold Coast and not Sunshine Coast will get rail upgrade before Olympics
https://www.goldcoastbulletin.com.au/news/gold-coast/inside-story-why-the-gold-coast-and-not-sunshine-coast-will-get-rail-upgrade-before-olympics/news-story/0c5ebedf778c7bcd82934a4f8a0906fb

The Premier sidesteps questions about the DSCRL.  It is clear it is off the construction agenda.  This makes the reinstatement of the Sunshine Coast track duplication back to Landsborough critical (see previous correspondence below).  Landsborough is, and will be an even more important rail-bus interchange station for the Sunshine Coast. Duplication through to Landsborough will allow for more trains to run reliably to service the interchange.

Heavy rail planning in Queensland is in a dismal myopic state sadly.  Come clean Premier Palaszczuk and Minister Bailey
and tell the truth please. We are all very tired of the deception, the vacillation, the political spin. It is time a broom went through Transport and DTMR. 
You are failing Queensland, and the nation.

Jeff Addison
Sunshine Coast Region Spokesperson RAIL Back On Track

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

Quote from: ozbob on March 18, 2023, 23:57:42 PMSent to all outlets:

Call to re-instate the track duplication through to Landsborough

19th March 2023

Greetings,

On the 9th June 2018, Minister Bailey in the company of the then Deputy Premier Trad confirmed that it was ' GO for Sunshine Coast rail commuters with the upgrade Beerburrum to Nambour including duplicate track Beerburrum - Landsborough ... " (

Code Select Expand

https://twitter.com/MarkBaileyMP/status/1005247557709303814 )
Since then the track duplication has been cut back to Beerwah.  Why?  This means single line working north of Beerwah, with the lack of train paths for interurban services, freight trains and long distance rail passenger services. It would be cost effective to do the section Beerwah to Landsborough as part of the upgrade from Beerburrum to Beerwah, rather than have to come back at a later date.

A recent article on the Sunshine Coast News 'Frustration builds over rail duplication project ..'
https://www.sunshinecoastnews.com.au/2023/03/17/frustration-builds-over-rail-duplication-project/

It was reported:

" ... Sunshine Coast News was waiting for a response from TMR, about why initial plans to duplicate the rail from Beerburrum to Landsborough (20km) were then changed to include Beerburrum to Beerwah (about 13km). But it's believed to be due to costs. ... "

There is plenty of money for a new stadium at the 'Gabba but penny pinching to seriously operationally compromise the long overdue track amplification of the Sunshine Coast line is simply unacceptable.  The bus interchange at Landsborough station is planned to be upgraded " A new bus interchange will also be created, servicing routes to the coast. Buses servicing hinterland routes will continue to operate from the existing, western side. " https://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/projects/beerburrum-to-nambour-rail-upgrade-stage-1
Having the two tracks through to Landsborough will mean more reliable and frequent services to match the bus interchange facilities and passenger requirements.

RAIL Back On Track calls on the Queensland Government to reinstate the works to enable the proper duplication of the line between Beerburrum and Landsborough as a priority.

This was always the plan, for very good reason.  To think that Beerwah, which might one day be the junction for the railway to Maroochydore will take pressure off Landsborough is hopeful thinking.  Trains will need to continue to run on the mainline, at ever increasing frequency and demand. The Queensland Government cannot even manage to upgrade the Sunshine Coast line properly, what chance is there for the branch line to Maroochydore?  Lets be real.

The Sunshine Coast has been neglected for too long. 
Time to treat the transport needs of the Sunshine Coast seriously.

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

I'm over their abuse of our region.
Starving us while enriching Brisbane and the Gold Coast for rail.

It has to be asked, how is the conflict of interest between the MP for Miller (Brisbane) and the MP for Gaven (Gold Coast) being handled?
What steps have been taken by the #QldPol govt to ensure a fair distribution of funding?

I wish the pair every happiness but when a relationship appears to impact upon government funding decisions, then the hard question needs to be asked.
It is impacting us on the Sunshine Coast severely.

They spend $1.3 billion (50% share of $2.6 billion joint funded total) on Gold Coast faster rail and almost one tenth of their Gold Coast funding for #SunshineCoast rail.

Is this a question for the Clerk of the Parliament?
We need an official inquiry into #SunshineCoast #rail funding.

In the case of the allegation against the Member for Ipswich West, currently the subject of an inquiry by the Clerk of the Parliament, it has been asserted that he took the wrong credit card from his wallet (his government card) and he used it to purchase a $125 piece of artwork at a school charity auction -- a gift for a friend. He remains innocent until proven guilty.

The government is quick to pursue that matter. Mr Madden must belong to the wrong Labor faction or something.

A former Premier of NSW resigned over the gift of an expensive bottle of wine. And a federal MP got the chop for bringing a teddy bear toy into the country without declaring it to customs.

Its horses for courses in Queensland.

https://twitter.com/railbotforum/status/1646255689730498560

The SCL has been 'on the move' for many years without going anyhere. Perhaps every member in this forum should send a box of laxatives to Minister Bailey's office to indicate that it is time to 'get things moving'. 

"It's Happening Now!" 

Planning Cycle:

Sunshine Coast News --> Movement at the station: more details released for rail duplication

QuoteKey details have been revealed for a proposed rail duplication on the Sunshine Coast.

The state government has said that the 13km duplication between Beerburrum to Beerwah will be "shovel ready" next year and completed by 2027.

It followed calls from a community group for the government to get moving on the line.

The duplication is part of the $550m Beerburrum to Nambour Rail Upgrade (B2N) Stage 1, which is designed to increase rail capacity for passenger and freight services on the Sunshine Coast. The region is experiencing rapid population growth and will host part of the 2032 Olympic Games. ...

Well it is a firm date ...

https://twitter.com/ozbob13/status/1646716261496410112

Facebook ...

Sent to all outlets:

'Timeline set: rail duplication plans gather momentum'  Sunshine Coast rail duplication details confirmed.

14th April 2023

Greetings,

Some good news! 

Key details have been revealed for a proposed rail duplication on the Sunshine Coast from Beerburrum to Beerwah by the Sunshine Coast News
https://www.sunshinecoastnews.com.au/2023/04/14/rail-duplication-plans-gather-momentum/

RAIL Back On Track welcomes this confirmation, at long last.

"The state government has said that the 13km duplication between Beerburrum to Beerwah will be "shovel ready" next year and completed by 2027"

The disappointing thing is that the upgrade (duplication) has been cutback from Landsborough to Beerwah. Any chance of reassessing that please?
Landsborough is a key interchange and it really needs the double line through to there. As was always the case.

Best wishes,
Robert

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

Good on Jeff and Bob for sticking with it and pushing the government on this! Looks like it's paid off. Well, at least it's paid off in getting some transparency, even if the project isn't what it should be

Quote from: timh on April 14, 2023, 13:54:46 PMGood on Jeff and Bob for sticking with it and pushing the government on this! Looks like it's paid off. Well, at least it's paid off in getting some transparency, even if the project isn't what it should be

Thanks!

Thank you 

Quote from: timh on April 14, 2023, 13:54:46 PMGood on Jeff and Bob for sticking with it and pushing the government on this! Looks like it's paid off. Well, at least it's paid off in getting some transparency, even if the project isn't what it should be

Trying to find the media release on this announcement.
It's not on the TMR website or the Ministerial website at time of writing.

Quote from: Fares_Fair on April 14, 2023, 15:28:17 PMTrying to find the media release on this announcement.
It's not on the TMR website or the Ministerial website at time of writing.

I don't think there is one (yet) FF. Policy announcement by tweet and direct journalism.

At least the article is not paywalled 

Hopefully it will be published soon.
I love keeping records.

Quote from: ozbob on April 14, 2023, 15:36:48 PM

Quote from: Fares_Fair on April 14, 2023, 15:28:17 PMTrying to find the media release on this announcement.
It's not on the TMR website or the Ministerial website at time of writing.

I don't think there is one (yet) FF. Policy announcement by tweet and direct journalism.

At least the article is not paywalled 

A little more detail:

https://www.sunshinecoastnews.com.au/2023/04/14/rail-duplication-plans-gather-momentum

Sent to outlets:

We call again to re-instate the track duplication through to Landsborough

16th April 2023

Good Morning,

It is very welcome news that the Sunshine Coast line duplication through to Beerwah is planned to be completed in 2027.

It is very late of course, the original time-line for track duplication through to Landsborough (not Beerwah) was due to be completed in 2012.

The lack of train paths for freight, interurban and long distance passenger train services is a challenging problem for our rail operator and means the poor frequency service for Sunshine Coast commuters continues. 

The Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line (Beerwah to Maroochydore) is in a planning phase.  Lets be frank, this line is very unlikely to be started before 2032.  There simply isn't the funding available, Federal and State.  We are already seeing cutbacks to major projects in Victoria and NSW for this reason.

Landsborough is a key bus interchange - an additional bus interchange is presently being constructed on the eastern side of line at Landsborough, such is its importance.  It is therefore essential that high frequency services are able to run into and out of Landsborough.  It is highly likely ( and desirable) that Caboolture terminating services be extended to Landsborough to cope with the significant pax demands during peaks.  There is also a need for a third platform at Landsborough for turn back of trains.

So it is most cost effective to reassess the works from Beerburrum to Beerwah, to extend the duplicated line through to Landsborough.  The cost would not be great if it is rolled into the Beerburrum to Beerwah works.  It would be a disaster to not duplicate through to Landsborough.  It will cost a lot more to come back and do it later.

The Sunshine Coast has long been neglected by successive State and Federal Governments.  Here is an opportunity to future proof and position rail to the Sunshine Coast in a much better place. Don't fail again please.

Thank you.

Best wishes,
Robert

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

References:

Call to re=instate the track duplication through to Landsborough
https://railbotforum.org/yourls/4y
19th March 2023

Why has the proposed duplication of the Sunshine Coast railway line been cut back from Landsborough to Beerwah?
https://railbotforum.org/yourls/5e
10th April 2023

Quote from: ozbob on April 14, 2023, 13:49:35 PMSent to all outlets:

'Timeline set: rail duplication plans gather momentum'  Sunshine Coast rail duplication details confirmed.

14th April 2023

Greetings,

Some good news! 

Key details have been revealed for a proposed rail duplication on the Sunshine Coast from Beerburrum to Beerwah by the Sunshine Coast News
https://www.sunshinecoastnews.com.au/2023/04/14/rail-duplication-plans-gather-momentum/

RAIL Back On Track welcomes this confirmation, at long last.

"The state government has said that the 13km duplication between Beerburrum to Beerwah will be "shovel ready" next year and completed by 2027"

The disappointing thing is that the upgrade (duplication) has been cutback from Landsborough to Beerwah. Any chance of reassessing that please?
Landsborough is a key interchange and it really needs the double line through to there. As was always the case.

Best wishes,
Robert

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

Facebook ...

https://twitter.com/Jeffrey_Addison/status/1647349074042159105

The government has ignored departmental advice that duplication of the track between Caboolture and Landsborough would achieve operational efficiencies and

Formal advice to government and the (then) transport minister (Ministerial briefing note dated 15 July 2009) was that the expenditure involved in duplicating to Beerburrum would not buy any improvements unless full duplication to Landsborough was carried out. The department continued its position in advice to the then Minister and confirmed this in a briefing note for the 2009 Budget Estimates process.

That note read:

"The benefits of increased capacity will not be fully realised until the next stage (Beerburrum to Landsborough duplication) is undertaken."