RAIL - Back On Track Forum

On Tuesday 9 May 2023, Treasurer Jim Chalmers will hand down the 2023-24 Australian Federal Budget.

Brisbanetimes --> Strained health system, infrastructure blowouts on national cabinet agenda

QuoteState and federal leaders will wrestle with the nation's strained health system and blowout infrastructure costs in the final national cabinet meeting before next month's federal budget. ...

... Sources in Victoria, Queensland and South Australia confirmed talks were being held with the Commonwealth about either staggering, delaying or cutting projects as building firms grapple with rising costs and labour shortages.

In Victoria, the airport rail link will be delayed by years and sources said the $16 billion North-East Link was also being discussed as a project from which money could be saved.

The South Australian government is working with the federal government on the $15.4 billion North-South Corridor, though it is unclear if this project would be up for review. In Queensland, sources said changes could be made to the $1.8 billion South-East Queensland City Deal, while the Bruce Highway Brisbane to Sunshine Coast rail extension could also be scrutinised. ...

The Australian --> $120bn in infrastructure faces axe as Anthony Albanese orders review $

QuoteHundreds of infrastructure projects across the country – including new traffic lights and water drains under roads or railways – will be probed by the Albanese government and potentially axed, amid revelations that Australia's core inflation rate is higher than any G7 country.

Infrastructure and Transport Minister Catherine King will on Monday announce a 90-day independent review of the 10-year, $120bn infrastructure pipeline, saying it blew out under successive Coalition governments from nearly 150 projects to nearly 800.

As Labor faces opposition accusations that it has embraced the wrong policies to tackle cost-of-living pressures, the make-up of the infrastructure pipeline is set to change substantially, with an ALP background briefing document claiming that the Coalition used the infrastructure investment program as a "massive electoral pork barrel fund". ...

Get out the deck chairs ...

Albo was so confident 12 months and now he has had a good kicking of reality. It's a lot harder to govern than stand on the sidelines and criticise and say you will do this and that.

Morrison and co were far from perfect, but at least they kept the ship steady.

Buckle up for some nasty surprises in the budget folks.

Over promise and under deliver Albo!!

Quote from: kram0 on May 01, 2023, 13:36:39 PMAlbo was so confident 12 months and now he has had a good kicking of reality. It's a lot harder to govern than stand on the sidelines and criticise and say you will do this and that.

Morrison and co were far from perfect, but at least they kept the ship steady.

Buckle up for some nasty surprises in the budget folks.

Over promise and under deliver Albo!!

Morrison and co did not keep the ship steady? The current government has been in power for barely a year. Most of today's issues are a result of the previous government. Also, the premise of over promise under deliver doesn't stand up to scrutiny. The majority of major elections promises that Albo made going into the election have been delivered. A national anti-corruption tabled in parliament. A Robodebt royal commission. Increase in minimum wage. A review into the Nursing and Age Care sector. The 2050 emissions target put into law. The only notable one that hasn't been delivered yet is putting the construction of 30000 homes into law, which is mainly because the Greens are trying to pressure the government to do more.

Like sure, they aren't perfect but be reasonable about the situation. They have followed through on the majority of promises and a large majority of the problems we are currently facing are the result of the previous Governments policy. Need I remind you that the debt went up by a factor of three while LNP were in power? The waste of Government funds by giving businesses like Harvey Norman job keeper payments when their profit went through the roof? Not such a 'steady ship' after all I'm sure you'd find.

You're conveniently forgetting most of Morrision's term was during a global pandemic.

And talking of debt, Rudd and Gillard gave that debt a solid contribution back in their train wreck days.

Albo and federal Labor will be a massive dud, with the major issues brushed under the carpet.

Unfortunately, they'll do two terms.

Quote from: kram0 on May 01, 2023, 15:49:53 PMYou're conveniently forgetting most of Morrision's term was during a global pandemic.

You're conveniently forgetting the current Government is contending with the Ukranian war, but sure lets look at their policy regarding the pandemic. Job keeper. Already brought that up. How well was that money spent? Harvey Norman sure had a great quarter. Sourcing RATS and Vaccines. Well, wasn't that a headache. All the eggs in one basket. Failed to procure enough RATs. Yea what great policy from the blue team.

Quote from: kram0 on May 01, 2023, 15:49:53 PMAnd talking of debt, Rudd and Gillard gave that debt a solid contribution back in their train wreck days.

Sure, the debt also went up during their term whoop de do. Did I ever say that the Labor party didn't raise the debt? No. I was merely rejecting the premise that the LNP were any better and the premise that they held the ship steady. But sure, let's have a look over the data.

As you can clearly see, the debt increased at the same rate before and after the LNP government got into power. Even if you only look at the years before covid, the debt still went up significantly, to a new 50 years high, under the LNP Government. If anything, you can justify the spending under the Rudd/Gillard government since it was coming off a 40-year low. Some amount of debt is fine. The main takeaway, however, is that the LNP were definitely no better debt wise.

Quote from: kram0 on May 01, 2023, 15:49:53 PMAlbo and federal Labor will be a massive dud, with the major issues brushed under the carpet.

Unfortunately, they'll do two terms.

So, this statement clearly shows that you are not impartial at all. You cannot tell whether a government will perform or not prior to the fact. Up to current they have followed through with most election promises. Better than can be said about the Morrison Government who promised a national anticorruption commission, but never even tabled something to parliament. There's no saying what the future will hold but current performance has been no worse than the previous Government.

I am by no means saying the Labor Government is perfect, but to speculate that they will be duds before they are even 1 year into the job is, well to put it bluntly, ridiculously biased. Same can be said about assuming the budget will be awful before it's actually been released. Evaluate the performance impartially, otherwise your words hold no value. To avoid making this forum, which should be relatively impartial and bipartisan, from divulging into partisan politics, I will say no more on the matter. I suggest that you keep your partisan opinions to yourself in the future for the same reason.

We will agree to disagree.

If Labor want to chase Harvey Norman and the others that received job keeper, they are free to do so.

I'll also add, in the first six month of the pandemic, very few knew what we were up against. Those payments now seems excessive, but it was an unknown at the time.

There are also many job seeker payments that I would like to get back from the idiots that wasted it/didn't deserve it.

And no, I'm not impartial. I've seen enough Labor Governments f@&k up to know they'll likely do it again.

I can also see you're a Labor voter, so as I said, agree to disagree.

Friendly reminder generally we avoid naming parties to avoid personal partisan debates.

Turning to funding, I expect many projects will be put on ice indefinitely which is to say cut without actually saying the word cut.

AFR--->https://www.afr.com/politics/federal/road-rail-projects-could-be-axed-from-120b-pipeline-20230430-p5d4bs

QuoteBillions of dollars worth of road and rail projects are facing the axe to cover cost blowouts in infrastructure works caused by labour shortages and the surging cost of materials.

Ahead of next week's budget, Infrastructure Minister Catherine King will on Monday order a 90-day review into the $120 billion, ten-year infrastructure pipeline, claiming Labor inherited a list of more than 700 projects

I wonder if the majority of the projects will be postponed in Vic and NSW, as there are a lot of big ticket items in the pipeline within those States.

Couriermail --> Fears congestion-busting Qld projects could be delayed or cut $

QuoteMore than 130 Queensland projects worth a combined $15bn – including the long-delayed Sunshine Coast Rail – will be in the crosshairs as part of Labor's review into the $120bn infrastructure pipeline.

There are fears congestion-busting projects could be delayed or cut as part of the process, risking gridlock during the Brisbane 2032 Olympics and damaging the nation's reputation.

Infrastructure Minister Catherine King, who announced the 90-day independent review on Monday, was quick to stress there was no target for the number or dollar value of projects to be cut. ...

Projects under review (rail related only)

Total Cost $M Federal Govt Share $M (from the Couriermail)

Beerburrum to Nambour Duplication Study    6.30    5.00
Brisbane to the Gold Coast (Kuraby – Beenleigh Faster Rail Upgrade)    2,242.00    1,121.00
Brisbane to the Sunshine Coast (Beerwah Maroochydore Rail Extension)    3.20    1.60
Beerwah to Maroochydore Rail Extension (Investment Planning)    6.00    3.00
Gold Coast Rail Line Capacity Improvement (Kuraby to Beenleigh) - Preconstruction    356.20    178.10
Ipswich to Springfield Options Analysis    2.50    1.00
Ipswich–Springfield Detailed Business Case    7.50    3.40
Relocation of Loganlea Station    95.00    50.00
Townsville Eastern Access Rail Corridor - Planning and Preservation    12.50    6.30
Beenleigh Station commuter car park    30.00    15.00
Loganlea Station commuter car park, Loganlea    30.00    15.00
Beams Road Open Level Crossing    209.30    50.00
Brisbane Metro - Southbank Transport Study    1.00    0.30
Brisbane Metro - Woolloongabba Station    450.00    150.00
Boundary Road level crossing, Coopers Plains    TBD    133.00

^ the figures are mixed up between Millions and Billions. But you get the idea.

Budget 2023-24

https://budget.gov.au

The Treasurer will deliver the 2023–24 Budget
at approximately 7:30 pm (AEST) on Tuesday 9 May 2023

Couriermail --> Budget cuts to Brisbane Metro, Moggill Rd Corridor risk worse congestion, warns Lord Mayor $

QuoteQueensland businesses want Tuesday's federal budget to provide critical support and confidence to allow them to be "competitive now and thrive long-term", their peak body warns.

Brisbane needs more investment in transport and cost-of-living relief, not cuts and delays "condemning people to worse congestion", Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner is warning ahead of what is expected to be a federal budget marked by restraint.

Meanwhile, Queensland companies are calling for relief on the cost of doing business as they are slugged with rising interest rates, insurance and energy costs.

The Albanese government last week announced a review of the $110bn infrastructure pipeline, with more than $15bn in Queensland projects coming under the microscope as part of it, while its October budget led to many roads, rail and dams being cut or delayed.

Cr Schrinner said there would be "long-term consequences" for the city's residents if there were cuts in Tuesday's budget to important projects, such as the Brisbane Metro, green bridges and Moggill Rd Corridor upgrade.

"Brisbane is the fastest-growing capital city in the country and now is the time to be investing in our future, not cutting projects and condemning people to worse congestion," he said. ...

ABC News --> First surplus in 15 years expected as Albanese government delivers second budget

QuoteKey points:

A small federal budget surplus is expected this financial year
More deficits are predicted over the forward estimates
The government will return 82 per cent of revenue upgrades to the budget bottom line

...

Budget 2023-24

https://budget.gov.au

The Treasurer will deliver the 2023–24 Budget
at approximately 7:30 pm (AEST) on Tuesday 9 May 2023

ABC News --> Federal budget 2023: Winners and Losers

Where there is life there is hope I guess.  I think Kuraby to Beenleigh will survive the infrastructure review, but not so confident for the rail to Maroochydore.  Time will tell ...

Quote from: #Metro on May 10, 2023, 00:03:28 AMQld the boom state, with more than 20,000 to cross the border annually
https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/politics/queensland/qld-the-boom-state-with-more-than-20-000-to-cross-the-border-annually-20230509-p5d72c.html

Treasurer's seat is Rankin, which is QLD and overlaps Logan LGA.

QuoteIncluded in the budget was confirmation that both the Beerwah to Maroochydore rail extension and Kuraby to Beenleigh faster rail upgrade remain funded to the tune of $1.1 billion and $1.6 billion, respectively.

 

Budget 2023–24  Transport

https://www.infrastructure.gov.au/about-us/corporate-reporting/budgets/budget-2023-24

ARA: Rail Industry Welcomes Investment in Net Zero Targets and Sustainability in Federal Budget
9 May 2023

https://ara.net.au/media-release/rail-industry-welcomes-investment-in-net-zero-targets-and-sustainability-in-federal-budget/

The Australasian Railway Association (ARA) has welcomed the Federal Government's $7.8 million investment in a Transport and Infrastructure Net Zero Roadmap and Action Plan to support the decarbonisation of the transport and infrastructure sectors.

ARA Chief Executive Officer Caroline Wilkie said continued investment in sustainable transport systems is critical to achieving net zero targets and will drive the economy and benefit the wider community.

"Rail will be at the heart of emissions reduction strategies for the transport sector and the ARA looks forward to working with the newly formed Net Zero Authority to support the advancement of Australia's decarbonisation efforts," Ms Wilkie said.

"We are also pleased to see a focus on developing crucial sustainability skills for the future, as well as helping businesses to engage with net zero transformation opportunities."

The allocations for the Authority and development of the roadmap, in addition to funding to advance the country's renewable energy sector and support a focus on placemaking, reflected the importance of a strong focus on sustainability to drive our future.

Ms Wilkie said the $0.4 million commitment to enable the National Transport Commission to progress the rail interoperability work plan will be critical for the industry.

"The ARA has been working closely with the NTC over the past three years on the National Rail Action Plan, with interoperability being a critical component. It is essential that the NTC is appropriately resourced to progress this work, given its importance to the future of the rail industry."

Ms Wilkie said continued investment in significant rail infrastructure would continue to play an important role in supporting Australia's economic growth and development.

"It was important the Government's independent strategic review of the Infrastructure Investment Program (IIP) ensures the $120 billion pipeline over the coming 10 years is fit for purpose, delivers certainty for industry and focuses on improving long-term productivity, supply chains and economic growth in our cities and regions," Ms Wilkie said.

"Australia's rail sector is undergoing an unprecedented boom, recognising the essential role rail plays in the economy and the community.

"It is critical the pipeline of projects across Australia remain a priority if we are to meet the country's future transport needs in both passenger and freight rail and achieve sustainable growth.

"Having certainty around infrastructure projects ensures a viable and sustainable local rail supply chain which minimises disruptions to contractors and suppliers and enables better workforce planning and capability, and reduces costs.

"I am looking forward to the outcomes of the Government's independent strategic review and urge the Government to continue its commitment to investing in the rail sector to deliver projects that will support long-term economic and community benefits."

====

Email 9th May 2023

Rail industry welcomes investment in Net Zero targets and sustainability in 2023-24 Federal Budget

The Federal Government announced $7.8 million in a Transport and Infrastructure Net Zero Roadmap and Action Plan to support the decarbonisation of the transport and infrastructure sectors as part of tonight's Federal Budget.

Rail will be at the heart of emissions reduction strategies for the transport sector and the ARA looks forward to working with the newly formed Net Zero Authority to support the advancement of Australia's decarbonisation efforts.

The allocations for the Authority and development of the roadmap, in addition to funding to advance the country's renewable energy sector and support a focus on placemaking, reflected the importance of a strong focus on sustainability to drive our future.

The ARA also welcomed the $0.4 million commitment to enable the National Transport Commission to progress the rail interoperability work plan, which will be critical for the industry.  

The ARA has been working closely with the NTC over the past three years on the National Rail Action Plan, with interoperability being a critical component. It is essential that the NTC is appropriately resourced to progress this work, given its importance to the future of the rail industry.

You can read more about our response to the budget in our media release.  

Caroline Wilkie
Chief Executive Officer

Highlights: New funding commitments in 2023-24

Infrastructure projects and construction

Independent strategic review of the Infrastructure Investment Program of the $120 billion pipeline of projects over the next 10 years

$200 million over two years from 2023-2024 for the Major Projects Business Case Fund to support the planning of land transport infrastructure projects

$4.4 million over four years to establish the National Industry Construction Forum to provide advice on major challenges facing the building and construction industry, including workplace relations, industry culture, skills and training, safety, gender, equality and productivity.

Sustainability

$7.8 million in a Transport and Infrastructure Net Zero Roadmap and Action Plan to support decarbonisation of the transport and infrastructure sectors.

$83.2 million over four years to establish a National Net Zero Authority.

$687.4 million over six years for a national approach to sustainable urban development in Australia.

Heavy Vehicle Road User Charge rate to increase by six per cent per year over three years. This will decrease expenditure on the fuel tax credit by $1.1 billion over four years from 2023-24.

Freight

$3 million for a feasibility study for an intermodal terminal in Parkes for Inland Rail.

Interoperability

$0.4 million to enable the National Transport Commission to progress the rail interoperability work plan

Skills

$8.6 million over four years to implement the Australian Skills Guarantee, ensuring one in 10 workers on major Australian Government-funded projects is an apprentice, trainee or paid cadet

$75.8 million over two years to extend the current surge in visa processing resources to ensure timeliness of visa processing and improve existing visa processing systems

Small to medium-sized businesses

$392.4 million over four years to establish the Industry Growth Program, to support Australian SMEs and startups to commercialise their ideas and grow their operations. Support will be targeted towards businesses operating in the priority areas of the National Reconstruction Fund.

Caroline Wilkie
Chief Executive Officer

^ it is sweet fuk-all in reality ...   

Embarrassing!

Couriermail --> Federal Budget 2023: Key Qld projects preserved, others on ice $

QuoteTwo major Queensland rail projects remain funded in the federal government's latest budget, but a big axe looms amid an ongoing review of the nation's $120bn infrastructure pipeline.

An infrastructure body meant to oversee the development of North Queensland's pipeline of water projects has been axed in a move set to save the government just under $10m, with two dam projects put perpetually on ice. ...

... The budget documents explicitly highlighted the $1.6bn Brisbane to Sunshine Coast rail extension from Beerwah to Maroochydore and the $1.1bn Kuraby-Beenleigh Faster Rail Upgrade remained funded.

But federal Infrastructure Minister Catherine King recently announced a 90 day independent review of the nation's infrastructure pipeline to ensure money is spent on "projects that are truly nationally significant", in a move that has sparked concern for the two major rail projects. ...

BUDGET 2023: WHAT'S IN IT FOR QLD

* $1.1bn for Kuraby-Beenleigh Faster Rail Upgrade in the budget for now

* $1.6bn for the Brisbane to Sunshine Coast rail extension from Beerwah to Maroochydore in the budget for now.

* North Queensland Water Infrastructure Authority to be scrapped to save $9.5m

* "Commercial in confidence" funding for Borumba Pumped Hydro project

* $2bn Hydrogen Headstart project set to benefit Gladstone

* $170m for Hughenden Irrigation Project allocated to other things awaiting final plan

* $163.4m for Australian Institute of Marine Science

* $3.8 billion to strengthen Australia's northern defence bases, many of which in Queensland

* $400 million to support Australian Defence Force personnel through a new continuation bonus

====

Wankers! According to https://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/projects/logan-and-gold-coast-faster-rail Gold Coast Faster rail is being funded as:

The Australian Government and Queensland Government are funding the project.

Investment ID 2008163

Total investment
$2.6 billion

Australian Government
$1.3 billion

Queensland Government
$1.3 billion

Quote from: ozbob on May 10, 2023, 06:53:38 AM^ it is sweet fuk-all in reality ...   

Embarrassing!

The key is go hell for leather at the Road Widening Investment in the review. This country has to stop widening urban roads in the name of "congestion busting"?.  Funny how there is absolutely no mention of road funding being "subject to review"

Couriermail --> $500m in Qld road funding disappears from federal budget $

QuoteAlmost $500 million in road funding for Queensland has been quietly delayed and pushed back, as well as another $180 million in water projects for the regions.

It follows the $1 billion in road and rail funding cut or delayed from the October budget. Analysis of the budget papers reveals funding for the state under the road investment component, between 2022-23 and 2025-26, had dropped by $456.2 million compared to the October budget.

Funding for the National Water Grid Fund allocated to Queensland had dropped by $180 million in the same period. ...

Couriermail --> Hitting the Jim: Treasurer's Budget blitz coming to Queensland $

QuoteFederal ministers will blitz Queensland in the coming week, as they try to sell a budget copping criticism for fuelling inflation and not doing enough for middle Australia.

Cabinet Ministers, including Logan-based Treasurer Jim Chalmers, will be making 20 stops between Coolangatta and Cairns in the next five days to spruik the cost-of-living, housing and health measures announced last week.

Labor holds just five out of 30 seats in the state, having gone backwards in last year's election, with the blitz understood to partially be about rebuilding its political fortunes in Queensland. ...

... There is little in the way of new road or rail upgrades for the Albanese Government to sell, with a 90-day audit of the $120 billion infrastructure pipeline expected to cut some, while the $3.4 billion in funding for Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games venues had already been announced. ...