RAIL - Back On Track Forum

https://twitter.com/MarkBaileyMP/status/1678598103505731584

Sunshine Coast News --> Study into new four-lane motorway set to be completed in coming months

QuotePlans are progressing for a new high-speed motorway that could provide a direct link between major centres and ease congestion on main roads.

The state and federal governments are preparing a business case for the Kawana Motorway, a proposed four-lane route between Kawana and Caloundra.

It's being conducted as part of a study on improving roads around the southern Sunshine Coast, and is expected to be completed in coming months.

Preliminary investigations have confirmed the need for a new motorway, about 9km long, parallel to the existing Kawana Way. ...

Southern Sunshine Coast Roads Improvement Study

> https://investment.infrastructure.gov.au/projects/100671-18qld-mrd

https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/98180

Sunshine Coast Big Build reaches next steps

11th July 2023

Minister for Transport and Main Roads and Minister for Digital Services
The Honourable Mark Bailey

. Palaszczuk and Albanese governments deliver combined $20 million in funding to plan the Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line, a future connection between Beerwah and Maroochydore.
. Major community consultation set to begin on four key transport projects for the Sunshine Coast
. Key transport infrastructure planning needed on the runway to 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games
. The Sunshine Coast is one of Queensland's fastest growing regions with more than half a million people expected to call it home by 2041

As one of Queensland's fastest growing regions, the Sunshine Coast is set to undergo a major transformation.

To cater for this growth, the Palaszczuk Government is investing a massive $3.147 billion in the region as part of the $89 billion Big Build.

This includes an additional $14 million commitment to the Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line business case, affirming the State Government's commitment to the game changing project.

The $14 million builds on an existing $6 million in joint funding, which will finalise the business case currently underway and commence necessary environmental investigations.

The Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line project will work in tandem with the Sunshine Coast Public Transport project to make travelling by public transport to, from and within the Sunshine Coast region more convenient, affordable and reliable.

To support this Big Transport Build, the Palaszczuk Government is calling on local residents and commuters to have a say in the planning for four key transport projects:

. The Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line
. Sunshine Motorway, Mooloolah River Interchange (MRI) Upgrade
. Kawana Motorway planning
. Sunshine Coast Public Transport project

The community engagement approach aims to ensure the local community understands the State Government's overall plan and how these projects interconnect to provide big benefits to residents.

Quotes attributable to the Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey:

"The Sunshine Coast is one of the fastest growing regions in our state, which means we need to build the infrastructure that is needed now and leading up to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

"To get this right, we need to see a number of road, rail and transport projects working together to alleviate congestion and get Sunshine Coast locals home sooner.

"Transport and Main Roads is offering an opportunity for people to get involved, learn about the Big Transport Build and help make the future of the Sunshine Coast a good one.

"From the Bruce Highway to the mighty Bells Creek Arterial and along the existing Sunshine Coast Rail line, we have the high-vis army of roadworkers on the ground to deliver for Queenslanders living in the region – there's only more to come.

"Now's the time to get involved and help shape our bigger picture solution, so together we can continue making the coast a great place to live, work and visit, delivering better services for Queenslanders."

Quotes attributable to the Member for Caloundra Jason Hunt

"These four key transport projects will help to deliver a world class transport system for the Sunshine Coast, making it easier for local and visitors to get to, from and around the region.

"The Palaszczuk Government is a big supporter of Sunshine Coast Direct and we are getting on with finalising the business case by the end of this year.

"It's important to see and understand how all of these projects will work together and I encourage everyone to have their say."

Quotes attributable to the Member for Nicklin Rob Skelton:

"Those of us who live here already know the Sunshine Coast is the greatest place in the world.

"We want to keep it that way by making sure our roads and our transport system keeps pace with the growth we are expecting to see over the coming decades.

"It's exciting to see how all of these key projects align and I urge locals to find out more."

Quotes attributable to Sunshine Coast Council Mayor Mark Jamieson:

"Sunshine Coast Council is pleased the program is progressing for consultation on four major transport projects for our region.

"What is important for our community is that there is a clear plan to address the road, rail and public transport needs of our region to enable our residents to move around more efficiently and effectively.

"An integrated approach – which is reflected in the linkages between these four projects - shows how they complement each other, can operate seamlessly and can enhance the convenience and connectivity of the most heavily populated urban areas of the Sunshine Coast

"Our Council continues to work with the Department of Transport and Main Roads to establish a high-quality public transport system that will reduce congestion, reduce our emissions, better respond to our adaption needs and provide significantly better connectivity between our communities and to the rest of south east Queensland.

"I strongly encourage all residents to take the opportunity to attend one of DTMR's information sessions or use the online engagement tool to provide their views on these critical projects."

Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line

The Queensland Government has committed an additional $14 million towards this detailed business case and is working in partnership with the Australian Government.
Investigates a proposed 37km heavy rail extension between Beerwah and Maroochydore, to confirm station locations, alignment, staging, construction timeframes and cost. 
Will include park 'n' rides and active transport provisions. 
Builds upon planning completed in 2001 by the Caboolture to Maroochydore Corridor Study (CAMCOS).
Will connect economic centres of the Sunshine Coast, Moreton Bay and Brisbane and Sunshine Coast Public Transport project. Will deliver better regional connections between the Sunshine Coast, Moreton Bay and Brisbane regions.
More information: www.tmr.qld.gov.au/directsunshinecoastrail

Sunshine Motorway, Mooloolah River Interchange (MRI) Upgrade

The Australian Government and Queensland Government jointly committed $320 million on a 50:50 (federal:state) basis to deliver Stage 1.
Stage 1 will deliver a new road overpass from Nicklin Way to Brisbane Road and a new local road connection between Mountain Creek and Mooloolaba. These local road connections will separate local traffic from high-speed motorway traffic and reduce traffic weaving — a well-known issue at the interchange.
Future stages include a new river crossing to connect the Sunshine Motorway and Kawana Way, major upgrade of the interchange and duplication of the Sunshine Motorway between the interchange and the existing Kawana Way Interchange.
A design layout has been developed for the entire MRI Upgrade project. It considers community feedback received during project planning, as well as a range of technical, design and on-site investigations undertaken over the last 18 months.
More information: www.tmr.qld.gov.au/projects/sunshine-motorway-mooloolah-river-interchange-upgrade-stage-1 

Kawana Motorway

$2.6 million business case, funded by the Australian Government as part of the Southern Sunshine Coast Roads Improvement Study.
Would form part of a new north–south motorway link from the Bruce Highway to the existing Sunshine Motorway. 
Provides an alternative route to the Bruce Highway for motorists travelling within the region, helping reduce traffic on Nicklin Way and Kawana Way through a direct connection to the Mooloolah River Interchange.
More information: www.tmr.qld.gov.au/kawanamotorway

Sunshine Coast Public Transport

$15 million detailed business case, funded equally by the Australian Government, Queensland Government and Sunshine Coast Council (SCC).
Explores solutions for an enhanced public transport connection between Maroochydore and Birtinya, with a possible extension to Caloundra.
Builds on work previously undertaken by SCC through its Mass Transit Options Analysis endorsed in 2021.
Will help reduce the reliance on private vehicles and enable greater local, intra-regional travel, providing connections to other public transport services and the Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line.
More information: www.tmr.qld.gov.au/sunshinecoastpublictransport

ENDS 

^ This is the now typical Qld Government spin strategy.

Reannouncements ! 

Victoria does BIG BUILD, Queensland does BIG SPIN !!

2 of These are not like the Others

The only way I might consider supporting the Kawana Freeway is if they simultaneously repurposed 50% of the Nicklin Way alignment for public and active transport and turned it into a calmed urban boulevard. You could imagine a slower road with light rail and fully separated bike lanes and much less traffic.

Why can't they deliver the train, active transport corridor and freeway as one project?

Quote from: verbatim9 on July 11, 2023, 17:09:06 PMWhy can't they deliver the train, active transport corridor and freeway as one project?

The only way I might consider supporting the Kawana Freeway is if they simultaneously repurposed 50% of the Nicklin Way alignment for public and active transport and turned it into a calmed urban boulevard. You could imagine a slower road with light rail and fully separated bike lanes and much less traffic.

Why can't they deliver the train, active transport corridor including repurposed 50% of the Nicklin Way alignment for public and active transport and turned it into a calmed urban boulevard. You could imagine a slower road with light rail and fully separated bike lanes and much less traffic WITHOUT the freeway!!

https://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/sunshine-coast/community/community-consultation-to-open-for-major-sunshine-coast-rail-road-projects/news-story/e8d76347ffbd937e6a49efa9b055e496

Quote... Community consultation on four major transport projects across the Sunshine Coast will open on July 19 as the state government says they'll be ready in time for the 2032 Games.

The projects include a $20m direct Sunshine Coast rail line from Beerwah to Maroochydore, a $15m upgrade to public transport, a $320m upgrade to the Sunshine Motorway and Mooloolah River interchange as well as a new $2.6m Kawana Motorway. ...

 

https://twitter.com/ozbob13/status/1678880004695019520

      

https://twitter.com/ozbob13/status/1678895537658134528

We should be wary that the plan for a four-lane motorway between Kawana and Caloundra (another road beside a busy road) seems to be pitted against the Beerwah-Maroochydore heavy rail project, now revealed as being planned for Kawana only in a 'first stage' scenario. This is an 'all-in' exercise, that seems to favour road over rail.

I think it is strange we have an integrated department TMR who produces dis-integrated, mode-specific plans.

Many other members here have suggested doing all modes in one plan along a common corridor.

That approach would make a lot of sense, similar to how AirportLink constructed both a toll tunnel and busway.

The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) is planning for several major road, rail and public transport projects, including active transport, across the Sunshine Coast

> https://www.yoursay-projects.tmr.qld.gov.au/sunshine-coast-major-projects

Pop-up information sessions

Come along and speak to the project teams for Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line, Sunshine Coast Public Transport project, Mooloolah River Interchange and Kawana Motorway.

Thursday 27 July 2023 03:00 pm – 07:00 pm
Bokarina: Venue 114

114 Sportsmans Parade, Bokarina

Saturday 29 July 2023 10:00 am – 02:00 pm
Buderim War Memorial Hall

1 Main Street, Buderim

Wednesday 2 August 2023 03:00 pm – 06:00 pm
Beerwah Meeting Place

25 Peachester Road, Beerwah

Sunday 6 August 2023 08:00 am – 01:00 pm
Caloundra Street Fair (Markets)

Bulcock Street, Caloundra

Monday 7 August 2023 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Brisbane CBD: Cross River Rail Experience Centre

Level 1/151 Elizabeth Street, Brisbane City

Monday 7 August 2023 02:00 pm – 05:00 pm
Moreton Bay: North Lakes Community Centre

10 The Corso, North Lakes (Meeting Room 2)

Wednesday 9 August 2023 10:00 am – 02:00 pm
Maroochydore: Millwell Road Community Centre

11 Millwell Road, Maroochydore

Sunshine Coast News --> Commitment to transport projects questioned but government says it's on the right track

QuoteA Sunshine Coast member of state parliament has further criticised the government for its handling of key transport projects in the region, but Labor says it remains focused on delivering infrastructure in a thorough manner.

The Sunshine Coast Direct Rail, the Kawana Motorway, the Mooloolah River Interchange Upgrade and the Southern Sunshine Coast Public Transport Strategy are in planning and/or design phases, with mixed levels of funding.

The Member for Kawana, LNP's Jarrod Bleijie, said the projects were behind time and government business case studies and a community consultation period were essentially "delay tactics" and a "stunt", in the face of a growing population and the looming 2032 Olympics. ...

^^I hope that the community really pushes for the rail connection to Brisbane as well as mass transit over a new freeway from Maroochydore/Kawana to Caloundra.

But the unfortunate thing is that they all drive up there and will be wanting wider roads.

https://twitter.com/DarrenDavis10/status/1684450977808805888

Via the office of one of the Sunny Coast MPs, here is the official TMR line about public transport improvements on the Sunshine Coast north of a line from Maroochydore to Nambour. It is a wonderful piece of bureaucratic language, beautifully crafted:

"The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) undertakes public transport planning for short-term operational improvements and for longer-term strategic change. Service planning activities are undertaken to assist network planners in the development of the three-five year rolling program of network improvements.

"The service planning focusses on opportunities to expand, improve, or optimise the existing network to meet incremental changes in community travel needs.

"Strategic passenger transport planning strategies are developed for areas where there will likely be significant need for structural change to the network and its supporting infrastructure. This could be due to rapid population and/or employment growth (expansion or consolidation), new infrastructure, or structural shifts in travel demand due to economic or social change.

"The need for development of longer-term public transport strategies is generally identified through regional land use and transport planning, network performance scanning and infrastructure project integration assessments.

"The northern Sunshine Coast, between the Maroochy River and Noosa River, is not expected to accommodate the very high levels of population, employment, and other transformational land use changes that we will see in the southern Sunshine Coast over the next 20 years.

"The northern Sunshine Coast is not likely to require substantial structural change to the current network or its infrastructure.

"The northern Sunshine Coast is likely to require incremental service expansion, improvements, and targeted infrastructure upgrades. TMR continually reviews network performance and customer feedback, and engages with local governments, to identify, investigate and undertake such improvements and upgrades."

Quote"The northern Sunshine Coast is not likely to require substantial structural change to the current network or its infrastructure.

So there is a train to Cairns but not one to Noosa?

Regional trains exist all over Victoria and to a lesser extent NSW.

Rail might still be the best mode for long distance because it's still viable in very low density areas if you design it to be.

The alternative is to run rocket buses out of Maroochydore. Or build a motorway there, but where will they park?

The train to Noosa would be a train to Cooroy and a decent connecting bus.

Once the DSCL is open (to any extent), that can take over all Brisbane services and if they are really serious about things they can run that every 15 minutes in the off peak.

I would run a clockface hourly service between Beerwah and Cooroy on top of that, with like 4-6 a day extending to Gympie.

I've looked at a few options for Glasshouse Mountains, Beerburrum and Elimbah and I am leaning towards having those trains NOT served by any DSCL trains.  All DSCL trains would have the same stopping pattern for legibility and ease of use (same as the Gold Coast line), which would involve stopping at Caboolture, Beerwah then all stations to wherever the DSCL ends up.  The 3 missed stations don't need the kind of service the DSCL would provide and so would slow all of those trips down on a stretch that is already or will be rated for 140kph. 

The hourly hinterland service can run from Caboolture to Cooroy to cover this bit.  It can run more frequently in the weekday peak directions - probably a consistent clockface 30 minute timetable would be fine (all trains would be 6 car trains by this point and a lot of the demand coming from the coastline would migrate to the DSCL).  The peak services would probably continue to and from Brisbane using the same stopping pattern as the DSCL south of Caboolture.

I have translated it for everyone

"We are happy with a future 1%-2% public transport mode share!! Why would we want it any higher"

Planning to Fail

Quote from: SurfRail on July 28, 2023, 09:16:18 AMThe hourly hinterland service can run from Caboolture to Cooroy to cover this bit.  It can run more frequently in the weekday peak directions - probably a consistent clockface 30 minute timetable would be fine (all trains would be 6 car trains by this point and a lot of the demand coming from the coastline would migrate to the DSCL).  The peak services would probably continue to and from Brisbane using the same stopping pattern as the DSCL south of Caboolture.

I'd be more inclined to terminate (all) shuttles (including peak) to/from Caboolture, with the hinterland shuttle operating every 30 minutes in the peak direction between 6am and 9pm and between 3pm and 6pm. 

If DSCL are to operate express Caboolture to Beerwah, it'll operate on the same stopping pattern as DSCL is basically an extension of the existing Caboolture and/or redirected Nambour trains.  Only chance of separating Caboolture and DSCL out again is if the track between Petrie and Caboolture is triplicated with the DSCL expresses, freights and Traveltrains using the express track.

Theoretically through a triplicated Petrie to Caboolture, would be two-tier service, all daytime services stop all stations Petrie to Beerwah (30 minutes during the day between 7am and 6pm), then hourly at the infill stations between Caboolture and Beerwah after 6pm from Mon-Sat (5pm on Sundays/Public Hols).   The DSCL on a two-tier service would operate express to Beerwah limited-stops InterCity style stopping only at EJ, NG, Petrie and Caboolture & v.v

Or just spend the money and do it properly.

Quad from Caboolture to Strathpine properly so Sunshine Coast trains don't need to stop between Caboolture and Petrie at all and can achieve 15 minute headways in both directions, and so freight and long-distance can be refuged / continue operating.

6 platform station at Strathpine (2 for DSCL/Cab, 2 for NWTC local, 2 for Kippa-Ring via Northgate). 

NWTC = 4 tracks with 2 platforms at each station, local service connects to the inner Ferny Grove line, express tracks serve underground platforms at Alderley and emerge into the Ekka loop before descending into the CRR North portal.  Kippa-Ring trains continue to run via Exhibition.

Quad Kuraby to Yeerongpilly and punch a new tunnel into the CRR south portals so only inner Cleveland and inner Beenleigh line services need to go via South Bank.

Tunnel connecting the Cleveland line in the Doboy area with a Cross River Rail 2 route connecting to the western lines at Corinda via Balmoral, Newstead, Fortitude Valley, Eagle Street, Alice Street, South Bank and UQ.

We can but dream.

Strathpine will only ever be 4 station layout. Petrie was to have 6 platforms for NWTC, MBRL and NCL services combined with reduced deadrunning due to Dakabin stabling and triple bidi but both projects were cut... to reduce costs...

I think it is pretty unlikely we will see a direct rail line to Noosa.

Noosa Council famously has a population cap of 60,000 people and hemmed in by national parks, so population growth is going to occur at the south end.

So more or less guaranteed to be Feeder buses to Cooroy and perhaps an upgrade of the 620 HF and that's about it.

Might also be worth reminding everyone about Jarret Walkers comments of "Be on the way".

Some places in Queensland get passenger rail because they are on the main North coast freight line, so passenger services can piggyback off that.

But certain places like Noosa, and even Hervey bay are off the corridor.

There's also the Maroochydore terminating layout with the Y config with a 'proposed line' between MCY City Centre and MCY Airport.  $10 that the spur doesn't occur at all (if MCY City Centre Stage 2 does occur).

As for Noosa, I'd be more inclined to do some minor upgrades to Eumundi Station for 630 buses to meet the hypothetical hourly shuttles.  The 630 could be cut back to Eumundi to fulfil this role.  Increase the 631s (which continue to Nambour via Yandina town centre) where needed to compensate

The other alternative is a 621 from Birtinya/SCUH (DSCL Stage 1), limited stops service stopping only at Kawana Shoppingworld and via the Motorway straight to Coolum being following the existing 620 into Noosa.

The state government announced recently that investigations and planning can begin for transit stations at Cooroy and Noosa Civic -- the Cooroy plan being for a bus/rail interchange. It is making its contribution from the $86 million Local Government Grants and Subsidies Program. In addition, Noosa Council has set aside $140,000 for planning the Cooroy transit centre. The work will proceed in 2023.

The alternative is we spend 100's of millions more widening roads that are totally gridlocked in holidays/long weekends and it all ultimately cost us more. Plan for the transport you want not the transport you have.

Sunshine Coast News --> Preliminary assessment almost done for 11km motorway duplication project

QuoteA preliminary evaluation is nearing completion for a motorway duplication that could ease congestion for more than 30,000 vehicles a day.

The state government says community consultation has indicated strong support for increased capacity along an 11km section of the Sunshine Motorway between Pacific Paradise and Coolum Beach.

The proposal includes increasing the road from two lanes to four lanes and making improvements to major intersections, including the bustling Yandina-Coolum Road roundabout.

A spokesperson said the Department of Transport and Main Roads was almost finished an initial assessment of the proposal.

"We are finalising preliminary planning to duplicate the Sunshine Motorway from Pacific Paradise to Coolum," they said.

"Around 30,600 vehicles use this section daily and traffic volumes are expected to increase with continued growth on the Sunshine Coast.

"The project aims to improve safety, connectivity, capacity and efficiency. ...

^ I have good reason to think the implied additional car traffic figures relating to the population growth estimates recently released are broadly correct.

Almost every motorway got an expansion in the last ~25 years and major aerials too.

Now there is going to be a new Kawana motorway too. They are trying to accomodate mass movement using a low capacity mode.

Sunshine Coast News --> 'It's clear we need better options': business leaders to explore role of transport in region

QuoteBusiness and industry leaders are set to attend a key conference that will explore the role of transport in the Sunshine Coast's urban and economic growth.

The Sunshine Coast Business Council will host the event, dubbed the Importance of Transport to Regional Urban and Economic Growth Conference, which will examine how transportation systems could affect the region's development.

The meeting will be presented with major bodies including TAFE Queensland, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore City Centre, Property Council of Australia, Stockland and Sunshine Coast Airport. ...

Sunshine Coast News --> Project footprint of transport corridor confirms four-lane design and addition of underpass

QuoteThe 'project footprint' for the Caloundra Transport Corridor Upgrade has been released, with confirmation it will include four lanes.

The 1.6km corridor aims to reduce congestion and delays at the Caloundra Road, Nicklin Way and Pelican Waters Boulevard intersection by providing a new connection from Nicklin Way, north of the Caloundra Road roundabout, to the city centre.

The four-lane design has been contentious, with the group Value Caloundra launching a #2LanesNot4 campaign in an effort to minimise its impact.

The CTCU is a joint project, with the Department of Transport and Main Roads responsible for the Nicklin Way to Third Avenue extension and Sunshine Coast Council responsible for the remainder of the corridor from Omrah Avenue to Arthur Street. It is funded by all three levels of government. ...

^

Media Statement: Project footprint released for Caloundra upgrade

https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/98498

Sunshine Coast News --> New 12km road to provide 'crucial access' to highway amid 'booming' population

QuoteA major road connecting the southern Sunshine Coast to the Bruce Highway has been labelled a welcome congestion buster, as it officially opens.

The ribbon was cut on Tuesday, September 19, for the $70m Bells Creek Arterial Road, which will link Caloundra Road to the Bruce Highway and unlock new housing developments in the region.

The project was funded by the state government and developer Stockland.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey and Member for Caloundra Jason Hunt officially opened the 8km extension of the road, completing the 11.9km connection. ...

I can feel transport, living and working decision changing people's minds already.

Now that the Bells Creek Arterial is open,I would recommend a new bus service from Beerwah Station via Baringa to SCUH/Birtinya.

For now the Beerwah to Birtinya/SCUH via Baringa bus would namely be timed for connections to/from Rail services until/if the "completion" date of the Beerwah duplication of "2026" does eventuate/completes on-time.

Sunshine Coast News --> Expert weighs in on region's transport network that is 'no longer suitable'

QuoteA Queensland transport expert has outlined priorities for the rapidly growing Sunshine Coast and says the region must be "reshaped" to make the most of new transit systems.

Griffith University's Professor Matthew Burke, who specialises in transport modelling and policy, said the area needed a major shake-up to accommodate a predicted population explosion, from about 365,000 locals now to more than 500,000 residents by 2041.

"The Sunshine Coast's transport system is okay for a car-based tourism city of around 300,000 people," he said. "But it's no longer suitable for a city with a more mixed economy heading quickly towards half a million residents."

Prof Burke said two key systems were "missing".

"A mid-tier transit system that can run from Maroochydore to Caloundra, linking up all the activities within the city, and an inter-city rail link from the coastal suburbs to Brisbane," he said. ...

https://x.com/Jeffrey_Addison/status/1706843118627406139?s=20

Sunshine Coast rail and public transport

More opportunities to have your say on key projects are now available

> https://www.yoursay-projects.tmr.qld.gov.au/sunshine-coast-rail-public-transport