RAIL - Back On Track Forum

Quote from: ozbob on November 10, 2023, 01:48:14 AMCouriermail --> Brisbane 2032 Games: 20-year blueprint tackles traffic woes $

QuoteThe state government releases a 20-year blueprint on Friday that will address South East Queensland transport infrastructure for the 2032 Games and beyond.

A commitment to fixing South East Queensland's groaning transport infrastructure for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games and beyond has been hailed as a major win for the region's mayors.

A 20-year blueprint, Elevate 2042, will be released by the state government on Friday after more than 14,000 community submissions and input from 500 stakeholders.

The Games legacy plan focuses on connecting people and places as well as sport, health, inclusion, the environment and economy.

Brisbane Lord Mayor and Council of Mayors (SEQ) chair Adrian Schrinner said he was excited to see a focus on transport an integral part of the legacy plan.

"Transforming South East Queensland through enhanced transport connectivity was always the driving force behind our region's ambition to become an Olympic and Paralympic host city and region," he said. ...

Elevate 2042 

The games are on 2032, guess better late than never hey ... 

 

Is there such a thing as vision and transformation fatigue?

Quote from: #Metro on November 10, 2023, 06:32:56 AMIs there such a thing as vision and transformation fatigue?

It's getting that way hey? 

https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/99127

20 Year Plan Makes Most of Games

10th November 2023

JOINT STATEMENT

Premier and Minister for the Olympic and Paralympic Games

The Honourable Annastacia Palaszczuk

Minister for Tourism, Innovation and Sport and Minister Assisting the Premier on Olympics and Paralympics Sport and Engagement
The Honourable Stirling Hinchliffe

. Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games Legacy Strategy released

. Elevate 2042 focuses on sport, health, inclusion, connecting people and places, a better future for our environment and economy

. Vision and community input supported by International Olympic Committee, International Paralympic Committee and Brisbane 2032 Presidents

The 20-year journey to a healthier, more active and inclusive society has been laid out with the release of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games Legacy Strategy.

It follows a year of community consultation resulting in more than 14,000 suggestions and partnership with Games Delivery Partners.

Supported by the International Olympic Committee, International Paralympic Committee and Brisbane 2032 Presidents, Elevate 2042 has the bold mission of making Brisbane, Queensland, Australia and the Oceania region better, sooner, together through sport, with opportunities accelerated by the Olympic and Paralympic Games (the Games) in 2032.

The vision is that by 2042, we will live in an inclusive, more sustainable and connected society, with more opportunities in life for everyone.

The Games present an opportunity to make change by using the Games to advance our economy, improve our environment, enhance our connectivity and build more inclusive communities through sport.

Elevate 2042 creates the framework for that transformation, with a focus on four key areas that are already seeing legacy projects being planned, or coming to fruition.

Sport, health and inclusion

Communities will be more inclusive, active and healthy
Strong pathways for talented athletes wherever they live
Focusing on making sport more affordable and the availability of transport and facilities
Reigniting the volunteer network
YouFor2032 program – Australia's largest ever talent search program
Paralympic Centre of Excellence – to be established at the University of Queensland

Connecting people and places
Catalyst for more connected public and active transport
Accelerating urban renewal that promotes liveability and wellbeing
Faster movement of goods, people and ideas
Making great places where communities can share experiences
Creating a connected and walkable Games with more mobility options for pedestrians, bikes and scooters
Turning the Northshore Athlete Village into a diverse housing precinct

A better future for our environment
Speeding up the journey to net zero emissions
Reducing waste and creating sustainable growth in our communities
Restoring healthy lands and waterways
Building green infrastructure
Sustainable infrastructure and principles for all new or significantly upgraded venues and villages
Queensland Energy & Jobs Plan: delivering clean, reliable, affordable energy

Economy of the future
A more diversified economy that fosters creativity
A place for local innovators, entrepreneurs, startups and scaleups
Resilient businesses and supply chains that can grow and enter new markets
Sport, biomedical, agriculture, resources, tourism and creative industries
Q2032 Procurement Strategy rolled out across Queensland
Cultural Program and Festival Preparation - Events and projects to elevate arts onto a global stage

There are two foundations that will run through all the ideas that are brought to life:

Respecting, advancing and celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
More opportunities in sport, business, arts, culture, tourism and life
Integrating Indigenous culture in planning, design and delivery of the Games
Embedding Indigenous cultures in communities
Planning for a First Nations Cultural Centre
Creating a First Nations tourism roadmap

Advancing accessibility and empowering people with disability
People with disability can participate fully in the community
And have a voice on housing, transport, education, employment and sport
With accessible, inclusive sports infrastructure and events
Queensland's Disability Plan 2022-2027: Together, a Better Queensland
Australia's Disability Strategy 2021-2031

Elevate 2042 reflects the aspirations of the community, with more than 14,000 ideas submitted through the Hopes and Dreams survey, Legacy Forum and Elevate 2042 consultation paper.

Games Delivery Partners have also undertaken their own community engagement to explore their respective priorities.

Those partners include the Queensland Government, Australian Government, Council of Mayors (SEQ), Brisbane City Council, City of Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast Council, Australian Olympic Committee, Paralympics Australia and the Brisbane 2032 Organising Committee.

They will all play a key role in the next step, which is to map out the first Implementation Plan, to be developed during 2024 in conjunction with each individual region, that will drive delivery of the early legacy activities up to 2029.

The Plan will identify the priority programs, projects, targets, partnerships, policy levers and funding sources that will be needed to make the legacy goals happen, with local communities and businesses helping prioritise the most important projects for their own areas.

To read Elevate 2042, please visit Q2032.au/plans/games-legacy

Quote attributable to Premier and Minister for the Olympic and Paralympic Games Annastacia Palaszczuk:

"Hosting the Olympic and Paralympic Games has never been about a few weeks of spectacle.

"It is about making the most of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to provide lasting benefits for our communities.

"We want 2032 to be the starting line – not the finish – for new investment, new industries, new opportunities, and a new golden era for Queensland.

"Just as South Bank has been the lasting legacy of Expo '88, this report details what the community wants the 2032 Games to achieve.

Quote attributable to Sport Minister and Minister Assisting the Premier on Olympics and Paralympics Sport and Engagement, Stirling Hinchliffe:

"Queenslanders and Australians have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to harness the power of the biggest sporting event on Earth for longer-term community change.

"Thank you to the thousands who have contributed their ideas to the Brisbane 2032 Legacy Strategy.

"Legacy comes in many shapes, sizes and perspectives on making regions better, sooner, together through sport to improve lives now and into the future.

Quote attributable to Federal Minister for Aged Care and Minister for Sport Anika Wells:

"Brisbane 2032 provides an unprecedented opportunity to inspire the next generation of athletes by hosting a variety of sports in Australia's backyard.

"Our mission for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games is to foster greater participation in sport so more people across Australia reap the preventive health, social inclusion, and connectivity benefits it provides."

Quote attributable to Council of Mayors (SEQ) Chair and Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner:

"Transforming South East Queensland through enhanced transport connectivity was always the driving force behind our region's ambition to become an Olympic and Paralympic Host City and Region.

"We're excited to see a commitment by all Games Partners to a collaborative Brisbane 2032 Mobility and Transport Strategy for South East Queensland that will ensure key improvements to the region's transport system and operations are prioritised, integrated and delivered in time for the Games.

"SEQ is growing quickly so more convenient, faster and accessible travel choices will help to keep our region and its growing communities moving before, during and after the Games.

"We're also excited to see Resilient Rivers and the SEQ Waste Management Plan recognised as key legacy projects, and how they can be elevated through the Plan to deliver even more benefit for our local environment, waterways, rivers and Moreton Bay."

Quote attributable to Brisbane 2032 Organising Committee President Andrew Liveris AO:

"The Games will deliver the biggest event in south-east Queensland's history and a moment in time to be remembered, but our legacy will evolve for generations to come.

"This is our opportunity to work as one to ensure no-one is left behind and equality and inclusion shine through before and beyond 2032.

"From inclusion to sustainability, First Nations peoples to economic prosperity, this is a strategy with purpose and the outcomes and successes will elevate the strength of our communities and nation like never before.

"My thanks to Games Delivery Partners for supporting the development of the strategy to this starting point, and to the thousands who shaped the framework and will continue to contribute as elements of the strategy are delivered over the next two decades."

Quote attributable to International Olympic Committee President, Thomas Bach:

"With a vision to deliver an Olympic legacy that will begin already a decade before the Olympic Games, and that will last long after, Brisbane 2032 is set to help address the needs of the growing Queensland population, and beyond.

"These Olympic Games will not only be Games in Australia and for Australia, these will be Games for the whole Pacific region."

Quote attributable to International Paralympic Committee President, Andrew Parsons:

"On behalf of the Paralympic Movement, I want to congratulate Brisbane 2032 for the ambitious level of detail and the breadth of conversation provided by Elevate 2042.

"We have never seen an organising committee develop a 20-year legacy plan before, and the extent of integration of disability inclusion in the strategy is truly unprecedented.

"We know that wherever they take place, the Paralympic Games are transformational.

"The Paralympics are a once-in-a-generation catalyst that will transform communities and leave important legacies across Brisbane, Queensland, Australia and Oceania.

"The Paralympics will transform attitudes and create law change that will deliver long-term benefits to the 4.4 million Australians with a disability.

"The Paralympics will transform urban environments and provide more opportunities for people with disabilities to access sport, housing, education and work, which in turn creates more inclusive societies, and then delivers economic impact that everyone benefits from."

Quote attributable to Australian Olympic Committee President Ian Chesterman AM:

"The greatest legacy to flow from hosting the Olympics is a thriving sports system.

"Growing participation, nurturing coaches, encouraging volunteers and administrators as well as creating more sport services experts.

"These are critical outcomes that allow sport to contribute more broadly to a happier and healthier Queensland, Australia and our friends in Oceania."

Quote attributable to Paralympics Australia President Alison Creagh AM CSC:

"Ultimately, the success of the Brisbane 2032 Paralympics won't be judged on how many medals Australia wins or even how well the Games are staged.

"A key measure of success will be the way we use Para-sport to challenge stereotypes about what people with a disability can achieve and what kind of a nation we want to create for the future.

"Our responsibility is to unite, inspire and motivate Australians for generations to come."

Quote attributable to Sunshine Coast Mayor Mark Jamieson:

"Our goal is to secure a positive legacy for our region from our involvement as a key delivery partner in the Brisbane 2032 Games. This strategy is an important step in achieving positive outcomes for the Sunshine Coast.

"I am particularly pleased with the commitment to a more connected and accessible South-East Queensland through the development of a transport and mobility strategy, which will prioritise improvements to the regions transport system.

"The Sunshine Coast's Blue Heart initiative and our Mobility Mapping project, which improves accessibility for people with a disability in our region, are strongly featured in the Legacy Strategy and great examples of positive local projects that will be bigger and better because of the Games.

"Finally, I am proud of the collaboration that went into creating the Brisbane 2032 Legacy Strategy and thank everyone who completed the survey or attended the Legacy Forum from our community, particularly those from our Sunshine Coast — your commitment to our future is truly appreciated."

Quote attributable to Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate:

"It is a privilege to be a part of not only the 2032 Olympics and Paralympics but to be part of this program which will have so much impact on the SEQ region for the next 20 years.

"Improving the social and physical wellbeing of residents and communities is fantastic.

"Through built-infrastructure and community-based programs, we can deliver a better Gold Coast and a more connected SEQ region."

ENDS

GAMES LEGACY

https://q2032.au/plans/games-legacy

(web site front page has a very poor font colour selection head banner) 

Quote from: ozbob on November 10, 2023, 12:43:45 PMGAMES LEGACY

https://q2032.au/plans/games-legacy

(web site front page has a very poor font colour selection head banner) 

Seems like a whole lot of nothing really.

I thought we were going to get some sort of transport plan etc.

It is just more nothing-burger statements.



The secondary links on the Elevate 2042 web site are dead at present. 

Seriously, this looks like an utter shambles on the way ...

^ the secondary links are back up.

https://q2032-public-assets.s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/documents/ELEVATE%202042%20Legacy%20Strategy_FULL%20LENGTH.pdf

Page 32.

QuotePublic transport

More trains, buses and accessible stations will
help extend the reach of public transport into more
communities and provide for a greater frequency of
service. Providing user friendly travel information,
supported by mobile technology, will also make it easier
and more convenient to use public transport. Expanding
our public transport services will provide the community
with more travel options wherever and whenever they
need to travel. This will help reduce our carbon footprint
through higher capacity and zero emissions transport
and provide more inclusive travel options for all
members of our community.

Active transport

The aspiration is to deliver the most walkable Games
ever, resulting in the legacy of a more pedestrian and
cycle friendly city and region. Coordinated investments
in active transport, supported by an enhanced public
transport network, will make walking, wheeling and
riding easier, safer and more enjoyable for commuting
and recreation. Sports and community precincts and
transport hubs will be connected by safe, accessible and
legible paths to encourage more people to walk
and ride, interact with local businesses and
leisure opportunities.

More trams too?     

Oh look, another glossy brochure. Stop talking and start building.

We all know what needs doing.

I bet no real new rail projects will come out of this, which defeats the purpose of the Olympics.

Sent to all outlets:

2032 Olympic Legacy Strategy, Elevate 2042 - Doubles Down on Transport Mess

10th November 2023

RAIL Back On Track has reviewed the Palaszczuk Government's 2032 Olympic Legacy Strategy, Elevate 2042 (1) and noted that the Connecting People and Places Transformation Theme reads just like every SEQ Regional Plan and Integrated Transport Plan since the late 1990's. The same plans that have had little effect on the State or Local Government transport budgets and projects and City Plans across the region.  Transport investments and City Plans that only resulted in more people stuck in ever worse congestion with active and public transport options hard to use, non-existent and/or not a viable alternative.

More of the same investment which created today transport's mess will certainly not fix it.

An about face on transport planning and investment is urgently needed if the 2032 Olympic Legacy is to be delivered including:

. Bus Lanes - Separate bus lanes on all major roads as a single bus lane can moved 4 time the number of people as a car lane.  Buses stuck in traffic also increases running costs as more buses are need to cover peak services. If a bus can complete it's run in half the time it can be made available for another route rather than an having to us an additional bus.  That bus can be used on another route to increase services/frequency at no additional costs.

. SEQ Bus Network Redesign - SEQ bus network is full of duplication, indirect and/or infrequent routes, is confusing and hard to understand and in many cases bus compete with rail lines and/or don't connect to the railway station. A complete redesign of the network using a BRT-style frequent service approach (building on the successful BUC/Glider Routes) was urgently required in 2013. 10 years later is more than overdue.

. Maximising Train Frequencies - The current rollingstock and network across SEQ can operate at much higher frequencies without additional infrastructure especially off-peak frequencies.  For the majority of the day/night the rollingstock should only be non-operational for servicing and cleaning.

. Cycling Facilities at Train/Busway Station and Major Bus Stops -  Integrating cycling and transit brings multiple benefits including, it puts mass transit within the reach of more people across a larger area  and provides users with greater flexibility including to adapt trips based on their individual needs

. Children and Seniors Free Travel - Ever noticed during school holidays that congestion is no where near as bad. Making trips for children, students and seniors free (all day every day) should not bee seen as a loss of revenue but rather as maximising the investment already made in buses, trains, ferries, trams and drivers. Over 70% of students are being driven to school rather than walking, cycling or catching public transport. The services are already running lets just maximise their use.

. Separated Bike Lanes - Physically separating bike lanes which are typically just painted lines on the road and/or placed on the road side of parked cars (the door zone) represents the single greatest return on transport investment (which is minimal if not over engineered) and results in not only significant increases in cycling but also increases in retail turn over in local communities

. Establish Public Transport Queensland (PTQ) - the above initiatives have been available to our governments for decades.  There is too much political name calling and not enough collaboration. It is clear we need a proper Public Transport Authority in Queensland to take over the administration and management of public transport in Queensland and work with local governments, and to properly integrate public transport and improve active transport infrastructure and facilities.

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

Reference:

1. The Brisbane 2032 Legacy Strategy, Elevate 2042
https://q2032.au/plans/games-legacy

Facebook ...

The next Government is going to have a hell of a job sorting the 'legacy' of the failed Palaszczuk Government.

They just turn out rolling babble, visions, aspirations, studies and plans.  Plans rarely get implemented, they just do another study and plan.

Roll on 2024!

Queensland government unveils blueprint for 2032 Olympics and Paralympics | 7 News Australia

Brisbanetimes --> Meanjin messaging: Indigenous languages set to be spoken at Olympic venues

QuoteQueensland's Indigenous languages could be showcased on the global stage in 2032, with the state's sport minister hinting at multilingual announcements at Olympic venues being expanded to include the local First Nations language.

At the launch of Elevate 2042, the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games 20-year legacy strategy, Stirling Hinchliffe said inclusivity was embedded in the document, which had been well-received by the International Olympic Committee. ...

South Eastern Queensland's Olympics Transport Legacy Blueprint is out there......from the backwater of the world, where their scared of a camera on front of a train.....but this will knock ya socks off.....

Brisbanetimes --> Meanjin messaging: Indigenous languages set to be spoken at Olympic venues $

QuoteQueensland's Indigenous languages could be showcased on the global stage in 2032, with the state's sport minister hinting at multilingual announcements at Olympic venues being expanded to include the local First Nations language.

At the launch of Elevate 2042, the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games 20-year legacy strategy, Stirling Hinchliffe said inclusivity was embedded in the document, which had been well-received by the International Olympic Committee.

The use of Indigenous languages during the recent FIFA Women's World Cup resulted in Meanjin – or the alternative spelling "Meeanjin" – trending in Google searches whenever matches were played in Brisbane.

The traditional name for the city featured prominently at matches held at Suncorp Stadium.

"Ultimately, these are matters for the organising committee to determine," Hinchliffe said. ...

Couriermail --> Editorial: Clock is ticking on big calls for 2032 $

QuoteThe end of this year marks the deadline for the biggest of the government's decisions about 2032 Games venues, writes the editor.

Brisbane was awarded the 2032 Olympic Games exactly 849 days ago, and if the clock wasn't already ticking on some big decisions about venues it sure as heck is now – a full two years and four months on.

It is well known that the end of this year marks the deadline for the biggest of those decisions – that decision being what the plan is for the rebuild of the Gabba to serve as the main Olympic and Paralympic stadium, and therefore where to re-home the Brisbane Lions AFL team and cricket for what will be close to a decade from when the demolition work begins in early 2026. ...

Couriermail --> Future Brisbane: River City's liveability trailing behind all mainland capitals despite looming 2032 Games $

QuoteBrisbane trails every other Australian mainland capital city in terms of liveability, new global rankings show, highlighting three key areas that are in drastic need of attention ahead of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Brisbane trails every other Australian mainland capital city in terms of liveability – and major improvements in public transport, affordable housing, night-life, culture and environment are critical to fixing it.

In one decade, Brisbane has slid three places on the Economist Intelligence Unit's global liveability rankings to 16th, making it the most unliveable of Australia's five largest mainland capitals.

But in a positive development, the EIU said Queensland's capital had "solidified its status" as a developed and top-performing city in the Global Liveability Index, with "perfect scores in health care and education". ...

They also need to get cracking on improving airport services. The problem areas are Cairns and Wellcamp. They either need to extend or divert current bus services to service these airports or have a seperate new service.

The cruise terminal at Brisbane needs a PT service as well. Preferably contracted out to BAC to run services via Skygate every 20 mins from 7 am to 9pm daily or on cruise days which is 7 days now, I think.

They are also planning to build the second pier for ships at the cruise terminal as well to allow for two ships at a time. More of a reason to start cracking on PT to and from the cruise terminal.

Another thing they need to do is start negotiating with UQ to allow for the busway to be extended through to Indooroopilly. Even if they complete the first critical stage being under UQ by 2031 it would make a huge improvement to cross town trips.

They could then turn the 412 into loop bus as well as having direct services from Indooroopilly.

Potential new enhanced route
412 - City, Coronation Drive, Toowong, UQ, under UQ then back to the city via the Eastern and Southern Busways turning back into Roma Street  at KGS. They could move the stop down to the busway station as well at KGS.

Quote from: verbatim9 on November 19, 2023, 12:21:59 PMThey also need to get cracking on improving airport services. The problem areas are Cairns and Wellcamp. They either need to extend or divert current bus services to service these airports or have a seperate new service.

The cruise terminal at Brisbane needs a PT service as well. Preferably contracted out to BAC to run services via Skygate every 20 mins from 7 am to 9pm daily or on cruise days which is 7 days now, I think.

They are also planning to build the second pier for ships at the cruise terminal as well to allow for two ships at a time. More of a reason to start cracking on PT to and from the cruise terminal.

The cruise terminal doesn't need a pt service. Any government subsidised service via Skygate requires Airtrain approval as it's within the bounds of their exclusivity contract.

https://twitter.com/senatorpennyqld/status/1727503281084379572?t=7HB3HfZoCQstYYoSbw_RDg&s=19

Right on cue ... 

Couriermail --> Future Brisbane: It's the Gabba - Exclusive details, key features of new stadium revealed $

QuoteThe Palaszczuk government has declared its unequivocal commitment to completely demolish and rebuild the Gabba as a new report reveals the precinct will have three new bridges, 880 new apartments and capacity for live concerts in front of more than 80,000 people.

Deputy Premier Steven Miles chose The Courier-Mail and Sunday Mail's sold out Future Brisbane summit to release the project validation report, declaring the $2.7 billion option is "best bang-for-buck" . ...

3 pedestrian overpasses.  This makes me very very worried that the roads around the Gabba will be left as essential Freeway on/off ramps and there will be very little attempt to retain the area to a walkable, safe, people friendly inner city area. Yes it a negative perspective but the idea of grade separating pedestrians is a car-centric approach.

Brisbanetimes --> 'Best bang for buck': Miles releases new details of $2.7b Gabba rebuild $

QuoteIt may end up being one of the most expensive stadiums in the world, despite its relatively modest capacity, but Deputy Premier Steven Miles insists the $2.7 billion Gabba rebuild represents the "best value for money" for Queensland taxpayers.

Announcing the completion of the project validation report for the 50,000-seat Gabba, Miles said the rebuilt stadium would be the centrepoint of the new "East Bank" urban renewal precinct. ...

Couriermail --> Gabba redevelopment: Taxpayers could foot sporting compo bill $

QuoteBrisbane Lions and Queensland Cricket will know "in months" where they will play during the four-year Gabba rebuild, and taxpayers could also pay compensation.

Demolition of The Gabba is set to start after the Ashes in late 2025, with Deputy Premier Steven Miles on Friday revealing the state would push ahead with the $2.7bn plan.

AFL Queensland and Queensland Cricket have been in talks with the state government about their home venues during the four-year rebuild, with the RNA Showgrounds, Allan Border Field and other southeast Queensland venues touted as possible locations. ...

Queensland government green lights Gabba Olympic redevelopment | 7 News Australia

If anyone thinks this will cost $2.7 billion, I have a ticket for a high speed rail service to Sydney for sale!

https://x.com/ozbob13/status/1728070985914486933?s=20

Just what constitutes the 'Gabba project'?

Assuming the knock-down and rebuild will cost $2.7 billion (it will be more), is construction of a new primary school in the grounds of Coorparoo Secondary College part of that budget? It will be an add-on cost hidden within the Education Department budget. The cost of the three new pedestrian bridges be part of the $2.7 billion pricetag -- that will be a cost within the TMR budget. Will the subsidies to Queensland Cricket and the Brisbane Lions for relocating temporarily form part of the $2.7 billion? No ... so what is the total then?

Remember how Mark Bailey kept repeating to himself a lower cost for Cross River Rail while announcing new component bits until all of a sudden the price blew out by $960m to $6.3 billion? Oh, and look at the $2.5 billion Gold Coast Faster Rail project where the cost estimate doubled to $5 billion? A positive BCR is well and truly shot there.

Yep, that new stadium will cost $2.7 billion, just as the rail line to Maroochydore will cost $3.2 billion. We now know it will be 'three times' that figure.

It's funny how the cost of everything the Palaszczuk Government wants to build doesn't change (or ministers won't believe will change) while the escalating cost of everything it doesn't want to build is given as the excuse why they can't go ahead.

Gold Coast Faster Rail has doubled in price, the cost of rail to Maroochydore is of the order of $10 billion, we are told -- up from $3.2 billion -- but $2.7 billion is all that the Gabba will cost. Has the projected cost of inflation between now and 2032 been included? As costs escalate, will private developers be given approval for more high-rise houses around the new stadium in exchange for more dollars to compensate for cost blowouts?

Transparency? All this is as clear as mud.

https://x.com/9NewsQueensland/status/1728151763813912758?s=20

https://x.com/StevenJMiles/status/1728210049351430517?s=20

https://x.com/9NewsQueensland/status/1727961529633407232?s=20

Couriermail --> Greens MP, students, residents protest redevelopment of Gabba $

QuoteA Greens MP has dubbed a revamped Brisbane Cricket Ground as "Labor's electoral graveyard" during a rally on Saturday morning after the state government announced demolition of Gabba for a $2.7 billion redevelopment.

Students from East Brisbane State School and their parents, Greens politicians and locals were among the dozens of people who attended. ...

Brisbanetimes --> Greens MPs lead residents rally against Gabba 'renewal project' $

QuoteBrisbane Greens MPs have rallied with Woolloongabba residents against newly revealed plans for the $2.7 billion, 50,000-seat, Gabba stadium rebuild the Labor government has described as a "renewal project" for the area.

A report released by the government on Friday confirmed its 2021 decision to demolish and redevelop the "tired" stadium for use as a landmark for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. ...

https://x.com/10NewsFirstQLD/status/1728300973431341505?s=20

Protests over government's plan to demolish and rebuild the Gabba | 7 News Australia

Couriermail --> Fears $2.7bn Gabba redevelopment will leave 2029 Ashes homeless $

QuoteCricket Queensland is seeking urgent reassurance from the state government that the Ashes will be safe for a December 2029 outing at the Gabba, as a heated rally was held in protest of the controversial $2.7bn Olympic redevelopment.

The Courier-Mail revealed on Friday the state government would go ahead with plans to demolish the existing stadium and rebuild ahead of the 2032 Games.

The formal communication issued on the plans says the Gabba will be demolished after the 2025 Ashes, with a new look stadium ready for events in 2030. ...

https://x.com/6NewsAU/status/1728896418491064732?s=20

Interview 28 Nov 2023 ABC Radio Brisbane Drive Host Steve Austin with Robert Dow RBoT discuss fast rail for regional Queensland.

Here --> https://backontrack.org/docs/abcbris/abcbris_sa_rd_28nov23.mp3 MP3  10.0 MB

Brisbanetimes --> How a throwaway line in Gabba report exposes truth-bending spin $

QuoteIn that timeless classic Yes Minister, Sir Humphrey Appleby offers Jim Hacker, the fictional minister for administrative affairs in Her Majesty's government, some sage advice.

"Never set up an inquiry unless you know in advance what its findings will be."

The same can probably be said for reports, and one can't help but think that's exactly what happened with the Queensland government's project validation report (PVR) for the $2.7 billion Gabba rebuild.

What gives it away? A throwaway line on page seven of the document's summary, the condensed version of the PVR that was produced for public consumption. ...