RAIL - Back On Track Forum

Brisbanetimes --> Senate report demands halt to Gabba rebuild $

QuoteA Senate committee has called for a halt on the $2.7 billion Gabba rebuild, as the Queensland government began to sound out the market ahead for the required construction work.

The committee, chaired by the LNP's Matt Canavan, had called for a review of the project before work began in its first interim report in October and has gone a step further in its second interim report released on Thursday.

The committee recommended the federal government "work with" the Queensland government to halt the Gabba's redevelopment "until such time that a review of the business case and a socioeconomic cost-benefit analysis of the decision to redevelop the Gabba has been completed". ...

https://x.com/ozbob13/status/1732772286015684842?s=20

Gross hypocrisy from the state government to proceed recklessly with the 'Gabba rebuild, without a business case, while demanding a business case and detailed engineering considerations and studies every which-way before it will commit state funds to the Direct Sunshine Coast Line.

Even when it has federal funding in the bag for the Beerburrum to Beerwah rail track duplication (required for the DSCL to be operational), the Palaszczuk Government won't spend it.

Meanwhile, cost overruns everywhere.

Mark Bailey vigorously promotes himself as 'Bailey the Builder' because he doesn't want his other moniker from the LNP to catch on – Blowout Bailey.

Was a business case done for second M1 or duplicate Bruce Highway?

I think the Ipswich Mayor is doing a press conference at the Springfield AFL Ground this morning.

Good luck to her!

Quote from: Stillwater on December 08, 2023, 06:34:53 AMGross hypocrisy from the state government to proceed recklessly with the 'Gabba rebuild, without a business case, while demanding a business case and detailed engineering considerations and studies every which-way before it will commit state funds to the Direct Sunshine Coast Line.

Even when it has federal funding in the bag for the Beerburrum to Beerwah rail track duplication (required for the DSCL to be operational), the Palaszczuk Government won't spend it.

Meanwhile, cost overruns everywhere.

Mark Bailey vigorously promotes himself as 'Bailey the Builder' because he doesn't want his other moniker from the LNP to catch on – Blowout Bailey.

Exactly.  This whole Olympics saga reminds me of the day the XPT (standard gauge train) was sent onto the 1067 mm (3' 6") gauge track at South Brisbane station.

They are off the rails big time!!!

City of Ipswich Media Statement

https://www.ipswich.qld.gov.au/about_council/media/media-releases/articles/2023/leveraging-2032-our-roadmap-to-the-olympic-and-paralympic-games

Leveraging 2032: Our Roadmap to the Olympic and Paralympic Games

08 December 2023

Improved transport links, boosting grassroots sports and investment attraction are on the Ipswich community's wish list as real legacies from the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said today.

Releasing Ipswich City Council's Leveraging 2032: Our Roadmap to the Olympic and Paralympic Games, Mayor Harding said the roadmap aimed to bring top class sport and entertainment venues and facilities, mass public transport, hotels and tourists to the city.

The roadmap was launched at Brighton Homes Arena, Ipswich's 2032 Games venue scheduled to host modern pentathlon.

Mayor Harding, Chair of the 12-member Ipswich 2032 Legacy Working Group, said Ipswich was now well positioned to secure 2032 legacies to enhance the quality of life for our community.

"The roadmap highlights opportunities that we know will deliver outcomes for this community," Mayor Harding said.

"Sport is a powerful driver. It brings us together, improves health and well-being, and builds positive and productive communities. However, the 2032 Games is far more than just a sporting event.

"Our community has highlighted transport connectivity as the most important legacy outcome for our city, ensuring we are connected to each other and our neighbouring councils in a safe, efficient and reliable way.

"Our roadmap sets a foundation to achieve this and many other legacy opportunities in lead up to, during, and beyond the 2032 Games. The next decade will represent a golden era for the south-east, and Ipswich is well placed to take full advantage of the opportunities before us."

Twenty legacy outcomes have been articulated through engagement with the community, Legacy Working Group and Advocacy Steering Group with a broader alignment to council's strategic priorities. They are:

1. Ipswich to Springfield Central Public Transport Corridor - Mass Transit

2. Ipswich Public Transport Connectivity - Local Connections

3.  Ipswich – Games Workforce and Supply Chain Connectivity

4.  North Ipswich Sport and Entertainment Precinct

5.  Regional Parkland and Indoor-Outdoor Sporting Complex

6.  Springfield Central Sport and Entertainment Precinct

7.  Pre-Games Training Opportunities (Venues and Team Attraction)

8.  University of Southern Queensland Sporting Precinct and Tartan Track

9.  Healthy and Engaged City

10. Ipswich Showgrounds and the Ipswich Convention and Exhibition Centre

11. An Environmental Legacy for Ipswich

12. A Sustainable Legacy for Ipswich

13. Boosting Business and Regional Growth Opportunities

14. New Hotels and Accommodation

15. A Local Volunteer Passport

16. Position Ipswich as the Place to Be Before, During and After the Games

17. Enhance and Leverage our Unique Selling Points and Tourism Assets

18. Support and Showcase Multicultural Communities

19. Destination Led Events

20. The Cultural Olympiad

Ipswich City Council Economic Development Committee Chairperson Cr Kate Kunzelmann, said the Games was expected to deliver $8 billion in economic benefits for Queensland.

"That is even before you start to consider the social and cultural opportunities," Cr Kunzelmann said.

"This roadmap outlines our priorities to maximise the Games' opportunity for greater investment in the City of Ipswich.

"The success of the Games acquisition is the perfect example of what can be achieved when all three levels of government work together. The Federal Government's commitment of $7 billion to the delivery of the Games is the catalyst to elevate lifestyles and ambitions through improving the health and wellbeing of our communities.

"The redevelopment of existing sporting venues and creation of new sporting venues will be both accelerated and amplified due to the success of securing the Games.

"The Games will be the largest event that has ever been held in Queensland. It is the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition, bringing hope for a better future.

"Our young athletes of today, may be our Olympic and Paralympic heroes in 2032, competing on the global stage, from a place called Ipswich."

Scathing report warns Palaszczuk government to halt Gabba redevelopment | 7 News Australia

Brisbanetimes --> He's Game: Miles makes Olympic shift from Palaszczuk plans $

QuoteBrisbane's 2032 Olympic Games will be overseen by an independent co-ordinating body, under one of incoming premier Steven Miles' first policy shifts from his predecessor.

Under the premiership of leader Annastacia Palaszczuk, the co-ordination of the Games would have been within the Office of Premier and Cabinet.

But having secured his colleagues' support to lead Queensland Labor and the state government, Miles said he was "convinced that having an independent delivery authority ... for the delivery of Brisbane 2032 is the right way to go".

"I've started talking to people with experience and expertise in that. I have discussed with [Brisbane] lord mayor [Adrian Schrinner], my director-general has raised it with the IOC [International Olympics Committee] and with the Brisbane 2032 team." ...

https://x.com/ozbob13/status/1734565460694429724?s=20

That's a good start.

Couriermail --> Queensland government announces pause on Brisbane's Olympic and Paralympic Games $

QuoteA move by new Premier Steven Miles and his deputy Cameron Dick could potentially spell the end of the controversial $2.7bn Gabba redevelopment.

A "pause" on the mega infrastructure pipeline for Brisbane's Olympic and Paralympic Games will give the government time to consider their position on projects like the controversial $2.7bn Gabba rebuild Treasurer Cameron Dick has said.

Mr Dick, releasing the government's mid-year budget update, reaffirmed the decision by incoming Premier Steven Miles to conduct a 60-day review of Games infrastructure once the independent authority is set up.

"We need to pause," he said. ...

Hopefully, the Gabba will still go ahead. Just needs some bi partisan decisions for funding adjustments to allow the state government to contribute more to the RNA upgrade. They have over budgeted for the Gabba rebuild essentially.

Plus better communication through an independent authority.

Gabba should be refurbished to make it access compliant and up to modern stadium standard for cricket and AFL. Sure one of those is an Olympic sport at 2032 Games.

Another location and public transport infrastructure for Olympic Stadium chosen

Quote from: Jonno on December 13, 2023, 15:45:28 PMHanna should be refurbished to make it access compliant and up to modern stadium standard for cricket and AFL. Sure one of those is an Olympic sport at 2032 Games.

Another location and public transport infrastructure for Olympic Stadium chosen

Sounds like a spokesperson reiterating a Greens policy.

Remember Greens generally only represent 5-12% of the population. Just saying.

Quote from: verbatim9 on December 13, 2023, 15:49:42 PMSounds like a spokesperson reiterating a Greens policy.

Remember Greens generally only represent 5-12% of the population. Just saying.

What does this even mean?

Who is Hanna?

Is saying " build a stadium elsewhere" even that much of a controversial opinion?

Its certainly not just the greens scratching their head.

Because when I think it other major grounds in Australia like the MCG, Allianz, Adelaide Oval, SCG, they all tend to be located within Parklands, so there is space to expand etc.

Meanwhile, the Gabba is so hemmed in that it already has seating suspended over Stanley St and Vulture St, and nobody really wants to face up to the fact that there is no land to actually build a good stadium, hence it only has 6000 extra seats for $2.7b

You have to consider an efficient use of taxpayers money.

Allianz stadium opened 2022, and was "Only" $800m, Adelaide Oval in 2014 was $600m.

Whats the benefit in spending 3x or 4x the cost just for bragging rights that the old location got recycled?

Honestly, I'd personally prefer they just upgrade the stadium used for the Ekka for the Olympics, it's still near a railway station (Exhibition), has access from the south with Fortitude Valley, and buses can be shuttled in quite easily given we already have plenty of experience doing just that for the Ekka.  It's also not as constrained as the Gabba is, plus given the area is getting an upgrade anyway, might as well make the stadium there upgraded too.  The Gabba can have a couple of lifts put in and some seating removed, along with a bit of paint job, that's all that is frankly needed to make it accessible IMO.

The RNA arena won't be appropriate for the Opening ceremony but it would be nice to have an upgrade anyway.

They should just bite the bullet and do what the IOC told them to do. Opening/Closing Ceremony at Heritage Bank stadium at Carrara, Athletics at Gabba. The design of the stadium at Carrara allows for the installation of temporary seating to expand the seating for the event.

Maybe if they go that route they can fast track an EW light rail route from Nerang station to Broadbeach South, via Nerang Broadbeach road, the stadium, and Hooker Blvd. Very foamy but they'd want some kind of mass transit for the event.

The Gabba site is way too constrained. The reason for the full rebuild is so they can better host concerts and other large events (aka an opening ceremony). The reason they need to demolish is because they wanna raise the whole thing and build a ring road underneath (like Suncorp). That way you can put trucks in underneath and don't have to close Stanley/Vulture streets on an event


That's what needed to be done last time Taylor Swift was here. Vulture/Stanley closed all day/night of the show and we were in an insane panicked rush to get all the trucks packed before the cops needed to open the roads at 5am. As far as I'm aware the lack of production capabilities at the Gabba (and a lack of capacity) was a big reason for Taylor Swift skipping Brisbane on the upcoming tour.

Its just not a suitable site. It would be insanely expensive and just not worth it.

Is Suncorp Stadium not appropriate? It already has 50,000 seating capacity, which is what the Gabba upgrade is trying to do. It has train access, underground roads, and a bus interchange.

Would be noisy for local residents though.

QuoteThe 52,500-seat Suncorp Stadium is Queensland's leading sports and outdoor concert venue. The stadium hosts major events including international football, rugby league, and rugby union fixtures as well as large-scale stadium music performances.

An alternative possibility is to build something on UQ Campus land. It has the PT infrastructure already.


Notes

Suncorp Stadium
https://www.asmglobal.com/p/our-portfolio/stadiums/suncorp-stadium2

Suncorp is used for concerts all the time. Foo Fighters were there literally last night.

Artists like Tay Tay though are starting to bring HUUUUUUGE productions in, and HUUUUUUGE numbers. Ed Sheeran did his shows at Suncorp earlier this year. He did three back-to-back shows with 57000 punters each. Meanwhile in Melbourne it was two shows at 109,000 each. His production required like a week of load in and load out for the insane TAIT stage structure. To note: that 109,000 attendees was the largest show Ed Sheeran has ever played.
Note that it's much cheaper to do two larger capacity shows than 3 slightly smaller ones, considering the production in both venues in that instance is the same.

RNA main arena is also used for concerts but has nowhere near the capacity. Post Malone was there just two weeks ago.

Adele was the first artist to use the Gabba for a concert in something like 30 years. It was also a show designed for a round stadium. Taylor's last show was too large to fit in Suncorp from a production standpoint. It needed the large form factor of a round stadium. You will start to see a lot of these mega artists increase to this point in coming years.

There is a similar problem with Boondall. It's too small for a lot of international mega artists now. Billie Eilish did three back to back shows on her last tour here. And notably the last few big KPop groups to come through Australia (Blackpink, Stray Kids) did what Taylor is doing and skipped Brisbane, just playing Sydney and Melbourne. My understanding is that it's a very similar situation. Boondall is too small, both from a production standpoint, and a capacity standpoint. Compare to Qudos Bank arena in Sydney and you can see the difference.
Drake's show back in 2017 was one of the largest productions I've ever seen go into Boondall. The rigging alone was colossal, I'd say he hit the upper limit of what you can do with an indoor arena show at Boondall.

Anyway, my point is, there IS a legitimate reason for wanting to have a larger stadium, and a larger (better located) arena in Brisbane. The location of the Gabba is just way too constrained to actually pull it off though.

My foamy dream is that the new stadium would go on the site of QSAC Stadium at Nathan, with an underground busway station that links up to the SEB, and continues south along the Mains road corridor. I know it won't happen but a man can dream.

I don't think Roma Street is the right location for the arena but I can't think of a better central location with adequate land + public transport access. Maybe Ascot racecourse? Get rid of the big animal cruelty circle and chuck an arena there (along with lots of affordable housing, parkland etc etc). Upgrade Doomben line for extra capacity/remove LXes? I dunno. It's tricky.

ABC News --> $2.7 billion Gabba rebuild in doubt as incoming Queensland premier signals major Olympic project review $

QuoteQueensland's incoming premier has vowed to review all major infrastructure projects for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, casting doubt on the future of the controversial $2.7 billion Gabba stadium rebuild.

Key points:

. All major infrastructure projects for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games are set to be reviewed

. It follows the biggest shake-up in Queensland politics in almost nine years

. Incoming Premier Steven Miles is set to unveil a new-look cabinet in coming days

It comes as Steven Miles also prepares for a significant cabinet reshuffle — promising to bring in "fresh faces" to the line-up of state government ministers.

Mr Miles announced on Tuesday that under the state government he leads, an independent infrastructure agency would be set up to deliver projects for the upcoming Games. ...

https://twitter.com/9NewsQueensland/status/1734853776731713897?t=0VRIPAYYxIddTLbW3ywX0w&s=19

Ipswich Tribune --> Let's bring the footy home to Ipswich $

QuoteTHE clamour grows ever louder for the Brighton Homes Arena to become the Games Gabba stand-in.

Federal Member for Blair Shayne Neumann and public transport expert Robert Dow last week joined Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding in her call for Springfield's arena to act as the temporary venue for AFL and cricket home games when the Gabba rebuild commences.

They say the State Government's choice of Brisbane's RNA Showgrounds is a bad call – especially when a Brighton Homes Arena upgrade would cost about half the price, at $80 million.

"I'm bitterly disappointed with the State Government," Mr Neumann said.

"I urge them now to reconsider its decision to use the RNA Showgrounds' Main Arena as an alternative venue for the Brisbane Lions and cricket during this period.

"Brighton Homes Arena is a purpose-built AFL stadium that is already home to our all-conquering Lions AFLW team, so it makes perfect sense to use this venue."

Mr Neumann said the Springfield option also offers big pluses such as the Orion Springfield Central Shopping Centre, shops, cafes, restaurants, pubs and accommodation. ...

I think the big problem with having stadiums in outer suburbs is that while it's convenient for people on that side of town to travel to, it's a long slog for people coming from say Redcliffe or Caboolture.

Edit: even coming from Logan it's a long trip, having to take the train all the way into Roma St before heading back out again. If only we had some decent cross-town bus services.

QuoteI interviewed the Lord Mayor the week before Annastacia Palaszczuk announced her retirement, and before Steven Miles became the new premier of Queensland. We included a small piece at the end of the video noting it, but weren't able to fully incorporate all the recent events that have happened, especially Steven Miles' announcement that he "would" establish an independent authority to look at the venues for the Games, just as the Lord Mayor has asked for, and also the potential "pausing" of the Gabba's redevelopment. We will hopefully make updated videos on these projects as more announcements from the new premier are made

Quote from: achiruel on December 14, 2023, 09:51:57 AMI think the big problem with having stadiums in outer suburbs is that while it's convenient for people on that side of town to travel to, it's a long slog for people coming from say Redcliffe or Caboolture.

Edit: even coming from Logan it's a long trip, having to take the train all the way into Roma St before heading back out again. If only we had some decent cross-town bus services.

Hear you but hasn't stopped games being played at the Gold Coast (NRL AFL) for example.

There has to be some decentralisation for games, as always was their intent. 

Springfield is a great location to play AFL and Cricket for a few years and give Ipswich generally a long overdue economic boost. It is already HQ for AFLW Brisbane Lions side.

It may all be moot in the end, but pleased to see Mayor Harding step up on this.

Couriermail --> State, feds yet to speak over Games infrastructure pause $

QuoteThe state government has not yet contacted its federal counterpart over a decision to pause and review the $7.1bn infra�structure pipeline for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games and the creation of an independent oversight authority.

But federal Sport Minister Anika Wells said her government welcomed the decision to have a "fresh look" at the package of projects and bring in an independent authority, affirming the "feedback from stakeholders" was clear.

It comes amid more warnings, this time from the Queensland Audit Office, that effective governance, budgeting and venue planning were crucial for the Games' success. ...

Couriermail --> Editorial: Miles right to abdicate Palaszczuk's throne of Games $

QuoteIncoming premier Steven Miles is doing the right thing in dropping the Olympics and Paralympics from his own direct portfolio responsibilities, writes the editor.

What Annastacia Palaszczuk never seemed to understand was that organising the world's biggest event is hard yakka, and it requires focus that no premier can ever hope to give it.

We understand the glory of appointing yourself the minister for the Olympics (it took her a year to add "Paralympics"), but this is serious business that far transcends the importance of a single person's business card. ...

... That support was based on the fact that it was only the Games that could provide a deadline so big and so clear that it would bring forward the transport infrastructure needed for the growing southeast. This opportunity must remain the focus. ...

Sent to all outlets:

Independent 2032 Olympic Body must bring renewed focus on transport outcomes

19th December 2023

RAIL Back On Track is delighted to note Premier Steven Miles announce the establishment of an independent 2032 Olympics organizing body. Minister Grace Grace the new State Development and Infrastructure Minister will have oversight of Olympic planning.  We note that the Premier has been reported as commenting "  ... This government will be focused on our priorities and, when it comes to the Olympic and Paralympic Games, our priorities are delivering the right venues at value for money, but more importantly, better connecting the region with transport. ... " (1).

A recent editorial in the Courier Mail put it well  when they commented in part (2):

" ... organising the world's biggest event is hard yakka, and it requires focus that no premier can ever hope to give it ..."

What seems to have been forgotten by many is that support from the public and SEQ councils for the Olympics was based upon desperately needed transport infrastructure being delivered at the same time, leaving us with a positive long term legacy.

It's not clear what public transport infrastructure will be delivered by 2032.

In particular, the cornerstone of it all, a fast rail network linking Toowoomba, Maroochydore and Coolangatta has unbelievably fallen by the wayside.

Despite the projects currently being built, SEQ has the lowest number of public transport trips per capita of all mainland capital city regions, a sad reflection that we're still not building enough nor running enough services for the growth to be experienced.

Inaction in previous years and policies of building motorways has led to this backlog.

At this stage, the only new projects likely to be funded and delivered in time for 2032 will be:

- The Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line: A long delayed rail extension to Maroochydore that will finally put rail on the doorstep of the bulk of the coastal strip of the Sunshine Coast.

-  Logan and Gold Coast Faster Rail: A set of overtaking tracks (double to quadruple track) between Kuraby and Beenleigh which will deliver benefits in terms of capacity, station upgrades and level crossing removals, but won't actually do much in terms of the faster trains people really want. This project should be properly named K2B.

This wont be enough.

In the immediate term, we want to see a "Bus Boost", similar to the policy put forward by the Greens for the BCC elections, which seeks to double the number of high frequency bus routes and address a major gripe: better connections between non CBD suburbs.

Rail projects take a while to get off the ground, but simply plugging gaps in the frequent bus network so all suburbs have one nearby is a decent consolation prize in the meantime.

Other crucial projects the government needs to get cracking on include:

-  An underground public transport solution for Gympie Road, be it rail or busway tunnel, built before any road tunnel.

-  Completion of the Gold Coast Light Rail from Burleigh Heads to Coolangatta.

-  The Eastern Busway to Capalaba.

-  Duplication of the Cleveland and Shorncliffe lines single sections.

-  Rail extensions to Ripley, Coolangatta and Flagstone.

-  A genuine fast rail network for SEQ, with track upgrades to allow for 160km/h services from Maroochydore, Toowoomba and Coolangatta.

-  BRT (bus rapid transit) public transport for the Sunshine Coast.

References:

1.  First Miles cabinet sworn in with five promotions
https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/politics/queensland/first-miles-cabinet-sworn-in-with-five-promotions-20231218-p5es61.html

2. Editorial: Miles right to abdicate Palaszczuk's throne of Games
https://www.couriermail.com.au/news/opinion/editorial-miles-right-to-abdicate-palaszczuks-throne-of-games/news-story/ba56c4f8f54d048f3b4c27cb0f80f05c

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https://x.com/railbotforum/status/1736738750884106747?s=20

Couriermail --> Olympic supremo optimistic about Brisbane 2032 despite scepticism $

QuoteOlympics supremo John Coates has backed a move by new Premier Steven Miles to review the infrastructure needed for Brisbane's 2032 Games.

The International Olympic Committee Vice President praised Mr Miles' decision to hold a 60-day infrastructure review and establish an independent authority to deliver infrastructure.

Mr Coates, who will end as the IOC's first vice president after the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, said "continuing education" of Queenslanders about how the 2032 Games was being paid for was critical. ...

https://x.com/ozbob13/status/1742921590592115140?s=20

 



https://x.com/railbotforum/status/1736738750884106747?s=20

Quote from: ozbob on January 05, 2024, 00:51:30 AMhttps://x.com/ozbob13/status/1742921590592115140?s=20

I reckon these numbers will change a lot as the event draws nearer and it becomes more "real" for people.

Unless, of course, it's still obviously going to be an embarrassing shambles.....

Remember the State is carrying the cash can for the 'Gabba rebuild.  Unless they can realign for the funding for this from the Feds I think it might not be proceeding as was touted recently. The recent damage to infrastructure in SEQ and North Queensland is going cost a bit as well.

We should know in a matter of weeks.

Couriermail --> Mike O'Connor: Nobody wants the Games when they'll bankrupt us $

QuoteAsking Queenslanders to get behind the 2032 Games when the health system is failing and families are living in their cars is a bit rich, writes Mike O'Connor.

Over coffee last week, a mate revealed he had come up with a strategy that he said would guarantee that David Crisafulli was the next premier of Queensland.

"It's the Brisbane Games," he said.

"He's got to announce that if he's elected, he'll ditch them. ...

====

https://x.com/ozbob13/status/1744354115365318866?s=20

Couriermail --> Editor's view: 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games remains undeniably good for entire state $

QuoteThe 2032 Games will be good for our entire state, but needs to be done right. So far, the State Government has failed to reassure Queenslanders that will be the case, writes The Editor.

The hosting of the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Brisbane in 2032 remains undeniably a good thing for our entire state.

Done right, the return on what is actually quite a meagre investment for governments will be massive – and every Queenslander will benefit.

That is the reality. But the key is it needs to be done right. And so far, the State Government has failed in its responsibility to reassure Queenslanders that it will do this thing right. ...

https://x.com/ozbob13/status/1744729231199023168?s=20