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2018 Commonwealth Games

Started by dwb, November 12, 2011, 08:30:04 AM

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dwb

Wouldn't it be great if this gave them the impetus for CRR, Gold Coast line extension to Cooloongatta and other stages of GCRT.

Won't hold my breath, but big events can stimulate investment that a govt would baulk at otherwise.


http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/nation/gold-coast-awarded-right-to-host-commonwealth-games-in-2018/story-e6frg6nf-1226193300697

QuoteGold Coast awarded right to host Commonwealth Games in 2018
BY: JARED OWENS From: The Australian November 12, 2011 9:06AM

The Gold Coast has won the right to host the 2018 Commonwealth Games, beating Sri Lanka's Hambantota.

QUEENSLAND'S Gold Coast has won the rights to host the 2018 Commonwealth Games - and the $1.1bn debt that comes with it - with a solid victory over a tsunami-ravaged port in Sri Lanka.

The Gold Coast was hot favourite to out-muscle Hambantota and is counting on using the Games to restore lustre to an image battered by downturns in tourism and property and the wrong kind of publicity about its crime rate.

Premier Anna Bligh is also keen for a win as she gears up for a state election due early next year that is odds-on to deliver a change of government.

When the result was announced, Ms Bligh threw her arms into the air and cried out with joy.

"It's been a very very close vote and there's a good choice we weren't going to make it. We had seven rehearsals, we've had 15 meetings, we've lobbied everybody, there hasn't been much sleep," the blushing premier said immediately after the announcement.


"I'm so proud of this team, I'm so proud of the Gold Coast, I'm so proud of being a Queenslander tonight."

A meeting of the 71 Commonwealth nations on the Caribbean Island of St Kitts this morning was decided by a vote of 43 to 27 in the Gold Coast's favour.

A close vote was anticipated after 11th-hour lobbying by Sri Lanka including an impassioned address by President Mahinda Rajapaksa on the sidelines of last month's Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Perth.

SportsBet was last night paying $1.50 on a Gold Coast win, compared with $2.50 for Hambantota.

As taxpayers are to foot 56 per cent of the Gold Coast games' proposed $1.97bn budget, plus any overruns, questions are being asked as to whether the economic benefits outweigh the cost.

RMIT University sports economist Mark Stewart said extensive research on major sporting events, including the Sydney Olympics, showed such spectacles "very rarely" reaped economic benefits across a whole economy.

"So why do cities bid for them? There is research that shows major events result in a great amount of happiness, so politicians are probably seizing on this potential for their political ends," Mr Stewart said.

Ms Bligh has touted the games as a "once-in-a-generation opportunity" to transform the Gold Coast, citing the 1982 Brisbane Commonwealth Games. That event -- remembered for swimmer Tracey Wickham, marathon runner Robert de Castella and Matilda the winking kangaroo -- left Queenslanders "assets" such as the 49,000-capacity QEII Stadium, which once hosted the Brisbane Broncos but now caters mostly to school carnivals and audience-free training sessions.

This week, the stadium was so eerily quiet that Griffith University students such as Racheal Watt sat their yearly exams in the venues' function rooms.

"The government keeps saying it doesn't have enough money for more hospital beds and more nurses, but that's what we need and that's where the money should be going instead," said the 22-year-old trainee nurse. "I've only ever been here for school athletics and exams, so it's not being used for what it was built for."

Jim Soorley, Brisbane's lord mayor from 1991 to 2003, said his administration "spent millions of dollars propping up and maintaining old, depreciating Commonwealth Games facilities" until the state government "thankfully" had assumed liability for the venues. "The Commonwealth Games are archaic. They're a relic of the past with absolutely no significance nowadays. That there are only two cities bidding for the event proves that."

Stadiums Queensland's Cobey Moore said it was unfair to judge QEII's worth by 1982 standards, saying its purpose had now changed to a community venue.

Queensland Treasury was unable to say when, or if, the 1982 games debt was actually paid off, due to the passage of time and changes in accounting practices.

Hambantota's budget anticipated a spend of only $652m, with Sri Lankan authorities subsidising 66 per cent of the proposed cost.

The Gold Coast will be the fifth Australian city and the first of our regional cities to host the games. Sydney was the first to have that honour, hosting the then British Empire Games in 1938, followed by Perth (in 1962), Brisbane (1982) and Melbourne (2006).

ozbob

Premier and Minister for Reconstruction
The Honourable Anna Bligh
12/11/2011

GOLD COAST SET TO SHINE WITH 2018 COMMONWEALTH GAMES

The Gold Coast has taken its place among the great Australian Cities after winning the 2018 Commonwealth Games Bid in St Kitts & Nevis said Queensland Premier Anna Bligh today.

Ms Bligh said the Games could generate up to $2 billion in economic benefit with up to 30,000 full time-equivalent jobs created between 2015 and 2020.

Over $500 million will now be invested on sport and transport infrastructure as a direct result of the successful bid.

"Congratulations to the Gold Coast, to Queensland and Australia - we did it. We get up again!" said Ms Bligh.

"Our united community welcomes these games.

"In 2018 we will be ready to host a unique world- class and friendly event that builds on the Commonwealth brand and enhances our city's reputation.

"This city will be transformed with new infrastructure and a buzz that only a big international event like this can bring."

The Premier said the successful bid to host the games would mean infrastructure upgrades including:

•Increasing the capacity of Metricon stadium from 25,000 to 40,000 seats

•New badminton and mountain bike facilities

•A world class squash complex

•Development of the Coomera Sports and Leisure Centre .

•Upgrades to the Broadbeach Bowls Club, Gold Coast Hockey Centre and the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre.

"Ever since I picked up the phone to the President of the Commonwealth Games Association Mr Sam Coffa during the Beijing Olympics to suggest our games bid I knew the Gold Coast was in with a chance," said the Premier.

"Today we hit the bullseye - 2018 is the Gold Coast's time to shine!"

Ms Bligh paid tribute to Sri Lanka's bid city Hambantota.

"Make no mistake this was a tough contest and all Queenslanders should be thrilled with the result," she said.

"These games will bring superb tourism opportunities for the Gold Coast and for Queensland.

"The Games will also act as a catalyst to fast track infrastructure development.

"We will see new sporting facilities, improved transport and a new Health and Knowledge precinct adjacent to the $1.76 billion Gold Coast University Hospital.

"We have made a promise to the Commonwealth Games Federation and will deliver on this promise."

www.thepremier.qld.gov.au

==============================================================
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ozbob

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jouzocha

Let's hope this fast-tracks both the light rail and the heavy rail extension to Coolangatta Airport!
:lo :tr

SurfRail

+1.  Time to do some detailed feaso work on what will be needed to get LRT to Coolangatta and put a case to IA in the next year.
Ride the G:

O_128

Quote from: jouzocha on November 12, 2011, 09:42:20 AM
Let's hope this fast-tracks both the light rail and the heavy rail extension to Coolangatta Airport!
:lo :tr


My lists would be

1. Light rail to helensvale
2. light rail to coolongattta
3. Coomera - helensvale duplication

No point putting heavy to the airport as CRR won't be ready.
"Where else but Queensland?"

jouzocha

Quote from: O_128 on November 12, 2011, 10:02:28 AM
Quote from: jouzocha on November 12, 2011, 09:42:20 AM
Let's hope this fast-tracks both the light rail and the heavy rail extension to Coolangatta Airport!
:lo :tr


My lists would be

1. Light rail to helensvale
2. light rail to coolongattta
3. Coomera - helensvale duplication

No point putting heavy to the airport as CRR won't be ready.

Extension to Coolangatta doesn't mean more trains need to run - existing trains could be extended (not ideal I know, but this could be changed in future when CRR is ready) and local services could be run between Coolangatta & Coomera (to service the Coomera Sports & Leisure centre which is the furthest north venue other than the two in Brisbane).


ozbob



Media release 12th November 2011

Gold Coast: Go for transport gold!

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web based community support group for rail and public transport and an advocate for public transport passengers has congratulated the team who put together the successful bid for the 2018 Commonwealth Games (1).  This is now a great opportunity to further improve and accelerate the sustainable public and active transport revolution under way on the Gold Coast.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Public transport must be fast, direct and frequent. The present stage one of the Gold Coast Light rail needs to be extended to include the further stages to connect with the heavy rail at Helensvale, and to further extend south to Burleigh Heads (2).  This will then allow efficient movement of the many thousands of participants, organisers and visitors but importantly put in place the network needed for the Gold Coast now and for the future."

"Consideration needs to be given to increasing the numbers of light rail vehicles from the present 14 to at least 28. This would allow more frequent services and result in an improved passenger carrying capacity."

"The local bus system will also need changes and improvements to feed the high capacity light rail when built.  Bus priority on the roads needs to be extended."

"More attention is needed to establish a comprehensive bicycle and pedestrian path network that connects to transit hubs, key trip generator locations and residential areas."

"Cross River Rail needs to be brought back on an immediate construction time line to allow for the necessary train frequency to support the huge crowds travelling to and from Brisbane and the Gold Coast (3, 4), and on the rest of the rail network in south-east Queensland.

"Yes, it is time to go for gold, sustainable transport gold!"

References:

1. http://statements.cabinet.qld.gov.au/MMS/StatementDisplaySingle.aspx?id=77625

2. http://goldcoastrapidtransit.qld.gov.au/the-route/future-stages/

3. 22 May 2011 SEQ: Cross River Rail delays may slow Gold Coast services http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=6012.0

4. 25 Apr 2011: SEQ: Cross River Rail should be expedited http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=5855.0

Contact:

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

Quote from: BrizCommuter on November 12, 2011, 11:14:23 AM
http://brizcommuter.blogspot.com/2011/11/gold-coast-gets-commonwealth-games-what.html
So it is possible to win a games bid with half-baked public transport!

Geez, not content with sticking the boot into TransLink, you are perfectly happy to get stuck into the entire Gold Coast by asserting that it is some sort of South Pacific version of Juarez (conveniently ignoring the fact that Brisbane has higher crime per capita).

Without meaning to offend terribly much, you really do come off as an enormous dropkick at times, even if much of what you have said is valid.  ::)
Ride the G:


ozbob

From the Brisbanetimes click here!

Capital achievement for a city that has come a long way in half a century

QuoteCapital achievement for a city that has come a long way in half a century
Ellen Lutton
November 13, 2011

FIFTY years ago, the Gold Coast had only just been named a city. Still in the infancy of glitter strip status, much of the Gold Coast remained untouched; it was a quiet oceanside idyll popular with surfers and holidaymakers.

The Coast's first high-rise was only two years old. Canal estates and land subdivisions were beginning to emerge and the the commute from Brisbane was made along a single-lane highway.

By the time Brisbane hosted the Commonwealth Games in 1982, Coolangatta Airport had opened, Japanese property investors had moved in and the Gold Coast had become synonymous with towering high-rises and theme parks.
Advertisement: Story continues below

As the population neared 156,000, it became a firm favourite as Australia's family holiday destination.

Today, it still stands as a holiday favourite but on a much larger scale.

Having experienced rapid growth over recent decades, it is now the sixth-largest city in Australia, with more than half-a-million people calling the Gold Coast home. It has its own rugby league, AFL, football and basketball teams, universities and a world-class hospital.

A light rail is being constructed down the middle of the Gold Coast highway. An expansion of the heavy rail to Gold Coast Airport and prioritised funding for a light rail link from Helensvale Railway Station connecting with the existing rapid transit are just some of the big-ticket items that community leaders are hoping to gain now that the Commonwealth Games bid has succeeded.

The high-rises keep getting bigger and better - a brand new Hilton Hotel has just opened at Surfers Paradise and luxury brand Peppers is now at Broadbeach.

It has been a busy 50 years for the Gold Coast, during which time it has matured from a popular oceanfront holiday destination to a bustling and cosmopolitan metropolis, now destined to be the first non-capital city in Australia to host the Commonwealth Games.

Read more: http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/capital-achievement-for-a-city-that-has-come-a-long-way-in-half-a-century-20111112-1nd97.html
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ozbob

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BrizCommuter

Quote from: dwb on November 12, 2011, 17:28:18 PM
Quote from: SurfRail on November 12, 2011, 15:20:17 PM
Quote from: BrizCommuter on November 12, 2011, 11:14:23 AM
http://brizcommuter.blogspot.com/2011/11/gold-coast-gets-commonwealth-games-what.html
So it is possible to win a games bid with half-baked public transport!

you really do come off as an enormous dropkick at times

I barely bother to read the blog anymore

That's OK, BrizCommuter still has 4,999 other readers.

If you think BrizCommuter is being too negative, then please list what will be the public transport legacy from the 2018 Commonwealth Games (that wasn't planned already)?

paulg

Quote from: BrizCommuter on November 13, 2011, 12:36:28 PM
Quote from: dwb on November 12, 2011, 17:28:18 PM
Quote from: SurfRail on November 12, 2011, 15:20:17 PM
Quote from: BrizCommuter on November 12, 2011, 11:14:23 AM
http://brizcommuter.blogspot.com/2011/11/gold-coast-gets-commonwealth-games-what.html
So it is possible to win a games bid with half-baked public transport!

you really do come off as an enormous dropkick at times

I barely bother to read the blog anymore

That's OK, BrizCommuter still has 4,999 other readers.

BrizCommuter is spot on. If you're going to criticise, offer some rebuttal rather than personal attacks!

The bid book does talk quite a bit about public transport, but also shows large car parks at a number of venues (e.g. Carrara stadium). There is a great opportunity here to provide a permanent network of bus lanes, for example connecting Nerang to Broadbeach via Carrara and between Parklands and Carrara. Of course it would be useful for the games but would provide a much greater legacy for public transport on the Coast.

I hope now that the games are won there will be some pressure applied to bring forward projects, including Cross River Rail which does provide important benefits for the operation of the Gold Coast line.

Cheers, Paul


colinw

Oh come on!  ::)  This negativity is not doing anyone any good, and reflects badly on this site in my opinion. Surest way to make the decision makers "switch off" and disregard us as a bunch of whiny tossers.

Light rail to the Metricon stadium at Carrara is NOT going to happen, and would be a complete white elephant other than for the 2 weeks of the games if it did.

As for heavy rail, it goes to one of the stadiums to be used (Skilled Park at Robina), there is a convenient bus interchange for Carrara at Nerang (which will obviously need upgrading).

Remember that the '82 games in Brisbane went off just fine with a rail network that was only electrified on two corridors (Ipswich - Ferny Grove, 3 years young at the time, and Kingston - Shorncliffe just barely opened).  The main stadium at Nathan was serviced by buses from BANOON station, fed by electric trains which had only been extended to Kingston just before the games. The Beenleigh, Petrie/Caboolture, Doomben, Rosewood, Nambour and Thorneside electrifications were still years in the future, as were the rebuilds of the lines to Gold Coast & Cleveland.  The airport had little public transport other than an infrequent diesel train to Pinkenba.  But Brisbane coped!  In comparison, the Gold Coast will be in much better shape with a decent heavy rail line, light rail in the densest core, and (hopefully) a link to Helensvale open.

What I expect of the in time for the games:

1. Light rail extended to Helensvale, and potentially further to the south as well (actually more useful to the coast than the Helensvale extension).
2. High frequency, high standard light rail services on the core light rail route 24/7.
3. Several BUZ standard high frequency bus routes on the Gold Coast, including to the Airport.
4. Well co-ordinated high frequency bus services joining the heavy rail, light rail & Gold Coast airport with all major games venues.
5. Airtrain operating from before 5AM to midnight.

What I do not expect in time for the games:

1. CRR completed (would be nice, but the Gold Coast line runs fine without it. CRR is more about improving the Beenleigh line & eventually building Flagstone).
2. Light rail all the way to Coolangatta.
3. Heavy rail all the way to Gold Coast airport (but Elanora would be nice!)

If the funds for one of the big extensions does become available in time for the games, I vote light rail to Coolangatta via the Gold Coast airport. That would be a fine legacy from the games.

ozbob

Heaven and earth should be moved now to get the light rail from Helensvale to Burleigh Heads now. There is economy of scale.  The section from Helensvale to GU will be a lot easier than the rest further south.  Having that direct connectivity to the rail at Helensvale will be a great boon.  South to Burleigh Heads will also work very well for those on the coast.

Consideration could also be given to duplicating the final single track section at Coomera.

Funding, value capture on the light rail could be a source of funding for rapid extension of the light rail.  The last thing anyone wants is other infrastructure to be stopped dead to fund the Gold Coast / Games centric infrastructure.
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SurfRail

Quote from: colinw on November 13, 2011, 15:02:25 PM
Oh come on!  ::)  This negativity is not doing anyone any good, and reflects badly on this site in my opinion. Surest way to make the decision makers "switch off" and disregard us as a bunch of whiny tossers.

Light rail to the Metricon stadium at Carrara is NOT going to happen, and would be a complete white elephant other than for the 2 weeks of the games if it did.

As for heavy rail, it goes to one of the stadiums to be used (Skilled Park at Robina), there is a convenient bus interchange for Carrara at Nerang (which will obviously need upgrading).

Remember that the '82 games in Brisbane went off just fine with a rail network that was only electrified on two corridors (Ipswich - Ferny Grove, 3 years young at the time, and Kingston - Shorncliffe just barely opened).  The main stadium at Nathan was serviced by buses from BANOON station, fed by electric trains which had only been extended to Kingston just before the games. The Beenleigh, Petrie/Caboolture, Doomben, Rosewood, Nambour and Thorneside electrifications were still years in the future, as were the rebuilds of the lines to Gold Coast & Cleveland.  The airport had little public transport other than an infrequent diesel train to Pinkenba.  But Brisbane coped!  In comparison, the Gold Coast will be in much better shape with a decent heavy rail line, light rail in the densest core, and (hopefully) a link to Helensvale open.

What I expect of the in time for the games:

1. Light rail extended to Helensvale, and potentially further to the south as well (actually more useful to the coast than the Helensvale extension).
2. High frequency, high standard light rail services on the core light rail route 24/7.
3. Several BUZ standard high frequency bus routes on the Gold Coast, including to the Airport.
4. Well co-ordinated high frequency bus services joining the heavy rail, light rail & Gold Coast airport with all major games venues.
5. Airtrain operating from before 5AM to midnight.

What I do not expect in time for the games:

1. CRR completed (would be nice, but the Gold Coast line runs fine without it. CRR is more about improving the Beenleigh line & eventually building Flagstone).
2. Light rail all the way to Coolangatta.
3. Heavy rail all the way to Gold Coast airport (but Elanora would be nice!)

If the funds for one of the big extensions does become available in time for the games, I vote light rail to Coolangatta via the Gold Coast airport. That would be a fine legacy from the games.

Thank you Colin, my sentiments exactly. 

The Games will be a catalyst to get more done sooner for public transport, not to manufacture whiz-bang new infrastructure which will be fit only for the 2 weeks of competition.
Ride the G:

Set in train

Quote from: ozbob on November 13, 2011, 15:46:26 PM
Heaven and earth should be moved now to get the light rail from Helensvale to Burleigh Heads now. There is economy of scale.  The section from Helensvale to GU will be a lot easier than the rest further south.  Having that direct connectivity to the rail at Helensvale will be a great boon.  South to Burleigh Heads will also work very well for those on the coast.

The section from Broadbeach to Burleigh is actually quite easy, wide corridor, apart from a minor squeeze at Miami.\


QuoteConsideration could also be given to duplicating the final single track section at Coomera.

Isn't this essential for a frequency bettering current peak times?

O_128

Its sad but I just don't see CRR being finished even though it should be. I agree with colinW about what we should be expecting which isn't a big as really.
"Where else but Queensland?"

ozbob

From the Brisbanetimes click here!

Plea to tackle Coast's traffic woes before Commonwealth Games

QuotePlea to tackle Coast's traffic woes before Commonwealth Games
Marissa Calligeros
November 14, 2011 - 7:42AM

The Gold Coast celebrated on the weekend after the city won its bid to host the 2018 Commonwealth Games, but locals already have concerns about the event's main arena.

Carrara's Metricon Stadium has been billed as the games' main stadium, however residents have complained about increasing traffic congestion near the site.

A petition, recently tabled in parliament by Mermaid Beach MP Ray Stevens, has called on the state government to improve congestion along Nerang-Broadbeach Road to a roundabout at Gooding Drive.

The residents have also urged the government to shelve any plans to divert public transport buses off Nerang-Broadbeach Road onto suburban streets.

Mr Stevens said traffic congestion on the Gold Coast, which in his opinion was being compounded by unsuitable roundabouts at major intersections, needed to be properly addressed in preparation for the Commonwealth Games.

"I'm hoping that with the Commonwealth Games, [the government] will recognise that the roundabout itself has to be fixed up, rather than putting in a rat run solution," the LNP said.

"[Residents] are looking for answers to the traffic situation right across the Gold Coast.

"For years, all levels of government have lauded the wonderful growth of the Gold Coast population and have yet not adequately funded the upgrade of infrastructure."

He said the roundabout on Nerang-Broadbeach Road was one of the many road problems to be resolved on the Coast, where traffic was increasing by more than four per cent each year.

Mr Stevens said the Gold Coast's light rail line, due to be completed by 2014, would only go part of the way in alleviating the problem.

In a written response to the petition, Minister for Main Roads Craig Wallace said re-routing buses along residential streets in Broadbeach Waters and Carrara was being considered as part of the proposed transport infrastructure improvements for Nerang-Broadbeach Road.

He said the 396 petitioners' concerns had been noted.

"The department has advised that design options for all other stages are still being analysed and are subject to change," he said.

Metricon stadium is due to stage the opening and closing ceremonies and athletics sports during the 2018 Commonwealth Games. Its capacity will be increased from 25,000 to 40,000 seats.

Read more: http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/plea-to-tackle-coasts-traffic-woes-before-commonwealth-games-20111114-1ne9y.html
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Fares_Fair

Congratulations to the Gold Coast on winning the chance to host this auspicious event, the Commonwealth Games in 2018.  :-t
It is fantastic news for the Gold Coast and surrounds.

On the flip side it is crushing news for the Sunshine Coast, which will probably be left to wallow in a heavy rail public transport backwater for possibly another 6 years,
as it's priority slips further down the chain (insert flush sound here).

What ever tourist hardy enough to attempt to get from the Gold Coast to the Sunshine Coast will be few and far between, especially if they attempt it by rail.

Regards,
Fares_Fair.
Regards,
Fares_Fair


#Metro

QuoteCongratulations to the Gold Coast on winning the chance to host this auspicious event, the Commonwealth Games in 2018. 
It is fantastic news for the Gold Coast and surrounds.

On the flip side it is crushing news for the Sunshine Coast, which will probably be left to wallow in a heavy rail public transport backwater for possibly another 6 years,
as it's priority slips further down the chain (insert flush sound here).

What ever tourist hardy enough to attempt to get from the Gold Coast to the Sunshine Coast will be few and far between, especially if they attempt it by rail.

Regards,
Fares_Fair.

I agree. The crap rail is probably one factor in tourists not going to the SC!
Negative people... have a problem for every solution. Posts are commentary and are not necessarily endorsed by RAIL Back on Track or its members.

Set in train

I agree, extend the light rail to connect with heavy rail, but would like to see an addition to the 'milk run' of Olsen Av, Harbourtown and west along GC Hwy.

The original plan was to run west on Smith St to the railway and beside it to Helensvale.

If PT is to be a viable option to car use, this is the route.

Yes, we need to consider catchment areas, trip generators etc, but think of the potential growth if there was a 90 km/h light rail service from Helensvale, down along Smith St, entering the rest of network.

This would be a fantastic way to take strain off road use. If buses could be replaced, it would give more incentive for people from Brisbane to use the train for day trips as a fast, reliable and easy to understand method.

dwb

Quote from: Set in train on November 15, 2011, 14:06:01 PM
I agree, extend the light rail to connect with heavy rail, but would like to see an addition to the 'milk run' of Olsen Av, Harbourtown and west along GC Hwy.

The original plan was to run west on Smith St to the railway and beside it to Helensvale.

If PT is to be a viable option to car use, this is the route.

Yes, we need to consider catchment areas, trip generators etc, but think of the potential growth if there was a 90 km/h light rail service from Helensvale, down along Smith St, entering the rest of network.

This would be a fantastic way to take strain off road use. If buses could be replaced, it would give more incentive for people from Brisbane to use the train for day trips as a fast, reliable and easy to understand method.

The buses will always be around, they will be retasked for east-west connectivity.

But yes, you are right, the GCRT needs to connect directly to rail from the get go. Let's hope the bid gets this stage off the ground asap!

SurfRail

Quote from: Set in train on November 15, 2011, 14:06:01 PMThis would be a fantastic way to take strain off road use. If buses could be replaced, it would give more incentive for people from Brisbane to use the train for day trips as a fast, reliable and easy to understand method.

Argh.  The Gold Coast is not just Byron Bay and GCRT is not just about making it easier to visit on the weekend - we are actually a city down here you know, with local travel demand and needs.  Long distance travellers would be the least of my priorities when designing a rapid transit network for a city.  Even local people have difficulty grasping this.

The Harbour Town route is superior owing to the trip generators en route (Southport Sharks, Harbour Town, greater residential densities along Olsen Ave than along a motorway reserve) versus no trip generators on the Parkwood alignment and duplicating around 4km of railway to no significant purpose other than to make it "faster".  A very high proportion of visitors will go to Harbour Town during a stay here.

This option really only works in my mind if you build a Parkwood Station for the Gold Coast line.
Ride the G:

Gazza

^Agreed. I guess there is a perception that Harbour Town is all about discount fashion outlets, like say a DFO. but it's more or less like any other shopping Centre. It's anchored by a Woolies and Bunnings, has Cinemas and restaurants.

Other shopping centers, like Aspley, Chermside, and Capalaba are slated to be on the Busway network. So why not do the same on the GC?

ozbob

http://www.airtrain.com.au/pressreleases.php

14/11/2011 - Airtrain Welcomes the Commonwealth Games to the Gold Coast

Airtrain Chairman, Mike Pelly has today welcomed the big win for the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games for 2018.

The announcement comes as a welcome relief after more than two years of hard work and planning by the Bid team to claim the winning bid from our closest rival, Sri Lanka's Hambantota.

"This is a great sense of achievement for the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Bid team and we at Airtrain applaud their resolve," Mr Pelly said.

"We look forward to working closely with the Gold Coast team to ensure the Commonwealth Games remain the Green Games."

"Airtrain is an essential part of the Gold Coast, with travel to the Airport leaving every thirty minutes," The Chairman stated.

Airtrain's unique service is completely integrated into the Queensland Rail suburban network.

"The Airtrain can take you from Brisbane Airport directly to the Gold Coast." Mr Pelly said.

Commencing Monday 12th December 2011, people will be getting more evening trains to and from the Airport when Airtrain introduce extended services. These new services, extended to 10pm will go a long way to satisfying all the national and international travellers who will be landing in Brisbane, bound for the Gold Coast.

Another unique service offered by Airtrain is AirtrainConnect. This service offers train transfers to and from Brisbane Domestic and International airports.

AirtrainConnect offers chauffer driven transfer to and from your nearest station.

"This is an easy way to get directly to your hotel on the Gold Coast after a long day of travel," Mr Pelly stated.

Mr Pelly also states that Airtrain offers this service to Gold Coast residents flying out of Brisbane airport.

"This is a seamless way to get to either Brisbane Domestic or International airports."

"Airtrain is proud to of its on-time record and we wear our badge as an efficient transport system with honour."

"Now that we have the Commonwealth Games at our doorstep, Airtrain will work hand-in-hand with the team on the Gold Coast to ensure that we provide swift and easy transfer between Brisbane Domestic Airport, and Brisbane International Airport to the Gold Coast, and many stops in between." Mr Pelly said.
Half baked projects, have long term consequences ...
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dwb

Quote from: SurfRail on November 15, 2011, 22:14:29 PM
Argh.  The Gold Coast is not just Byron Bay and GCRT is not just about making it easier to visit on the weekend - we are actually a city down here you know, with local travel demand and needs.  Long distance travellers would be the least of my priorities when designing a rapid transit network for a city.  Even local people have difficulty grasping this.

GCRT is a part of a regional network, not just a local network. The GCRT therefore needs to accommodate travellers from the GC local network transfering to the regional network and vice versa, and not using a third mode in between!

Just look at what Airtrain is already selling - they understand NETWORK is important. I'm sure you do to, and just got a bee in your bonnet from assuming that comment was about only building GCRT for connection to Brisbane which it is clearly not about. But still, you can't deny the need for it to connect into the regional network. Right now it is very difficult to use the train from Brisbane to access the beaches - the last time I did it (and will ever do it until the light rail connects) it took me 5 hours to get home!

SurfRail

Quote from: dwb on November 16, 2011, 07:58:03 AM
Quote from: SurfRail on November 15, 2011, 22:14:29 PM
Argh.  The Gold Coast is not just Byron Bay and GCRT is not just about making it easier to visit on the weekend - we are actually a city down here you know, with local travel demand and needs.  Long distance travellers would be the least of my priorities when designing a rapid transit network for a city.  Even local people have difficulty grasping this.

GCRT is a part of a regional network, not just a local network. The GCRT therefore needs to accommodate travellers from the GC local network transfering to the regional network and vice versa, and not using a third mode in between!

Just look at what Airtrain is already selling - they understand NETWORK is important. I'm sure you do to, and just got a bee in your bonnet from assuming that comment was about only building GCRT for connection to Brisbane which it is clearly not about. But still, you can't deny the need for it to connect into the regional network. Right now it is very difficult to use the train from Brisbane to access the beaches - the last time I did it (and will ever do it until the light rail connects) it took me 5 hours to get home!

I'm not objecting to that.  The connection at Helensvale is needed, but it needs to go via Harbour Town for maximum benefit.  I am more interested in how people can get around the Gold Coast than how easy it is to leave.
Ride the G:

dwb

Quote from: SurfRail on November 16, 2011, 09:17:56 AM
I'm not objecting to that.  The connection at Helensvale is needed, but it needs to go via Harbour Town for maximum benefit.  I am more interested in how people can get around the Gold Coast than how easy it is to leave.

Sure.

Besides the construction cost impact, why couldn't we have both? ie a branching line

Gazza

Would it be a shuttle? Or would frequency be lower on both branches?

somebody

Quote from: dwb on November 16, 2011, 07:58:03 AM
the last time I did it (and will ever do it until the light rail connects) it took me 5 hours to get home!
How is that possible?  The feeders all operate at least hourly until they stop running, unless I'm missing something.

SurfRail

Quote from: Gazza on November 16, 2011, 10:29:05 AM
Would it be a shuttle? Or would frequency be lower on both branches?

I still think there is a market for express buses from Nerang to Surfers to be honest.  LRT will be very legible and frequent, but not as fast as an IMU and non-stopping bus combo.

I wouldn't object to a link to Parkwood, but only if there was a new station there.  Building 4km or so of light rail to Helensvale from Smith St just seems an enormous waste given the likely cost of building a station in comparison.  When the stopping patterns are split up, the station spacing won't be as big an issue because you will have an express run from Helensvale to Yeerongpilly CRR, probably stopping only at Loganlea.
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dwb

Quote from: Simon on November 16, 2011, 10:54:26 AM
Quote from: dwb on November 16, 2011, 07:58:03 AM
the last time I did it (and will ever do it until the light rail connects) it took me 5 hours to get home!
How is that possible?  The feeders all operate at least hourly until they stop running, unless I'm missing something.

A good question Simon and I think the answer, thanks to Translink QR is "a comedy of errors"... however I was NOT laughing :(

Set in train

Quote from: dwb on November 17, 2011, 18:33:41 PM
Quote from: Simon on November 16, 2011, 10:54:26 AM
Quote from: dwb on November 16, 2011, 07:58:03 AM
the last time I did it (and will ever do it until the light rail connects) it took me 5 hours to get home!
How is that possible?  The feeders all operate at least hourly until they stop running, unless I'm missing something.

A good question Simon and I think the answer, thanks to Translink QR is "a comedy of errors"... however I was NOT laughing :(

I've had similar problems.

As for my comment about light rail beside heavy rail, let's think big rather than have govts conditioning us to second best.

AnonymouslyBad

Quote from: Set in train on November 15, 2011, 14:06:01 PM
I agree, extend the light rail to connect with heavy rail, but would like to see an addition to the 'milk run' of Olsen Av, Harbourtown and west along GC Hwy.

The original plan was to run west on Smith St to the railway and beside it to Helensvale.

If PT is to be a viable option to car use, this is the route.

Yes, we need to consider catchment areas, trip generators etc, but think of the potential growth if there was a 90 km/h light rail service from Helensvale, down along Smith St, entering the rest of network.

This would be a fantastic way to take strain off road use. If buses could be replaced, it would give more incentive for people from Brisbane to use the train for day trips as a fast, reliable and easy to understand method.

If there were going to be an additional branch on the light rail, I'd link it to Nerang or possibly even Robina instead of Helensvale. That would provide a quicker and more direct link to the main strip, which is presumably where most train passengers want to go. The buses currently in place are evidence of this with Nerang being the most popular spot for train-coast connections. Having a branch line along here would also provide service to areas which otherwise wouldn't get light rail at all.

SurfRail

Quote from: AnonymouslyBad on November 18, 2011, 16:14:39 PM
If there were going to be an additional branch on the light rail, I'd link it to Nerang or possibly even Robina instead of Helensvale. That would provide a quicker and more direct link to the main strip, which is presumably where most train passengers want to go. The buses currently in place are evidence of this with Nerang being the most popular spot for train-coast connections. Having a branch line along here would also provide service to areas which otherwise wouldn't get light rail at all.

Express bus from Nerang would be faster than either option to get to the coastline quickly, and would be cheaper, and more commensurate with land use. 

The key thing is bus interchange, to the point where the planners have confirmed that the business case will not stack up if that is not implemented properly (which is a pretty bloody good incentive to making it work).  A route the length of the coast enables this eg hubbing Paradise Point/Runaway Bay buses to Harbour Town, Elanora area buses at Palm Beach etc.  This is more challenging to do if you don't anchor the LRT route at the ends, and face it – what is in Nerang?

Robina would be the logical corridor once Helensvale to Coolangatta is done and it has been developed more intensively (including en route at places like Bond Uni), but let's focus on getting HFP services there first.

As for Carrara Stadium - it will be easier and cheaper to get 2-300 buses from interstate to transport people to Carrara at peak times.  The rest of the network will need to focus on getting people around the other venues, most of which are "on the way".
Ride the G:

#Metro

QuoteThe key thing is bus interchange, to the point where the planners have confirmed that the business case will not stack up if that is not implemented properly (which is a pretty bloody good incentive to making it work).  A route the length of the coast enables this eg hubbing Paradise Point/Runaway Bay buses to Harbour Town, Elanora area buses at Palm Beach etc.  This is more challenging to do if you don't anchor the LRT route at the ends, and face it – what is in Nerang?

Someone important's house?

Quote
As for Carrara Stadium - it will be easier and cheaper to get 2-300 buses from interstate to transport people to Carrara at peak times.  The rest of the network will need to focus on getting people around the other venues, most of which are "on the way".

I agree. Throw cold water on these fantasies. Once the games is over then the demand will drop to Carrara stadium and you will be running LRT out to la la land. Not worth it at 30 million/km!
How much BUZ can you get for 30 million!
Negative people... have a problem for every solution. Posts are commentary and are not necessarily endorsed by RAIL Back on Track or its members.

colinw

Absolutely agree. The best place for a LRT branch on the Gold Coast would be Robina station & town centre via Bond Uni.  A BUZ route from Nerang to Broadbeach or Surfers will be more than adequate, and building LRT to the games venue at Carrara would create a massive white elephant after the 2 weeks of the games were over.

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