28 Mar 2014: SEQ: Unstoppable momentum for Sunshine Coast Line duplication

[ozbob]

Media release 28th March 2014



SEQ: Unstoppable momentum for Sunshine Coast Line duplication

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 called on the state government to make money available in the 2014-15 Budget for a start on the Beerburrum-Nambour rail track duplication.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"It's official. In the past week, all Sunshine Coast state MPs  except one, have declared the Sunshine Coast Line (SCL) duplication from Beerburrum to Nambour as being a top priority, or the number one priority infrastructure project for the Coast (1). The state government is obliged to follow through by including in the 2014-15 state Budget funds for the next stage – from Beerburrum to Landsborough."

"It has been extraordinary to see the LNP have a conversation with itself through the media, after Premier Campbell Newman said he did not know what the priorities were for the Sunshine Coast, despite having five Ministers and the Speaker of the Parliament representing the region. The Sunshine Coast Council Mayor, Cr Mark Jamieson said 'I personally outlined our economic development strategy to the Premier,' and said he had met with the Local Government Minister to outline the region's priorities. The media pursued them to do their job, and all but the Attorney-General and member for Kawana, Jarrod Bleijie, fell into line, supporting the duplication. He did not express an opinion. The Member for Noosa, Glen Elmes, even called for work to proceed north of Nambour. Peter Wellington MP (Ind.), whose Nicklin electorate includes Nambour, has long been a supporter of duplication."

"Sunshine Coast residents were incensed that a week earlier, Treasurer Tim Nicholls suggested the SCL duplication may have to be delayed until 2039 unless the government sold major assets, but then refused to commit the proceeds of those sales to the extra track. Jeff Addison, a local commuter advocate and Sunshine Coast Region spokesman for Rail Back on Track, described it as 'political blackmail.' (2)."

"The result has been a galvanising of community resolve, resulting in Sunshine Coast MPs being pressured to do their job. Hopefully they will follow through and work as a team to make the wish a reality. The possibility of federal co-operation, via funding from the Australian Rail Track Corporation, must be supported by state dollars going to this very worthwhile project."

"The state must act to bring forward, not push back, this essential infrastructure, particularly as it is driving the settlement of 50,000 people at Caloundra South and now wants to have the option of developing the Halls Creek area against the wishes of locals."

"Jobs for those who move to Caloundra South can't be found locally. They will have to seek employment in Brisbane, making the SCL duplication an absolute necessity. His MPs finally having spoken, the Premier must act."

References:

1. http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=6647.msg140448#msg140448
2. Article: Anger over assets sales 'blackmail' Sunshine Coast Daily, Friday 14 March 2014, p18.

Contacts:

Jeff Addison
Sunshine Coast Region Spokesperson for RAIL Back On Track

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

[ozbob]

Discussion --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=6647.msg140524#msg140524

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

8th April 2014

Clive Palmer on board for two tracks to Sunshine Coast

We welcome Clive Palmer's support for Sunshine Coast Line duplication.

Why have Sunshine Coast MPs been vacillating within their electoral 'safe seats' for so long over what is basic infrastructure? Over 250 000 people live on the Sunshine Coast but there is only one train track. It is like having a freeway with just one lane.

We therefore welcome Clive Palmer's interview in which he discusses his support for upgrading the Sunshine Coast railway line. This is an important freight line to all of northern Queensland and of national importance of the same calibre as the national road network. As this project is not strictly urban rail, we think it should be possible to get funding from the Australian Government. There are also enabling provisions in section 51 of the Australian Constitution that give the Australian Government powers to make laws regarding 'Railway construction and extension in any State with the consent of that State.'*

If the Queensland Government sells assets, it should put that money into assets that work for Queensland. That means iron clad guarantee (signed memorandum of understanding) that funds will be committed to duplicate the Sunshine Coast line. Jobs for those who move to Caloundra South can't be found locally.  They will have to seek employment in Brisbane, making the SCL duplication an absolute necessity.

Best wishes
Robert

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


References:

Clive Palmer answers your questions and ours ABC Sunshine Coast https://soundcloud.com/abc-sunshine-coast/clive-palmer-answers-your

* Commonwealth Of Australia Constitution Act Part V - Powers of the Parliament (xxxiv.)
Railway construction and extension in any State with the consent of that State.

http://www.aph.gov.au/About_Parliament/Senate/Powers_practice_n_procedures/Constitution

[ozbob]

Media release 30th May 2014



SEQ: Sunshine Coast Line duplication needed now!

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 called on the state government to make money available in the 2014-15 Budget for a start on the Beerburrum-Nambour rail track duplication.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"It's official. Last March, all Sunshine Coast state MPs  except one, declared the Sunshine Coast Line (SCL) duplication from Beerburrum to Nambour as being a top priority, or the number one priority infrastructure project for the Coast (1). The state government is obliged to follow through by including in the 2014-15 state Budget funds for the next stage – from Beerburrum to Landsborough."

"It has been extraordinary to see the LNP have a conversation with itself through the media, after Premier Campbell Newman said he did not know what the priorities were for the Sunshine Coast, despite having five Ministers and the Speaker of the Parliament representing the region. The Sunshine Coast Council Mayor, Cr Mark Jamieson said 'I personally outlined our economic development strategy to the Premier,' and said he had met with the Local Government Minister to outline the region's priorities. The media pursued them to do their job, and all but the Attorney-General and member for Kawana, Jarrod Bleijie, fell into line, supporting the duplication. He did not express an opinion. The Member for Noosa, Glen Elmes, even called for work to proceed north of Nambour. Peter Wellington MP (Ind.), whose Nicklin electorate includes Nambour, has long been a supporter of duplication."

"Sunshine Coast residents were incensed when Treasurer Tim Nicholls suggested the SCL duplication may have to be delayed until 2039 unless the government sold major assets, but then refused to commit the proceeds of those sales to the extra track. Jeff Addison, a local commuter advocate and Sunshine Coast Region spokesman for Rail Back on Track, described it as 'political blackmail.' (2)."

"The result has been a galvanising of community resolve, resulting in Sunshine Coast MPs being pressured to do their job. Hopefully they will follow through and work as a team to make the wish a reality. The possibility of federal co-operation, via funding from the Australian Rail Track Corporation, must be supported by state dollars going to this very worthwhile project."

"The state must act to bring forward, not push back, this essential infrastructure, particularly as it is driving the settlement of 50,000 people at Caloundra South and now wants to have the option of developing the Halls Creek area against the wishes of locals."

"Jobs for those who move to Caloundra South can't be found locally. They will have to seek employment in Brisbane, making the SCL duplication an absolute necessity. His MPs finally having spoken, the Premier must act."

References:

1. http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=6647.msg140448#msg140448
2. Article: Anger over assets sales 'blackmail' Sunshine Coast Daily, Friday 14 March 2014, p18.

Contacts:

Jeff Addison
Sunshine Coast Region Spokesperson for RAIL Back On Track

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