1 Sep 2012: SEQ: Nambour - Gympie North, more rail services needed

[ozbob]

Media release 1st September 2012

SEQ: Nambour - Gympie North, more rail services needed.

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 for some more weekday rail services between Nambour and Gympie North (1).

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Following discussions with citizens at Pomona recently, it is clear that there is a need for some rail shuttle services between Nambour and Gympie. This has been raised before by RAIL Back On Track and others (1). There are plenty of train-paths available for more services north of Nambour."

"The population on the Sunshine Coast and hinterland is expanding and the population is aging.  Many citizens are no longer able to drive or choose not to drive cars.

"A lot of people in towns like Gympie, Pomona, Cooroy, Cooran and so forth travel locally, particularly to and from Nambour for medical appointments, business and social reasons."

"A service that departs Nambour say around 7am, for a return from Gympie North at around 8.30am would be very useful for the community."

"Similarly a service that departs Nambour say around 4.30pm for return from Gympie North at 6pm."

"The present limited rail weekday services are departures from Nambour at 11.30am and 7.36pm and departures from Gympie North 5.56am and 1.20pm (2). Keep these as is, but add in the two proposed shuttle services."

"This would have a tremendous positive impact in this part of Queensland in terms of improved mobility and would provide a safe option for travel other than the very dangerous roads. The infrastructure is there; stations and track, time it was properly used!"

References:

1. http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=4615.msg36068#msg36068

2. http://translink.com.au/resources/travel-information/network-information/timetables/120723-sunshine-coast-line.pdf

Contact:

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

[ozbob]

Discussion thread --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=9032.msg108403#msg108403

[ozbob]

Twitter

Robert Dow ‏@Robert_Dow

Did you know Puffing Billy has better passenger service frequency than Sunshine Coast Line north of Nambour? http://www.puffingbilly.com.au/services-fares/time-tables/ ... #qldpol

Even on total fire ban days ...

Spot the Queenslander ... 

[Stillwater]

While it no longer can run on the Mary Valley Branch line until safety repairs are carried out, perhaps The Rattler steam train could be allowed to operate on the main line between Gympie North and Nambour, with access from its home at Gympie Station via Banks Pocket.

[ozbob]

17th October 2014

SEQ: Nambour - Gympie North, more rail services needed

Greetings,

It makes a lot of sense to use existing infrastructure and improve public transport options for the Sunshine Coast.

Support for our call for more rail services has been echoed by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland (CCIQ) in their submission to the Queensland Government's Strong Choices Program process:

"As the Sunshine Coast is eager to promote itself as a lifestyle destination within commuting distance of the Brisbane CBD, it is necessary to increase the frequency of commuter services and extend services on existing lines (e.g. extend more than two peak services daily beyond Nambour) ..."

(page 6)

https://www.cciq.com.au/assets/Documents/Advocacy/submissions/StrongChoices-investment-040914.pdf

Best wishes
Robert

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

================================

Media release 1st September 2012 re-released 14th September 2014 re-released 17th October 2014



SEQ: Nambour - Gympie North, more rail services needed

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 for some more weekday rail services between Nambour and Gympie North (1).

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Following discussions with citizens at Pomona recently, it is clear that there is a need for some rail shuttle services between Nambour and Gympie. This has been raised before by RAIL Back On Track and others (1). There are plenty of train-paths available for more services north of Nambour."

"The population on the Sunshine Coast and hinterland is expanding and the population is aging.  Many citizens are no longer able to drive or choose not to drive cars.

"A lot of people in towns like Gympie, Pomona, Cooroy, Cooran and so forth travel locally, particularly to and from Nambour for medical appointments, business and social reasons."

"A service that departs Nambour say around 7am, for a return from Gympie North at around 8.30am would be very useful for the community."

"Similarly a service that departs Nambour say around 4.30pm for return from Gympie North at 6pm."

"The present limited rail weekday services are departures from Nambour at 11.30am and 7.36pm and departures from Gympie North 5.56am and 1.20pm (2). Keep these as is, but add in the two proposed shuttle services."

"This would have a tremendous positive impact in this part of Queensland in terms of improved mobility and would provide a safe option for travel other than the very dangerous roads. The infrastructure is there; stations and track, time it was properly used!"

References:

1. http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=4615.msg36068#msg36068

2. http://translink.com.au/resources/travel-information/network-information/timetables/120723-sunshine-coast-line.pdf

Contact:

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

[ozbob]

Discussion --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=9032.msg147600#msg147600

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

1st November 2015

SEQ: Nambour - Gympie North, more rail services needed

Good Morning,

We have previously highlighted the need for  more local rail services between Nambour and Gympie North.

SEQ: Nambour - Gympie North, more rail services needed  --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=9034.msg147601#msg147601

As we said, It makes a lot of sense to use existing infrastructure and improve public transport options for the Sunshine Coast.

Support for our call for more rail services has been echoed by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland (CCIQ) in their submission to the Queensland Government's Strong Choices Program process:

"As the Sunshine Coast is eager to promote itself as a lifestyle destination within commuting distance of the Brisbane CBD, it is necessary to increase the frequency of commuter services and extend services on existing lines (e.g. extend more than two peak services daily beyond Nambour) ..."

(page 6)

https://www.cciq.com.au/assets/Documents/Advocacy/submissions/StrongChoices-investment-040914.pdf

The draft timetables for Caboolture and Sunshine Coast Lines > http://translink.com.au/travel-information/service-notices/62896/details perhaps provides an opportunity looking at some extra services north of Nambour.

There are a lot of potential passengers just waiting for a more frequent service.  As Nambour and the rail towns & hinterland continues to develop this is becoming more important.

The Sunshine Coast deserves and needs better public transport.

Best wishes
Robert

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

[ozbob]

Twitter

Robert Dow ‏@Robert_Dow 2m

Latest media: 'Nambour - Gympie North, more rail services needed'

> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=9034.msg163597#msg163597 ...

#qldpol @jackietrad

[ryan83320]

I like the discussion of a Nambour to Gympie Shuttle.

At least at off-peak periods, this shuttle would not need to be electrified and could be introduced with the purchase of a small fleet of Bombardier or equivalent two car units.

The configuration of the Nambour Station Upgrade would facilitate the shuttle service with an additional platform and dock.

These units would include air-conditioning, toilets, drink machines, bike racks and flexible seating in the second car.

I have seen these non-electrified units operating on light patronage lines across Western Europe and know that they could serve regional Queensland well and boost local tourism.

The shuttle trains would provide access to the Mary Valley Rattler and to tourist spots across Wide Bay with connecting buses.

As Nambour is well serviced by existing Translink services, it is logical that the shuttle trains should commence in Nambour with perhaps one early morning or late night connection to Brisbane for servicing.

It is also logical to replace the Westlander with this type of daylight service to Roma with connecting services the next morning to by bus Emerald via the Carnarvon Gorge to facilitate regional tourism.




Non-electrified trains could be extended from Nambour to Maryborough Central and Bundaberg with connecting bus services using Gocard terminals.

These shuttle trains would be popular with bike riders and backpackers.

[verbatim9]

Sounds good to include a bicycle section. Potential bike Tourism. Tasmania  Victoria and New Zealand are all doing it.

[Stillwater]

Was talking this weekend with someone who knows a bit about The Rattler story.  Looks like the government is quietly working up a business plan for its return, but it won't be all the way to Imbil.  Case supposed to be ready in January for government (budget) consideration.

A guy wants to invest in retirement complex in Noosa Hinterland, but believes people will only buy in if they have good access to Brisbane and Sunny Coast via train.  Says 2 return trains a day doesn't cut it.  New six-cinema complex being developed immediately adjacent to the Nambour Railway Station -- big drawcard for hinterland town communities.  (They will get to ride a tram maybe soon.)  Nambour Hospital, just up the hill, a major medical precinct for the hinterland region.

FF still tracking down that elusive NCL upgrade plan that Ms Trad has been talking up.

Tourism industry at Noosa supposed to be in discussion with QR about some sort of rail/accommodation package involving shuttle buses to the coast from Cooroy station.  However, that concept is around the Tilts, which stop at Cooroy.  (From memory, about $35 one-way Brisbane-Cooroy.)

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

4th February 2016

SEQ: Nambour <> Gympie North, more rail services needed

Good Morning,

We have previously highlighted the need for  more local rail services between Nambour and Gympie North.

SEQ: Nambour - Gympie North, more rail services needed  --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=9034.msg147601#msg147601

As we said then, it makes a lot of sense to use existing infrastructure and improve public transport options for the Sunshine Coast.

Support for our call for more rail services has been echoed by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland (CCIQ) in their submission to the Queensland Government's Strong Choices Program process:

"As the Sunshine Coast is eager to promote itself as a lifestyle destination within commuting distance of the Brisbane CBD, it is necessary to increase the frequency of commuter services and extend services on existing lines (e.g. extend more than two peak services daily beyond Nambour) ..."

(page 6)

https://www.cciq.com.au/assets/Documents/Advocacy/submissions/StrongChoices-investment-040914.pdf

There are a lot of potential passengers just waiting for a more frequent service.  As Nambour and the rail towns & hinterland continues to develop this is becoming more important. The infrastructure stations and railway line is there. The Sunshine Coast deserves and needs better public transport.

Best wishes
Robert

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

[ozbob]

SEQ: Nambour <> Gympie North, more rail services needed
> https://t.co/TRF2SumAsC#qldpol@StirlHinchliffe @N_Scales_TMR @QueenslandRail pic.twitter.com/hEPCG1G0kZ

— Robert Dow (@Robert_Dow) November 11, 2016