Qld Regional Rail - station upgrades

[ozbob]

https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/95510

Cairns train station set for a revamp
28th June 2022

Minister for Transport and Main Roads
The Honourable Mark Bailey

Cairns train station has been identified as a priority site for an overhaul, as part of a budget commitment to improve accessibility and the customer experience at regional stations.

Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey said this year's budget saw the Regional Station Accessibility Upgrade Program expanded to include two additional stations.

"This enhanced program will see upgrades get underway at Cairns and Townsville stations, in addition to work continuing at Rockhampton, Maryborough West and Bundaberg stations," Mr Bailey said.

"Cairns station is a key regional rail hub that sees around 33,000 customer journeys each year, and the Palaszczuk Government is committed to improving these important facilities for locals and tourists alike.

"A $1.4 million feasibility study for Cairns station is currently being planned and is expected to be completed in 2023.

"The Palaszczuk Government's budget is one that delivers for all of Queensland, and this investment is just another example of that."

Member for Cairns Michael Healy said the current Cairns station opened in 1996 as part of the Cairns Shopping Centre .

"Our priority with this budget is to deliver the people of Queensland with better services, which is exactly what we will achieve through this proposal," Mr Healy said.

"Proposed improvements include a refurbished station precinct on the existing site with uplifts like customer lounges with improved seating, tables and air conditioning, breakout areas with device charging stations, an integrated travel centre and luggage check-in facility.

"A seating refresh, enhanced signage, service information screens, public announcement systems and new emergency help phones are also proposed throughout the station, significantly improving the customer experience.

"Queensland's iconic railways are at the heart of this state, and I'm pleased to see some of the state's oldest stations being revamped with a more modern look and feel.

"The Spirit of Queensland is a key form of travel tourism across the coastline of Queensland, and I encourage everyone to give it a try."

Member for Barron River Craig Crawford said Cairns station was also home to the Kuranda Scenic Railway.

"Celebrating its 131st birthday this year, the Kuranda Scenic Railway takes customers on a trip through Far North Queensland's heritage listed rainforest into the heart of Kuranda," Mr Crawford said.

"Before the pandemic about 73,000 people departed Cairns station on the KSR, so any future upgrades would significantly improve the experience and be warmly welcomed by locals and tourists alike.

 "Upgrades may include installation of tactile ground indicators, handrails where required and an upgrade to the accessible toilets for enhanced customer comforts and a more modern look and feel.

"A new drop-off zone will also be considered that integrates with other public transport providers, for improved connections."

Assistant Minister for Train Manufacturing and Member for Maryborough Bruce Saunders said Queensland Rail was currently undertaking planning and technical studies for upgrades to Rockhampton and Maryborough West stations, while a feasibility study for Bundaberg station is expected to be completed in mid-2023.

"These are some of our most-frequented stations on Queensland Rail's regional network, and I look forward to them having more modern, accessible, customer-focused facilities for locals and visitors alike," Mr Saunders.

For more information, please visit www.queenslandrail.com.au

ENDS

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/MarkBaileyMP/status/1541594508160561152

[#Metro]

We'll look at accessibility, air con, comfort, amenities, charging ports, facelifts for the rail gateway to FNQ.

Cosmetics and NSE (Non Service Expenditure).

The real improvement would be trains and track that do the journey in half the time.

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/railmaps/status/1541915074184777728

[ozbob]

Townsville train station on track for major upgrade 
29th June 2022

Minister for Transport and Main Roads
The Honourable Mark Bailey



Townsville train station has been identified as a priority site for an overhaul, as part of a budget commitment to improve accessibility and the customer experience at regional stations.

Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey said this year's budget saw the Regional Station Accessibility Upgrade Program expanded to include two additional stations.

"This enhanced program will see upgrades get underway at Cairns and Townsville stations, in addition to work continuing at Rockhampton, Maryborough West and Bundaberg stations," Mr Bailey said.

"Townsville station is a key regional rail hub that sees close to 20,000 customer journeys each year, and the Palaszczuk Government is committed to improving these important facilities for locals and tourists alike.

"A $1 million feasibility study for Townsville is being planned and is expected to be completed in 2023."

Member for Townsville Scott Stewart said the proposal planned to deliver improvements and upgraded facilities for all members of the community. 

"This budget is a budget that delivers for all of Queensland, and especially for our regional centres," he said.

"Accessibility improvements make our transport services easier for people of all abilities to access, whether that be parents with prams, families with luggage or people with disabilities.

"Our priority with this budget is to deliver the people of Queensland with better services, which is exactly what we will achieve through this program.

"Proposed improvements include a refurbished station precinct on the existing site with uplifts like customer lounges with improved seating, tables and air conditioning, breakout areas with device charging stations, an integrated travel centre and luggage check-in facility.

"A seating refresh, enhanced signage, service information screens, public announcement systems and new emergency help phones are also proposed throughout the station, significantly improving the customer experience."

Mr Stewart said the proposal will make it safer and easier for people of all abilities to have access to the fantastic long-distance trains services this state has to offer.

"Whether you're heading home from a holiday in Brisbane, or catching the Spirit of Queensland to Cairns, having access to improved facilities will be welcomed by all those who visit."

Member for Thuringowa Aaron Harper said more accessible car parking would be welcomed.

"Better access to services will see more Queenslanders enjoying the services that regional Queensland has to offer," Mr Harper said.

"Upgrades may also include installation of tactile ground indicators, handrails where required and an upgrade to the accessible toilets for enhanced customer comforts and a more modern look and feel.

"A new drop-off zone will also be considered that integrates with other public transport providers, for improved connections."

Member for Mundingburra Les Walker said good Queensland jobs would be supported by the investment.

"The Palaszczuk Government is supporting good jobs across the state, and this is just another example of that in action," Mr Walker said.

"I look forward to seeing the feasibility study get underway as the Palaszczuk Government backs Townsville.

"This investment complements the many highlights of the budget, including most hospital beds, better mental health services along with the upgrade of Stuart Drive and Bowen Bridge Road."

Assistant Minister for Train Manufacturing and Member for Maryborough Bruce Saunders said Queensland Rail was currently undertaking planning and technical studies for upgrades to Rockhampton and Maryborough West stations, while a feasibility study for Bundaberg station is expected to be completed in mid-2023.

"These are some of our most-frequented stations on Queensland Rail's regional network, and I look forward to them having more modern, accessible, customer-focused facilities for locals and visitors alike," Mr Saunders.

For more information, please visit www.queenslandrail.com.au

ENDS

[ozbob]

Courier Mail Fraser Coast --> 'Appalling': $12m upgrade of 'eyesore' railway station begins  $

Maryborough West station

A Wide Bay MP has slammed his local train station as 'absolutely terrible' and urged the public to weigh in on how it should be improved....

... People will be able to provide feedback by calling 1800 722 203 or by emailing stationsupgrade@qr.com.au.

The public will also be able to meet with the Queensland Rail Travel team at the railway station on September 29, September 30 and October 6 from 10am to 3pm each day.

The community consultation period will run from September 23 to October 14.

You cannot view this attachment.

Image from https://www.facebook.com/groups/AustralianRailwaysPastAndPresent/permalink/2806789882907105/

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Jeffrey_Addison/status/1572564257648291841

[ozbob]

^ Interview ABC South Queensland Drive with host Annie Gaffney & Jeff Addison discussing the planned upgrade to Maryborough West (located at Oakhurst) railway station.

Here --> https://backontrack.org/docs/abcsc/abc_sc_ja_21sep22.mp3 MP3 3.2MB

I think there would be more passengers if there were some more services Nambour <> Maryborough West.

Already 55K per year, is a solid base.

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/railbotforum/status/1572651666012536832

[ozbob]

For interest:

https://www.queenslandrailtravel.com.au/Documents/Timetables/Post-COVID%2019%20timetables/Timetables_A4_All%20Trains_0822_FA.pdf


Northbound

Tilt Train
Brisbane to Rockhampton

Maryborough West 2.40pm Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat & Sun

8.28pm  Tue & Sun

Brisbane to Bundaberg

Maryborough West 8.28pm Mon Wed Thu  Fri

Spirit of Queensland
Brisbane to Cairns

Maryborough West 7.29pm  Mon Wed Fri Sat

====

Southbound

Tilt Train
Rockhampton to Brisbane

Maryborough West 10.58am daily

Bundaberg to Brisbane

Maryborough West 6.01am Mon Tue Thu Fri Sat


Spirit of Queensland Southbound
Cairns to Brisbane

Maryborough West 4.50am  Tue Thu Sat Mon

====

+ Spirit of the Outback
Brisbane to Longreach

Maryborough West 11.05pm Tue
7.05pm Sat

Spirit of the Outback
Longreach to Brisbane

Maryborough West 6.35am Tue Fri

[ozbob]

Queensland Parliament

https://documents.parliament.qld.gov.au/tableOffice/questionsAnswers/2022/866-2022.pdf

Question on Notice
No. 866
Asked on 30 August 2022

MR J LISTER ASKED MINISTER FOR TRANSPORT AND MAIN ROADS (HON M BAILEY)

QUESTION:

With reference to the Regional Station Accessibility Upgrade Program—
Will the Minister provide the total budget, spend to date, and the spend for each year over the
forwards for each station in the program along with the relevant QTRIP Investment IDs?

ANSWER:

I thank the Member for Southern Downs for the question.

The Palaszczuk Government is investing more than $3.5 billion in rail projects in the forward
estimates, supporting good jobs and delivering better services for Queenslanders.

Under the Regional Station Accessibility Upgrade Program planning for rail station upgrades has
been announced at Rockhampton, Maryborough West, Bundaberg, Cairns and Townsville. The
table below outlines the announced planning budgets and expenditure to 31 August 2022 and
over the Forward Estimates.

Table 1. Regional Station Accessibility Upgrade Program expenditure

You cannot view this attachment.

[HappyTrainGuy]

Courier Mail Fraser Coast --> 'Appalling': $12m upgrade of 'eyesore' railway station begins  $

Maryborough West station

A Wide Bay MP has slammed his local train station as 'absolutely terrible' and urged the public to weigh in on how it should be improved....

... People will be able to provide feedback by calling 1800 722 203 or by emailing stationsupgrade@qr.com.au.

The public will also be able to meet with the Queensland Rail Travel team at the railway station on September 29, September 30 and October 6 from 10am to 3pm each day.

The community consultation period will run from September 23 to October 14.

You cannot view this attachment.

Image from https://www.facebook.com/groups/AustralianRailwaysPastAndPresent/permalink/2806789882907105/

Sad thing is the more planned electric tilts we're never ordered and track realignment to the north and south never went any further.

[ozbob]

^ the sad tale of rail in Queensland. 

Not enough forward thinking and support from Governments and the transport bureaucracy. 

[ozbob]

Media Release  Not online
Minister for Transport and Main Roads
The Honourable Mark Bailey

Rockhampton residents to help shape train station upgrade

16th January 2023

Queensland Rail is inviting the public to have their say on the new multi-million dollar upgrade to Rockhampton train station, with community consultation starting next week.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said the feedback sessions would give the public an opportunity to offer their views on the station upgrades.

"Rockhampton station is a key regional rail hub used by more than 50,000 customers a year, so I'm glad to see we're another step closer to these upgrades," Mr Bailey said.

"The project forms part of our $63 million, four-year plan to upgrade priority regional stations like Rockhampton, Maryborough West and Bundaberg.

"The Palaszczuk Labor Government is delivering better services throughout the state, making it easier for all Queenslanders to get around."

Member for Rockhampton Barry O'Rourke said the entire station precinct would be refurbished as part of the upgrade.

"As part of the upgrade, we're delivering a new customer lounge and shelters, as well as a range of accessibility features," Mr O'Rourke said.

"We're also delivering accessible car parking and improved connectivity to other public transport providers.

"I encourage anyone wanting to have their say on the station upgrade to do so."

Member for Keppel Brittany Lauga said customers could look forward to a state-of-the-art station.

"Rockhampton station plays an important role in helping people move around Queensland, so it's great to see public consultation starting up," Ms Lauga said.

"This upgrade comes as part of the Palaszczuk Labor Government's more than $1.5 billion, four-year road and transport plan for the Fiztroy region, supporting 1,380 good, secure jobs.

"We're continuing to deliver all across the state, helping Queenslanders spend more time enjoying our great lifestyle."

Queensland Rail Head of Regional Jim Benstead said this first stage of consultation would help inform the concept designs.

"Customers can complete a short survey on Queensland Rail's website from 5am Monday 16 to 5pm Friday 27 January or at the station where they can scan a QR code to provide feedback," Mr Benstead said.

"Customers are also invited to attend a face-to-face engagement session at the railway station to meet the Queensland Rail Travel team, learn more about the project and provide feedback in person.

"Engagement sessions will be held from 5.30am to 10am and 5.30pm to 7pm on Tuesday 17 January and 5.30am to 10am on Wednesday 18 January and Thursday 19 January.

"Once the initial consultation has closed, the project team will focus on delivering concept designs for the community to view and provide further feedback on."

For more information, customers can visit the website here, call the project team on 1800 722 203 or email stationsupgrade@qr.com.au

ENDS

[kram0]

Realistically, there should be a train every 2 hours from Rockhampton to Brisbane. This would also help to support services that are lacking from Gympie.

[minbrisbane]

I do wonder what the point of spending money upgrading the station is for when there are really limited services that will benefit a large spend.  As the previous comment states, there should be an improvement.

Even three daily trains each direction would be an improvement.  At the moment there's not a consistent daily service northbound by my look at the timetable.

What are the PAX loadings like on the current services?  I'd like to see a night service from to/from Rocky again - but that's most likely a distant pipe dream. 

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/QueenslandRail/status/1645625688932913152

[achiruel]

Realistically, there should be a train every 2 hours from Rockhampton to Brisbane. This would also help to support services that are lacking from Gympie.

I think that's a little extreme, although 4 return services per day 7 days per week would probably be good, with increasing density as you head south. 2-hourly services from Maryborough to Nambour might be a good move. Ditch the Gympielander. Would interurban rollingstock be suitable for such a length trip, though? 

[ozbob]

Got ideas about the new Bundaberg station design? We're all ears!  👷🗣   We're working on a new design for Bundaberg...

Posted by Queensland Rail on Monday, 15 May 2023