Article: Is it the big fix?

[ozbob]

From the North West News 28th January 2009 page 3

Is it the big fix?

Is it the big fix?

By NICK BERRETT and TARYN DAVIS

A $100 million development has been proposed at the Ferny Grove train station precinct.

A Melbourne developer is understood to be discussing the idea with the State Government.

State Member for Ferny Grove Geoff Wilson has confirmed the proposal, which would incorporate a $25 million multi-storey car park providing 1000 parking spaces. Mr Wilson said he was unable to elaborate on other aspects of the project because of commercial confidentiality, but it would be "a very significant development if it can get off the ground".

Hills and District Chamber of Commerce member Ingrid Cliff was unaware of speculation relating to a development. She said if retail shops were planned for the area however, they could struggle.

"There is still a significant portion of shops in the area that are vacant. A lot of small businesses are finding it challenging to keep shops open," Ms Cliff, who owns Heart Harmony, said. But she welcomed the possibility of more car parks.

While a Translink spokesman said the station's 620-bay car park was the fifth largest in South-East Queensland, residents and commuters are still frustrated at bottlenecks.

Ferny Grove's Lucas Bird said he was often unable to park in front of his house. Commuter Gayle Cumner, of Ferny Hills, said residents driving their car to the station after 7.30am on weekdays did not have a chance of finding a park. "It is just shocking trying to get a park. Cars are even parking up on the driveways," she said.

Rail Back on Track spokesman Robert Dow said a longterm solution was needed. He said the parking overflow was causing problems with businesses because car parks were often taken by commuters. Mr Dow has suggested station buses, taking residents to and from their homes to the station.

[mufreight]

A large part of solving the Ferny Grove commuter parking problem could be achieved by reinstating the rail .line to Samford

[stephenk]

The planned increase in parking spaces will be a roughly 40% increase. Given that the existing car park is full by 7:10 (according to some passengers at the FG Line CRG meeting) then is this increase enough? Will more spaces be needed within a few years?

Due to the lack of parking spaces, loadings on earlier services such as the 07:06 ex Ferny Grove (which had 50 standing passengers per carriage this morning after Enoggera) appear to be increasing. Unfortunately the timetables do not take into account this apparent shift towards earlier services with a 21 minute gap preceding the overcrowded 07:06 ex Ferny Grove. QR really need to fill this gap!

[Arnz]

A large part of solving the Ferny Grove commuter parking problem could be achieved by reinstating the rail .line to Samford

Much of the old Ferny Grove to Samford line has been mothballed.  Not to mention the aligment iirc (similar to the old Beaudesert heritage line) wouldnt be acceptable for a commuter service.

[mufreight]

The gold coast line has been reinstated and most of that line is on a new alignment, logically the same would apply to a Ferny Grove to Samford line but there is room fo a line for the length of Lanita Road which for most of its length follows the old rail alignment

[stephenk]

Duplication from Keperra to Ferny Grove is a more pressing issue than an extension to Samford in my opinion, otherwise the Ferny Grove will struggle to cope with more than 7-8tph!

[ozbob]

Got to agree there Stephen with respect to the failure to extend the duplication.

Amazing it wasn't done as part of the earlier work. 

Seems that the big picture escapes the planners -  Gold coast, Ferny Grove, Darra 4th line, no stations at Ellen Grove or Springfield Lakes on the Springfield branch (although I think that farcical position might be turned) are good examples of false economy.

[bladesplace]

Gosh! You can park at Ferny Grove before 7am? Great!

I was at Petrie station at 6.30am this morning and couldn't find a car park. 
I've also been unable to get an undercover car park at 5.30am last year.

The issue that both Ferny Grove and Petrie share is that they're both inaundated with commuters from Samford, Dayboro, King Scrub, Kurwongbah and up the mountain towards Mt Mee and Ocean View.

Samford at least has a TransLink bus service - albeit not a regular one. Dayboro doesn't even have this.

A bus service from Petrie to Ferny Grove via Dayboro and Samford is the only solution I can think of, but I really don't know if it would be viable.

Cheers

MJ

[dwb]

The big picture would not accommodate people living in places like Samford and then commuting one direction to places of work in a central location. Transit and land use inherently need to be planned together. That means jobs near dwellings, that means two way travel, that means options.