2 Dec 2007: SEQ - Darra to Springfield railway line needed now!

[ozbob]

Media Release 2 Dec 2007

SEQ:  Darra to Springfield railway line needed now!

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web based community support group for rail and public transport has called for the construction of the proposed Darra to Springfield railway line to be started immediately and all stations built from the outset, and the line be built as a duplication rather than as a single line.

Robert Dow said:

?The Western suburbs are experiencing rapid population growth. The Ipswich highway is a ?Smart-State basket case?. The Queensland Government and the Federal Government have failed to grasp the fact that more road funding is not going to improve transport outcomes for the long term, and in fact will lead to costly environmental failings and more gridlock and congestion.?

?What is needed is a massive investment in public transport infrastructure to position South-East Queensland for an environmentally sustainable transport environment for the future.?

?RAIL Back On Track has previously highlighted the myopia of Queensland Transport and the Queensland Government in the failure to commit to build the additional stations at Ellen Grove and Springfield Lakes on the Darra to Springfield line.? (Reference 1)

?Does Queensland Transport learn from the flawed planning decisions of the past?  No, the line from Darra to Springfield is being planned as a single line.  The costly upgrades to duplicate sections of the Gold Coast railway line could have been avoided if the planners took off their rose-coloured short-term spectacles and looked at the big picture and built for the future from the outset.?

?It is time that Governments snapped out of their politically expedient short term and ?pork-barrel? focus and got on with real sustainable transport infrastructure for the community.?

?The only viable long term environmentally sustainable mass transit transport solution is electric rail and the Darra to Springfield railway line is needed now,? said Robert Dow spokesman for RAIL Back On Track.

Reference:

1.   http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=246
Contact:

Robert  Dow

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

[ozbob]

Thursday, January 31, 2008

MEDIA ALERT - Around $1 billion injected into Darra to Springfield corridor

EVENT:

Minister for Transport John Mickel will announce around $1 billion will be injected into new rail and road infrastructure in the boom western corridor of south east Queensland, with work including an upgrade of the Ipswich rail line between Corinda and Darra, a new rail line between Darra and Springfield and duplication of the adjacent Centenary Highway.

VENUE:

Darra Rail Station, Darra Station Road, Darra

DATE:

11am, January 31, 2008

--

Hopefully statement soon.

[ozbob]

Here it is:

Minister for Transport, Trade, Employment and Industrial Relations
The Honourable John Mickel

Thursday, January 31, 2008

Major rail and road infrastructure on track for delivery

Around $1 billion will be injected into new rail and road infrastructure in the boom western corridor of south east Queensland, Minister for Transport John Mickel announced today.

Mr Mickel said work included an upgrade of the Ipswich rail line between Corinda and Darra, a new rail line between Darra and Springfield and duplication of the adjacent Centenary Highway.

?This is about planning for the state?s growth and building on Queensland?s future,?? Mr Mickel said.

?The project includes the first new urban rail line to be built in the past decade and forms part of the Queensland Government?s $82 billion, 20-year infrastructure plan to manage growth.

?Our aim here is to provide smart, innovative road and rail transport solutions now and for the future,?? Mr Mickel said.

The first part of the upgrade will begin immediately while the rest of the project will start in the second quarter of 2008.

?The $189 million Corinda to Darra Third Track project is the first in a series of projects to improve rail services in the west, increasing rail capacity for trains and improving rail service reliability for passengers,? Mr Mickel said.

"The construction of a 5.2 km new track alongside the existing two tracks will be completed by the TrackStar Alliance, which includes QR limited.

"The project is expected to be completed by early 2010 and will include upgrades to Oxley and Darra stations with new facilities including shelters, lighting and security cameras, additional secure bike lockers and car parks, and improved access arrangements for passengers with disabilities.

?Early works started last month, including setting up the main site office near Corinda station and earthworks in the existing rail corridor and near the Cardiff Road bridge in Darra.?

Mr Mickel said work on the rail line between Darra and Richlands and duplication of the Centenary Highway to four lanes to the Logan Motorway interchange would begin in May. The project is being completed by the Horizon Alliance, which includes QR limited.

He said it was expected the rail line and the duplicated highway to the Logan Motorway interchange would be operational in 2011.

"The rest of the project, which involves the continuation of the rail line to a new station at Springfield and duplication of the road through to Springfield, is planned for completion by 2015,?? Mr Mickel said.

"This western corridor is significant for the planned development of South East Queensland and timely infrastructure is essential to support expected population growth.

"The Greater Springfield area has a population of 15,000 which is expected to reach up to 120,000 in the next 15 to 20 years. This is on top of the growth in communities such as Richlands, Inala, Forest Lake and Camira.

"This rail line will support the government?s public transport strategy for the area and generate new jobs, economic growth and significant investment in infrastructure and services as well as supporting Greater Springfield as an economic destination in its own right."

Mr Mickel said the Darra to Springfield Transport Corridor project was the first large-scale project in Queensland to deliver integrated road and rail infrastructure.

?Constructing the road and rail at the same time will save time, minimising disruption to residents and road users during the construction period,?? he said.

The road component of the project will continue duplication of the Centenary Highway from the new four-lane motorway link under the Boundary Road overpass initially to the Logan Motorway interchange and then in later stages through to Springfield.

Duplication of the Centenary Highway to Logan Motorway will help ease congestion in this western corridor and dovetail with planned improvements to interlinking road networks.

Minister for Main Roads Warren Pitt said the road component of the project will continue duplication of the Centenary Highway from the new four-lane motorway link under the Boundary Road overpass initially to the Logan Motorway interchange and then in later stages through to Springfield.

?Duplication of the Centenary Highway to Logan Motorway will help ease congestion in this western corridor and dovetail with planned improvements to interlinking road networks,? Mr Pitt said.

Member for Inala Annastacia Palaszczuk said she welcomed the upgrade announcement.

?The completion of road works to the Logan Motorway interchange and the dual rail line from Darra to a rail station at Richlands mark the initial stage of the Darra to Springfield Transport Corridor project,?? she said.

The new station at Richlands will be built to the east of the Centenary Highway between Garden and Progress Roads. It will include a significant "park 'n' ride" facility for 650 cars, a bus interchange and passenger drop-off area.

As part of the project, construction of a new pedestrian and cycling bridge over the Centenary Highway linking Springfield and Springfield Lakes began in November 2007.

Further information on the Darra to Springfield Transport Corridor project is available on 1800 887 464, email info@horizon.incite.com.au or visit www.qr.com.au/seqip??


31 January, 2008

[ozbob]

I have requested clarification, as it reads  dual track ?? to Richlands first phase by 2011.  Then Springfield by 2015.  Lets hope ALL stations are built from the outset as line rolled out.

[ozbob]

Media Release 31 January 2008

Brisbane:  Springfield railway, better late than never!

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web based community support group for rail and public transport has welcomed the commitment from the Queensland Government to commence works for the railway to Richlands and then Springfield, although the completion date has been put back to 2015 for the Richlands to Springfield section.

Robert Dow said:

?Today?s confirmation of the railway line to Springfield is great news for all Queenslanders.?

?This is the beginning of a smart rail renaissance in Queensland.?

?We are disappointed that the line to Springfield itself will not be completed till 2015 but we are grateful for the commitment made today by Minister Mickel and the Queensland Government.?

?RAIL Back On Track has strongly supported the calls for the railway line to Springfield and we suggest that all four railway stations be built as the line is rolled out (references 1, 2).?

?A double line to Richland is a great start, and with the triplication of the line from Darra to Corinda high frequency services will be able to be introduced from Ipswich as well as Richlands and finally Springfield.?

?This line is important as the western regions of Brisbane are some of the fastest growth areas in Australia.  Looming fuel price increases and environmental costs require that rail infrastructure is lead out now.  The railway to Richlands and Springfield is very necessary.?

?As a nation we need to continue to think rail.  Adding a second 3?6? gauge line to the standard gauge corridor to Bromelton is smart!?

?Building the long awaited railway from Petrie to Kippa-Ring is essential.?

?Rail is the sustainable transport solution for the future!? said Robert Dow, spokesman for RAIL Back On Track.

References:

1. http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=246.0

2. http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=321.0

Contact:

Robert  Dow

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

[ozbob]

Project update --> http://www.qr.com.au/SEQIP/projects/Springfield/default.asp

[freddles]

I shake my head at the planning decisions of QR.

Forest Lake is supposed to have a population of 22,000 yet they're going to build the station at Richlands. Go figure!

I have a Chinese acquaintance and he tells me in some cities, the trains run 3 minutes apart in peak period and no one has to drive or bus to the station. The station is that close to where they live they simply go for a stroll to catch the train.

The Chinese bring the station to the people as opposed to QR having the station as far as possible from the people because they need a large tract of land to supply huge carparks. Admittedly, the Chinese stations serve large residential blocks with many people, so there are economies of scale involved but for infrastructure that is going to last many, many decades, the cost should not be of concern.

I nearly fell off my perch when I read in one of the local papers a few months ago that the local member reckons no one from Forest Lake put in a submission for a station here so it was not considered. I, probably like many others, had taken it for granted that a station would be built at Forest Lake. What an idiot I am!

[ozbob]

Welcome Freddles!

The problem is not so much QR as it is QT (Queensland Transport) on this one.  I saw the comments by the soon to be former Councillor for Richlands and was similarly concerned.

RAIL BoT has consistently pushed for all four stations to be built from the outset.  We are still hopeful that this will occur.  I have spoken to the Liberal Candidate for Richlands re this and other matters.  The State local labor members tend to ignore us, still we try.  Frankly I am looking forward to the state election 

[ozbob]

All the more reason to keep pushing right on from Richlands ..

From Brisbanetimes click here!

Springfield 'Health City' put on the map

Springfield 'Health City' put on the map
Christine Kellett | June 27, 2008 - 12:11PM

A private healthcare super centre planned for Springfield is set to become the "blueprint" for health reform across the country, project chiefs say.

The Springfied Health City will be built across 52 hectares of land at the master-planned community, and will combine a private acute care hospital, aged care centre, retirement units and a "one stop shop" of GPs and dental health services.

Work is set to begin on a $200 million stage one next year, with costs estimated to reach well into the billions by completion over the next 15 years.

Mater Health Services and the University of Queensland have partnered for the project, touted at this morning's launch as a "world-class model for governments to base their health reform plans".

"Springfield Health City will be a revolution in the approach to health care and wellness in Australia, and provide all the necessary services for the rapidly growing population of Greater Springfield and its surrounds," project chairman Professor John Hay said.

"The precinct is designed to ensure all people living within the Greater Springfield and surrounding areas benefit from safe, sustainable and accessible health care today and for decades to come."

Based on research by Harvard Medical International (HMI), plans include the provision of 128 aged care beds and as many as 100 retirement units in its first stage.

Professor Hay said the HMI study recommended a public-private model for the development.

It will provide services for an expected 236,000 people by 2021.

[ozbob]

Ditto ...

From the Couriermail click here!

Springfield Health City to be national blueprint

Springfield Health City to be national blueprint
Article from: The Courier-Mail

Quinn Jones

June 27, 2008 02:42pm

A REVOLUTIONARY health plan for Springfield in southwest Brisbane is destined to be the blueprint for health reform across the country.

Springfield Health City will be a "one-stop health and wellness destination" combining a range of health services including general practice, oral health care and aged care.

Springfield Land Corporation chairman Dr Maha Sinnathamby said Australia's health services had remained stretched despite massive increases in funding.

"Both the Federal and State Governments understand the demand for health services in Australia is rising much faster than the rate of population growth," he said.

"Springfield Health City will place health and wellness care and the individuals that need it, side-by-side."

Springfield Health City chairman Professor John Hay said the project would  be a world-class model on which governments across Australia could  base their health reform plans.

"The precinct is designed to ensure all people living within  Greater Springfield will   benefit from safe, sustainable and accessible health care today and for decades to come," he said.

The plans were based on research by world-renowned Harvard Medical International  and follows broad consultation with federal and state governments, universities, hospitals, the Australian Medical Association, healthcare professionals, key stakeholders and the community.

Development will begin this year after the announcement yesterday of Mater Health Services and the University of Queensland as major partners.

UQ vice-chancellor Professor Paul Greenfield said the collaboration between the university and the  health-care facility meant better expertise and innovation.

Springfield Health City will be situated on 52ha and provide services for a population catchment of 132,000.

[ozbob]

From Courier Mail click here!

Springfield aims to supply world with green technology

Springfield aims to supply world with green technology
Article from: The Courier-Mail

Kerrie Sinclair

August 11, 2008 12:00am

SPRINGFIELD, the home of cartoon family the Simpsons, has a nuclear power station that gives local wildlife strange features.
Brisbane's Springfield, in the city's southwest, is set to play a key role in developing Australian companies that supply environmentally friendly technology and products to Australians and the world, investors say.

Springfield-based fund manager Bakers Investment Group, Springfield Land Corp, Sydney-based Financial and Energy Exchange, and a major foreign bank are creating the Australian Cleantech Marketplace (ACM).

Nordic stock exchanges operator OMX, which designed the US Nasdaq's trading platform, is also involved in the ACM through its stake in the Financial and Energy Exchange.

The ACM is being headquartered in Springfield and will comprise support services to commercialise clean technology, helping to create companies that can remain private or use public listings to access local and international investors.

The ACM aims to establish in the next year a trading floor specialising in investment in domestic and international clean-tech companies with sharemarket listings.

It also aims to work with local business schools, such as the University of Southern Queensland, which has a Springfield sustainable business school, to provide financial analytical skills focused on the clean-tech industry.

There is also interest in establishing, several kilometres away, clean energy sources for Springfield, such as biomass and solar power plants.

Investors are increasingly moving into the clean technology sector as more countries commit to tackle their output of planet-warming gases from coal, oil and gas and encourage existing and emerging green power sources such as solar, tidal, wind and geothermal.

The world's leading industrial nations have agreed to the goal of slashing greenhouse gas levels. Negotiations will occur on encouraging China and India to adopt binding pollution reduction targets as soon as possible and by 2020 at the latest.

Leading Australian and international economists say a revolution in our use of fossil fuel energy must start soon if there is to be a reasonable chance of preventing severe global warming that risks displacing millions of people. Macquarie Bank senior economist Brian Redican says concern about economic damage from the Federal Government's plan to regulate greenhouse gas output is being eased by its commitment to provide financial help to households and industry to handle the transition.

"In aspects it's quite similar to the goods and services tax introduction. When the GST was introduced, we had quite significant personal income tax cuts. It's certainly possible you could do something similar with revenue generated from auctioning carbon permits to companies," Mr Redican said.

"Some industry sectors will be in the firing line - the energy providers and very intensive users of energy. But there are going to be opportunities as well. If overall household budgets aren't too much worse off, there will be new areas of demand springing up such as for service providers that will help people become more energy efficient.

"We're also going to see very big increases in demand for renewable and alternative energy sources."

He also said there would be a boost for legal and financial businesses providing support services to those industries.

Springfield offers an example.

Bakers Investment Group already has established indices built around listed clean energy domestic and international stocks. It is eyeing the ACM's potential to produce more clean energy investments for local and foreign investors.

"We are at the beginning of a generational shift towards clean technology underpinning a lot of the economic drivers for Australia. There is plenty of evidence to support that in the economic analysis done by many people," Bakers Investment Group managing director Ross Paul said. "International investors recognise that Australia has, for example, the best solar power intellectual property in the world but it isn't established in a way that investors can realistically invest in. It needs the right structures to make it a long-term commercial success, not just a quick venture capital injection that might or might not win," Mr Paul said.

"The ACM is about providing a broad marketplace that will commercialise clean technology in a way that is investor friendly and that will lead to the ability to grow Australian businesses that can be successful locally and also export their products and know-how."

Bakers Investment Group is also leading a bid under the ACM banner to host the Federal Government's Clean Energy Innovation Centre, with a proposed base in Springfield.

"We've had quite good Federal Government support for the ACM concept. They see it as supporting policy objectives for Australia to export clean tech capacity building and knowledge into Asian markets," he said. "We think you'll see an increasing number of clean tech companies locating into southeast Queensland, around Springfield."

Pity about the railway line ....   

[ozbob]

From the Australian Financial Review 29th October 2008 page 62

Apartment plan for Springfield

Apartment plan for Springfield

Matthew Cranston Springfield Land Corporation and Delfin Lend Lease have entered into a six-year agreement to build up to 700 residential apartments worth $150 million in Springfield, Queensland. Delfin Lend Lease chief executive David Keir said the development was in response to demand in the area. "It's a high growth corridor -the major one for south-east Queensland," he said. The Springfield Land Corporation expects the population of Greater Springfield, which covers about 2860 hectares, to grow from 15,000 today to 105,000 by 2026. Funding for the 700-apartment development, known as Springfield Central, will be managed internally by Lend Lease. "Our board process is an interesting process like most, but because it's a staged development we are not out there with external financiers," Mr Keir said. "The population growth [is what] makes this product; in our view we have another 15 years of development here." A development application will be lodged within the next month and if all goes to plan construction will start in the second half of 2009. Springfield Land Corporation managing director Bob Sharpless bought the land in 1992 with business partner Maha Sinnathamby, after relocating from Western Australia. The property play was paying off, Mr Sharpless said. "It takes an outsider to see the potential of a place like this," he explained.

"When we first came across the land we thought it had a lot of potential, but people in the area thought it was unattractive." Mr Sharpless estimates the building cost of the project will be around $120 million.

"We are not immune from what's going on in the markets but we are not highly geared - plus the population is still coming into the area and they need housing." Springfield recently completed the $60 million Springfield Tower, the first 10-storey building in the region, as well as the $220 million Polaris Data Centre and the six green star-rated Orion Town Centre. Ripley Valley, to the west, is expected to surpass the Greater Springfield development, the Queensland government having given the 5200-hectare project approval in September. Wingate Properties, which owns a total of about 200 hectares of land in Ripley Valley, both on its own behalf and with joint-venture partners including Babcock & Brown and Payce Consolidated, will be the first in line to submit a development application.

The Bligh government's infrastructure wish-list includes the Ipswich to Springfield rail system. The Ipswich City Council has just paid $45 million for four blocks which it intends to redevelop in the centre of Ipswich, just west of Springfield.

KEY POINTS

Springfield is a high-growth corridor for south-east Queensland.

The partners predict 15 years' worth of development in the area.

The Bligh government has plans for an Ipswich to Springfield railway.

[ozbob]

From Queensland Times 15th December 2008 page 7

Councillors call for rail work to get on track

IPSWICH City councillors have again called on the State Government to fast-track the Darra to Springfield rail line. The new line is due to reach Springfield in 2015.

At last week's council meeting, Deputy Mayor Victor Attwood said the rail line finish date should be brought forward. "I believe the railway line should be built as soon as possible," Cr Attwood said. Mayor Paul Pisasale said Ipswich needed infrastructure to go with the huge growth expected of the city.

[ozbob]

From the South West News 11th February 2009 page 1

Ease the squeeze - Call to accelerate Springfield rail link

Call to accelerate Springfield rail link

By BELINDA BERRY

PRESSURE from commuters frustrated by highway gridlock and jam-packed city-bound trains may force the Federal Government to use some of its proposed $42 billion stimulus package to ease the chaos.

The Darra to Springfield railway line, to be completed in 2015, is among the southwest suburbs' most pressing projects and would ease the nightmare on roads. Springfield Lakes' Steve Embelton is one of tens of thousands of commuters who cram on to trains on the Ipswich line each day. Mr Embelton spends two-and-ahalf hours each day commuting by bus and rail.

At the moment I catch the bus to Goodna train station and then train it into the city for work . it takes me an hour and a quarter (each way).

It is time he would rather put into other areas of his life such as family and community work. `At the moment I catch the bus to Goodna train station and then train it into the city for work - it takes me an hour and a quarter (each way)," Mr Embelton said.

"It is hard and I know a lot of others who get frustrated and many drive their cars to the train station.

"I would certainly love to see rail come to Springfield soon." Federal Member for Oxley Bernie Ripoll said he would continue to advocate for the completion of the rail line to be brought forward to 2012.

"I have been pushing for the fasttracking for some time - it is imp ortant for our region, it will get cars off roads and it will create jobs," Mr Ripoll said.

Springfield Land Corporation deputy managing director Raynuha Sinnathamby said she hoped the rail line would be fast-tracked. 'A rail line extended to Springfield is vital for the whole region and will not only take cars off the road but ultimately ease congestion and travel times," she said.

[ozbob]

From the South West News 4th March 2009 page 3

Fast-tracked rail line tip for election

Fast-tracked rail line tip for election
By KYLIE KNIGHT

SPECULATION is rife that an announcement is imminent about the Darra to Springfield railway line extension being fast-tracked. Springfield Land Corporation managing director Bob Sharpless told Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce members on Friday night he expected "something will emerge in the election campaign" to announce it is going ahead sooner than expected.

Mr Sharpless said SLC was working with Federal Member for Oxley Bernie Ripoll and Ipswich mayor Paul Pisasale to make the case for funding.

Mr Ripoll said while no announcements had been made, the Darra to Springfield railway line extension had made the short list and was being considered by Infrastructure Australia.

He said the project "ticked all the boxes" because it was ready to go, was financially viable and would be good for the whole state not just the southwest region Mr Ripoll said the Infrastructure Australia funding process was independent and would not be influenced by potential political gains.

"We're working through the process now and I'm hoping to get some announcement very soon and before the budget, but I'm only speculating here," he said.

[ozbob]

From the Brisbanetimes click here!

Global crisis? Not in Springfield

Global crisis? Not in Springfield
Christine Kellett | March 5, 2009

The gathering clouds of recession may have cast a pall over the rest of the Sunshine State, but in the sprouting city of Springfield, the catch cry is, "Crisis? What crisis?"

Maha Sinnathamby, property prospector and one of Queensland's wealthiest men, said the master-planned community south-west of Brisbane has created its own economy, buffered from the global financial slowdown by cheap housing, government backing and a bulging $600 million pipeline of construction projects.

"I don't like to use the word crisis, it isn't a crisis," Mr Sinnathamby said yesterday after cutting the ribbon on the $60 million Springfield Tower - the first high-rise of an 18-hectare "city" slated for development.

"Things have not slowed down out here. It is an economy of its own and it is generating its own wealth. We're not worried."

As chairman of the Springfield Land Corporation and the project's creator, it is Mr Sinnathamby's job to talk up Springfield's fortunes.

But the father of four, last year ranked the 10th richest man in Queensland with a net worth of $581 million, said attracting big business to the area had not been difficult.

Electronics giant NEC, Cardno and GHD Engineering, among a number of companies, will occupy the 10-storey Springfield Tower, lured by cheap IT costs, free parking and promises of expansion.

Finance group Suncorp recently moved some of its banking and data operations to Springfield, citing "state-of-the-art" IT storage facilities and a burgeoning population as the main drawcards.

"It would be fair to say that (it is attractive). We'd looked around and it suited our needs. Obviously we do target growth areas for our banking business," a Suncorp spokesman said.

NEC Australia's managing director, Wataru Takeuchi, described Springfield as "one of Australia's strongest and smartest economies".

"The NEC office at Springfield provides new businesses instant access to essential infrastructure and managed services from the day they move in," he said.

"Our experiences in Japan and around the world ensure we are matched perfectly with the aspiration that this amazing place has - to be Australia's greatest digital city."

While the credit crunch has forced the shelving of some major infrastructure projects across Queensland including the Coal Connect rail expansion, work is continuing along the Western Corridor, with the $1 billion Ipswich Motorway upgrade not expected to be affected.

Much of the activity in Springfield is centred around new construction, including two government schools and council-funded roadworks projects.

Ipswich City Council has also approved the development of 600,000 square metres of commercial space at the Parkside business district - double the size of Brisbane's CBD.

Mr Sinnathamby said Springfield Tower was the first of many buildings due to rise from the ground in the very near future.

He said Springfield was also reaping the benefits of the combined effect of government grants and lower interest rates.

"There are quite a lot of affordable homes here, so people are using the first-home buyer's grants," he said.

"Where there are difficult times, businesses move to places that are affordable as well. I think they want to ensure their employees can be close to where they work."

On the sticky issue of public transport - a promised rail link to Springfield is yet to be built, despite nearly two decades of lobbying - the silver-tongued entrepreneur doesn't miss a beat.

"It's the great Australian dream to be able to drive to work and park right outside your office building. Well, we have an endless amount of parking - and it's all free."

[Jon Bryant]

Oh Dear.  The last line is unbelievable.

[ozbob]

From the South West News 3rd June 2009 page 1

Rail line challenge MP calls for joint venture on a link

Rail line challenge MP calls for joint venture on a link

By CHRISTOPHER O'LEARY

BUNDAMBA MP Jo-Ann Miller has called on Springfield Land Corporation to help fund completing the Darra to Springfield rail line before the planned 2015 finish. Mrs Miller made the comment in State Parliament after last month's Federal Budget failed to deliver funding for the rail link.

It had been widely speculated that the Federal Government would provide funding for the State Government project as part of its infrastructure program. "As I understand it, it can be brought forward but it is important the developer contribute to the bring forward cost to deliver it earlier," she said.

Mrs Miller said home-owners were buying into Springfield Lakes believing the rail line's completion was imminent. She said fast-tracking the Centenary Highway in 2000 was an example of developers bringing infrastructure to the region, proving it could be done.

"(Real-estate agents) have been selling and making out it's almost here and expectations have not been met," Mrs Miller said. The News contacted Springfield Land Corporation but a spokesman declined to comment on Mrs Miller's challenge.

However, Springfield to Darra Transport Corridor Stage One Community Reference Group committee member Daniel Gigliotti said residents were more concerned about why they were not getting the railway line by 2012.

Speaking as a resident, Mr Gigliotti said: "They're thinking why isn't the government delivering on their promise for 2012? The track's been costed for and budgeted for well before the economic downturn."

He said residents would support a joint public-private venture to speed up the project if they paid the same fares on the line which were offered across Brisbane's rail system.

A spokeswoman for Minister for Infrastructure and Planning said discussions between Springfield Land Corporation and the State Government on fast-tracking the project were ongoing.

[ozbob]

From the Queensland Times click here!

MP says Springfield is soulless

MP says Springfield is soulless

Chris Garry | 17th September 2009

AN Ipswich MP has launched a scathing attack on Springfield's developers - accusing them of creating a crowded, soulless community.

AN Ipswich MP has launched a scathing attack on Springfield's developers - accusing them of creating a crowded, soulless community with a shocking lack of facilities.

Bundamba MP Jo-Ann Miller told Parliament the ?greed? of developers such as the Springfield Land Corporation had been unchecked by Ipswich City Council.

?(Springfield) is not master planned for the community,? she said.

?It is master planned to get as much profit as possible for the developers.

?What in the hell are we developing here? Are we developing communities? Are we developing housing estates that have no soul??

Yesterday both Springfield Land Corporation and Ipswich City Council hit back at Mrs Miller's comments, claiming she was misinformed and that Springfield was an excellent place to live and raise a family.

Greater Springfield has a current population of about 15,000 but is expected to grow to 86,000 within 20 years.

In her vehement speech on the development, Mrs Miller claimed:

? Locals were angry a new park had been named in honour of a developer, even though it received $20m of public funds.

? No land had been set aside to build churches.

? Public transport was inadequate and that a planned park and ride train station will have just 100 car parking spaces.

? New homes were being built on blocks of just 150-180sq m.

? There were too few restaurants and no entertainment for locals.

? No cemeteries or crematoriums had been included in the master plan.

?It is my clear view that housing estates with no churches are not communities,? she added.

?They are just a conglomeration of houses which are testament to the greed of developers,? she said. ?It is a disgrace.?

Yesterday a Springfield Land Corporation spokeswoman brushed aside Mrs Miller's complaints.

?Greater Springfield is a master planned city, incorporating live, work, learn and play,? she told The Queensland Times.

?In the planning of the city we have taken into account population growth, the development of education and health facilities, as well as office, warehouse and retail facilities, in addition to ensuring open space is a key feature for the region.

?To date, Springfield Land Corporation has given land and rent relief to independent and state schools in Greater Springfield.

?Church groups are very active within Greater Springfield and many halls and community spaces are used on weekends for church gatherings.?

Mrs Miller's main criticism of Ipswich City Council was its decision to name a parkland in the middle of town ?Robelle Domain Parkland? after one of Springfield Land Corporation's developers, Bob Sharpless, and his wife Belinda.

The parkland's name was given the go-ahead in a split 6-5 vote by the council, which now owns the park.

Ipswich Mayor Paul Pisasale said the naming of Robelle Domain Parkland was justified because Bob Sharpless had invested millions in the city.

?Absolutely I voted for it and I stand by it because Bob Sharpless has done a lot for Springfield and taken a lot of risks to build that place,? he said.

Cr Pisasale said he believed Mrs Miller hated Ipswich, judging by comments she had made in Parliament.

?When was the last time Jo-Ann Miller ever had anything positive to say about Ipswich?? Cr Pisasale said. ?And I think she has a vendetta against the Springfield Land Corporation. I have only ever heard positive comments about Springfield.?