Ministerial statement: Queensland’s sustainable transport future

[colinw]

http://statements.cabinet.qld.gov.au/MMS/StatementDisplaySingle.aspx?id=72447

Minister for Transport
The Honourable Rachel Nolan

Friday, November 05, 2010

Queensland's sustainable transport future

Transport Minister Rachel Nolan will today gather local and world experts to discuss the big ideas on transport sustainability for Queensland.

A forum initiated by the Minister and jointly hosted by the Brisbane Institute and the Australian Conservation Foundation will bring together some of the big thinkers in the field.

Speakers will include:

·Professor Kiell Aleklett (Sweden), President of the International Association for the Study of Peak Oil and Gas;

·Dr Rodney Tolley (UK) international active transport campaigner, Director of Walk 21;

·Professor Ian Lowe AO, President of the Australian Conservation Foundation; and

·Cameron Prout, CEO of the Queensland Heart Foundation.

Ms Nolan said she expected discussion to be wide ranging from the global pressure of peak oil to the practical local challenge of getting people to think more widely about daily travel choices.

The forum has been organised through the Office of Sustainable Transport, a smart policy unit established in the Department of Transport and Main Roads.

Media contact: Chris Ward 0418 424 654

[Golliwog]

Be interesting to see if they make any announcements after that to let people know what ideas/plans they have talked about.

[Stillwater]

Possibly -- more than likely the real work will come when the Minister instructs her department to adapt the ideas brought forward into the government's policy mix, or to report back to her on what was said.  Again, this minister is showing that she is not the captive of her departmental boffins -- she is seeking additional advice from a wide range of sources. 

[colinw]

I get the impression that Rachel Nolan faced a very steep learning curve after being given the portfolio.  Previous occupants of the seat (e.g. Paul Lucas, David Hamill) had some background that helped.  I do not believe Ms Nolan did.

After a shaky start, I think she's actually doing quite a good job.  Certainly some of the things happening recently give me the impression that the right messages are getting through.

[Golliwog]

I think in a way not having any background (if that is the case) is a good thing. It means she goes into things open minded with no preconceived notions of what public transport is or does. And I would agree with you colin, I too think she's been doing a good job lately.

[ozbob]

putting the cynicism aside.

I attended this forum today. I raised the elephant in the room. the silly and sad mode targets in the SEQ 2031 ...

[Jonno]

putting the cynicism aside.

I attended this forum today. I raised the elephant in the room. the silly and sad mode targets in the SEQ 2031 ...

This is the key to changing the mindset of our politicians and the public.  Include an ad campaign thst highlights to true cost and impacts of motir vehicles and the majority will change as they did with water.  The minority (RACQ executive team mainly) but they will be lost in the chorous of wonder at the change in our city! 

What was their response Bob?

[Gazza]

I get the impression that Rachel Nolan faced a very steep learning curve after being given the portfolio.

Forgive my ignorance, but when someone is a 'minister' just how much power do they wield over their respective portfolio? Are they just someone who acts as a lightning rod for major issues and acts as the listener for issues pertaining to the portfolio (in the same way an MP acts as a listener for the members of their local electorate)  and puts out media releases.

.....or are they the true #1 decision maker?

If it's the former then fine, but if it's the latter then I guess it's a bit of a quirk of our political system that the person who makes the big calls can be someone with no actual education in the thing they are supposed to be running.

I guess if I had my way then ministers would only ever be people with a background in what they are supposed to be running...Eg an ex doctor/nurse as your health minister, an ex teacher/principal as your education minister, scientists or similar for your enviro minister, and for your transport minister, someone with a transport planning/civil engineering background.  (No shortage of lawyers in politics to fill the Attorney general position though  )

[ozbob]

At the forum, it was very clear that the car centric solution is doomed.

The response to my question highlighting the the absurdity of the mode share targets  in the Draft Connecting SEQ 2031 plan was that a higher mode share for active and public transport is a reality.

Professor Lowe did raise the mode share of the car as being a bit silly in his presentation.  The present 83% of trips by car down to 66% in the 2031 plan is mediocre IMHO.  And I think most agree absolutely.

We need to shoot for car trips < 50%, bus and rail 30%, active transport 20%,   at least.  Preferably higher.

The reality is peak oil is happening and now is the time to put in place the proper sustainable transport solutions.  We have a crisis looming.

[#Metro]

Its not just peak oil IMHO. Budgets are getting squeezed with increases in living costs, mortgage rate rises etc etc.
Cheap petrol forever is just a pipe dream. How many inquiries and calls for inquiries/Royal Commissions into petrol pricing have there been now?

[somebody]

Forgive my ignorance, but when someone is a 'minister' just how much power do they wield over their respective portfolio?

I'm fairly sure that they have the power to direct the DG/Dept to take any particular legal action, within their area of responsibility.

[ozbob]

--> http://aleklett.wordpress.com/

Blog of Professor Kiell Aleklett (Sweden), President of the International Association for the Study of Peak Oil and Gas, one of the speakers at this forum.

[Dean Quick]

At the forum, it was very clear that the car centric solution is doomed.

We can only hope!

I also think Rachel Nolan is doing a good job.

[ozbob]

http://www.abc.net.au/rn/scienceshow/stories/2010/3061272.htm

Peak oil - the slow slide down

Oil production peaked in 2008. It has been in decline since. Kjell Aleklett says the reserves are there, but the flow is lower than in the past. Kjell Aleklett disputes predictions of The International Energy Association. He says the price spike in oil in July 2008 was the trigger for the Global Financial Crisis.

The transcript of this program will be available by Monday afternoon .

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

It is time for action!

[mufreight]

We can only hope!
I also think Rachel Nolan is doing a good job.

A Minister who at a public forum stated that she was opposed to electrification of the western rail line beyond Rosewood, a Minister who prefers that the stations at Ellen Grove and Springfield Lakes not be built, The Minister who stalled the Caboolture - Landsbrough realignment and duplication at Beerburrum, a Minister who attempted to cut back passenger rail services from Rosewood to Ipswich, a Minister who has been responsible for diminished levels of service for bus commuters in Ipswich.
This Minister is the most ineffectual Transport Minister in this state since Gordon Chalk and yet you think that she is doing a good job, I do not know what you have been smoking but maybe if enough of it can be supplied to the population of South East Queensland you might get four or five persons not staffers or Labor part hacks to agree with you.
The Ministers efforts relative to Transport in this State overall and particularly relative to public transport have been pathetic and Labor's drovers dog could not have done worse, anything done recently has been done in the knowledge that at the next election she will be seeking employment in some other field, possibly as a director for one of the companies that buys OUR transport related assets.
Rose coloured glasses anyone?

[colinw]

Apart from the electrification beyond Rosewood one, in my opinion the others are indeed black marks against Ms Nolan or the Government in general.  Although I wonder how much is to do with her, and how much is toeing the party line or comes from treasury (= no money).  In my opinion, none of the transport ministers of the last couple of decades have done a stellar job - certainly nobody to come remotely close to the performance of Alannah McTiernan in WA - but Rachel Nolan does appear to be doing her best.  Note also that while McTiernan did a great job in Perth (e.g. Mandurah, she presided over a sever decline of the regional grain network in WA).

For me the truly disappointing transport minister was Paul Lucas. An ARHS member for pete's sake, and did sweet F.A. for rail or public transport in general.

Is the job Ms Nolan is doing good enough?  Not really, I'd give her a "conceded pass"at best. But I think we do need to give some credit for improved performance recently, as I have noticed a distinct swing towards public transport & rail compared to the early part of her tenure.

Rose coloured glasses?  Maybe.  BUT I think we should try to guide through constructive criticism.  If we just bag Ms Nolan & the Government out at all opportunities, the door will be slammed in our collective faces.

Regarding electrification beyond Rosewood - I don't see this as a priority at present, and something of a distraction from more pressing priorities (in particular getting Beerburrum to Landsborough duplicated).  I'm not opposed to it as such, however until such time as a new tunnel is built from Grandchester to Laidley there is little point.  Get that tunnel in and the sparks can run to Gatton, and I'm sure would do particularly well from Laidley & Gatton.

The biggest negative in the Government's current efforts is Beerburrum to Landsborough, and the delay of CAMCOS to "never never".  The Sunshine Coast has every right to feel shafted.

As for the lack of stations at Springfield Lakes & Ellen Grove, I have to say I just don't "get it".  It is incomprehensible to me that QLD Transport, the minister & QR could be that stupid.  And yet, they are.

Can you give some details about the attempt to cut back Ipswich - Rosewood?  Hadn't heard anything about that, other than the service suspension during the Sadlier's Crossing bridge works.

[somebody]

I would suggest that the Caboolture-Beerburrum thing is one of the transport ministers major failures.  Failing to re-time the services is appalling.

What I don't get is why mufreight is so negative about the restructure of the Ipswich bus services to take effect in Dec.  To Brassall, Sunday services for the first time, and a later weekday finish.  Also, removing hail 'n' ride.  Seems to be positive moves.

[#Metro]

Look, compared to what PT was like in Brisbane in 2004 or 2005 to now (5 or so years later) a AMAZING amount has changed in PT. If we were to go to the bad old days-- no that is unthinkable.

As in any endeavour, everything is built from what was there last and its not possible to "win" all the time. A lot has happened and a lot more is happening. The biggest, absolutely essential and crucial things in improving PT IMHO are:

1. Cross River Rail
2. Increased train frequency 15 minutes across the board, no-compromise timetable

are starting to move. We should be grateful.

[ozbob]

With respect to the bus changes out at Ipswich. There are some specific impacts on a number of senior citizens, a couple of letters in the Queensland Times today on that point.

There was always going to some grief when hail and ride was gotten rid off, and realistically it has too.  Some major positive gains but some direct impacts on some as well.

It will need adjustment from all, but for some of them it is a price impact as well.  They could previously use a go card in continuation of journey mode, but now will start fresh after a $2 cab ride.  They did survey the routes and the pax number was very small for the routes to be replaced by Flexilink cab services.

[ozbob]

On the broader stage, rail is starting to take off.  A number of projects have started, soon to start and planned.

It is essential that rail develop rapidly from this point.  The peak oil scenario is about to unfold.  We don't have much time left.

Personally, where we were in 2006 with rail compared to 2010 is chalk and cheese, and it is accelerating.

[#Metro]

interest rates and petrol and groceries and rates and utility bills--- would you like a toll on top of that too? 

[johnnigh]

My submission on the Draft Connecting SEQ 2031 document made a few simple points: 1. Little concern for the relationship between employment nodes and dormitories. Lots of plans for where people will live, from the SEQRP, but little planning for non-white collar job locations. Currently, blue collar workers tend to commute orbitally while white collars radially. The plan only deals with radial commuting. 2. Mismatch between spending and projected plans on the one hand and the rhetoric, which includes the so-called targets. It beggars belief that spending more on roads than on PT, let alone on active transport (AT), will result in the shrivelling of car mode share for urban journeys!

Targets are no more than rhetorical devices and have no operational meaning. They cannot be KPIs for either the Department of Transport and Main Roads or for Translink because there is no link between projects and targets. If each project had a mode share change target attached there might be some hope that the target could be achieved. Were we to analyse each project in terms of its effect on mode share I'm sure we would find that the current rhetorical targets are miles away from the results of the analysis. In other words, PT & AT targets depend on projected service improvements relative to service improvements in concomitant projects that provide substitute services.

For Professor Lowe, substantial scholar that he is, to argue for higher PT and AT targets, without spelling out the implications for the Draft itself, without spelling out how targets imply action, and that the action currently envisaged cannot go close to achieving even the targets rhetorically stated, would have been remiss. Perhaps he did spell out those implications. If so, what were they?

Minister Nolan might understand this, but only if her bureaucrats put it to her in the appropriate jargon.

For a general argument that pollies are isolated from the world in which we live, Ian McAuley's article in New Matilda is a must. http://newmatilda.com/2010/10/25/what-auditor-couldnt-see . While it is ostensibly about the insulation scheme's mal-administration, it is really about the way that bureaucrats control the agenda without seeing what ought to be obvious if they had specific expertise and got about in the field. Both these characteristics are selected against in the modern government bureaucracy (steer don't row, don't go native, etc).

[ozbob]

Prof Lowe just highlighted the car trip figure.  It was not the time or the place to dissect that.  I am sure the ACF will have their own comments going forward.

The targets do confirm how blinkered the transport establishment actually is.  They will be overtaken by a maelstrom shortly, already underway.

At a follow up briefing for Connecting SEQ 2031 last week I did raise the point about the reality of increasing oil price issues, these impacts and the acceptance that roads will simply continue by their tacit acknowledgement of defeatist mode share targets (and implied roads roads and roads). The bureaucrats are of the view that price rises up to $3 per litre petrol or thereabouts won't have much impact.  I disagree, but $3 is just an rainbow in the sky, price rises will be lot greater than that.  And then the vexed issue of loss of tax revenue on oil fuels comes up?   Interesting days ...  (distance based tolling??  stand by)

[somebody]

Personally, where we were in 2006 with rail compared to 2010 is chalk and cheese, and it is accelerating.

There's a lot of talk, but what has actually changed in service quality?

Seems like it might be a few additional peak services, more reliability for the Gold Coast line, a 9:35pm service to Ipswich and stuff I can't think of or never knew.  Is the last bit substantial?  Might be, because I wasn't following QR in 2006.

[ozbob]

There have been incremental service improvements mainly peak times. But the big gains have been the positioning of the network.  All the recent projects, we will start to see the value of this next year and there after.

In 2006 the fleet was being flogged, there was really nothing on the horizon, they were up to about 98% fleet utilisation in the morning peak.  The maintenance schedule was failing. Fleet utilisation is now down below 90% and train maintenance up to date as far as I aware.   

And how can we go past the GO card .. 

[mufreight]

With respect to the bus changes out at Ipswich. There are some specific impacts on a number of senior citizens, a couple of letters in the Queensland Times today on that point.

There was always going to some grief when hail and ride was gotten rid off, and realistically it has too.  Some major positive gains but some direct impacts on some as well.

It will need adjustment from all, but for some of them it is a price impact as well.  They could previously use a go card in continuation of journey mode, but now will start fresh after a $2 cab ride.  They did survey the routes and the pax number was very small for the routes to be replaced by Flexilink cab services.

A key reason for the low usage figures were inconvenient routing, a pathetic frequency and the levels of unreliability of service coupled with a late starting and early finish of services, all effective disincentives to patronage.

[somebody]

Well, inconvenient routings and unreliability of the new services remain an unknown.

As for the frequency, at least one route is getting a good frequency (515).  Others are getting later services and Sunday services.  Seems unlikely to be a retrograde step, but perhaps not going far enough.  However, while the Ipswich line still has a mediocre service, feeding into it isn't likely to be brilliant for patronage.

[mufreight]

Can you give some details abut the attempt to cut back Ipswich - Rosewood?  Hadn't heard anything about that, other than the service suspension during the Sadlier's Crossing bridge works.

Well informed sources within Queensland Transport leaked that it was intended to discontinue all off peak services beyond Ipswich and timetabling for the replacement for all passenger rail services beyond Ipswich had been prepared and if there was little dissent with this implemented during the works on the Saddliers Crossing bridge works it would be fully implemented.
Need more be said.

[mufreight]

I would suggest that the Caboolture-Beerburrum thing is one of the transport ministers major failures.  Failing to re-time the services is appalling.

What I don't get is why mufreight is so negative about the restructure of the Ipswich bus services to take effect in Dec.  To Brassall, Sunday services for the first time, and a later weekday finish.  Also, removing hail 'n' ride.  Seems to be positive moves.

Obviously you do not reside in the area nor regularly have to rely upon them for transport, perhaps you should research your subject a little more with particular relevance to the manner in which these changed will further degrade the levels of service below what presently exists.
One of the direct effects is a reduction of service frequency on one section of an existing route from a 30 minute sometimes to at best an hourly frequency.
The replacement zonal flexilink system of replacement taxi based service fails to cover a large area affected by the withdrawal of services and the system for the utilisation of flexilink leaves much to be desired bearing in mind the unreliability of the proposed service provider for normal taxi services within the area.
The inability to use the go card for commutes beyond Ipswich as a continuation of journey has considerable impact in terms of more than doubling fares for pensioners in the area.
It will assist in ensuring that the local member Mr Went looses a considerable number of votes that he can ill afford to lose at the next election.
The perception of deceit and duplicity by the Government and Translink on this and the failure to engage in any consultation with commuters as had been promised has not been received well.
Need more be said.    

[somebody]

I don't live in the area, I'll agree with that.  But are you likely to get any positive change if you suggest that you don't want them to mess with the service?

I would agree with your point about the lack of consultation.

As for the withdrawl of services, to what degree is this happening?

Not sure what your other points are, other than the need to pay a separate fare, which will also not receive the 50% seniors discount.

[mufreight]

We have had promises, hot air more promises and total inaction since 2007 now they have messed with the services in a manner that has effectively degraded what was a pathetic excuse for a service without any consultation with those who have tolerated their incompetent service provision for that time and you wonder why the people of this area are less than unhappy, unhappiness that will be very evident when expressed at the next election.
From your defence of the indefeasible incompetence and duplicity exhibited by the Minister, Queensland Transport and Translink in relation to these changes, many might wonder which Ministers staff or section of Queensland Transport or Translink provides your employment.

[mufreight]

Well, inconvenient routings and unreliability of the new services remain an unknown.

As for the frequency, at least one route is getting a good frequency (515).  Others are getting later services and Sunday services.  Seems unlikely to be a retrograde step, but perhaps not going far enough.  However, while the Ipswich line still has a mediocre service, feeding into it isn't likely to be brilliant for patronage.

Ipswich being a city in its own right deserves an internal local public transport system, the majority of journeys  made by local commuters are not tied to connecting rail services although improved rail frequency would create additional demand for bus services increasing the loadings and creating a demand for further services extending beyond the hours of operation presently in place on many routes.

[somebody]

I did look up where Mr Went's electorate is.  Seems that it is on the north side of the river.  I did notice that there isn't much in these changes for that side of the river.

I don't know what you mean about not doing research though.

[colinw]

Can you give some details abut the attempt to cut back Ipswich - Rosewood?  Hadn't heard anything about that, other than the service suspension during the Sadlier's Crossing bridge works.

Well informed sources within Queensland Transport leaked that it was intended to discontinue all off peak services beyond Ipswich and timetabling for the replacement for all passenger rail services beyond Ipswich had been prepared and if there was little dissent with this implemented during the works on the Saddliers Crossing bridge works it would be fully implemented.
Need more be said.

  That would have been a scandal of the first grade if it had been allowed to occur.  Ipswich to Rosewood is a major growth corridor - compare the housing out there to 20 years ago, particularly around Walloon.  We should be planning for an enhanced Rosewood service (and beyond, tunnel works permitting), and 6 car platforms on the stations out there as well.  Developments already announced in the Leichhardt & Wulkuraka areas alone should dictate better services on Ipswich to Rosewood.

There always has been antagonism toward offpeak services in certain parts of QT.  The viewpoint that public transport is for the peak commute only is still quite prevalent unfortunately, and implicitly appears even in the Connecting SEQ 2031 documents.

[#Metro]

There always has been antagonism toward offpeak services in certain parts of QT.  The viewpoint that public transport is for the peak commute only is still quite prevalent unfortunately, and implicitly appears even in the Connecting SEQ 2031 documents.

Massive groan.    This is why the system shows extreme peakiness in demand, which overloads the system during peak hour.
Unfortunately for me, I often do overtime, so that has me use shoulder peak and evening services (ahem, NON-services!!!).

And the whole white collar worker/blue collar worker thing you were talking about colinw- it is so true.
Seriously, great circle line needs an overhaul. More trains. We have been saying it for years.
MORE TRAINS 15 MINS OFF PEAK STANDARD JUST LIKE PERTH

[somebody]

I would suggest that abolishing the Rosewood shuttle is the major issue for the Rosewood line.  Platform lengths aren't a big deal.

There always has been antagonism toward offpeak services in certain parts of QT.

Yes, it seems that way.  And I still think they are pricing the services without separating the fixed/variable costs.  This means that off peak services subsidise the peak services, because it is the peak services which require the track amplifications and extra rolling stock.

[colinw]

One more point, if QT & the minister are actually in favour of providing an intense peak hour service and then cutting back to little or no service in the offpeak, then they are in favour of having a big fleet of trains or buses that sits around in a yard doing nothing for most of the day.  A pattern that is quite prevalent in many American transit systems.

Perhaps the worst example of this is the new Capital MetroRail diesel LRT in Austin, Texas.  They just spent a fortune on a new rail system that doesn't provide offpeak service at all, and when offpeak service is introduced next year it is only going to be hourly!!!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capital_MetroRail

This is the kind of thinking we do not want here in SEQ.

[ozbob]

There are signs that there is a growing appreciation of the need to maximise public transport use in and out of peaks.  I am a little more heartened on this following a couple of meetings of late.   Even the spin is now promoting out of peak and weekend travel.  It is essential that off peak frequencies be progressively increased to 15 minutes generally.

Increase in the go card off-peak discount from 10 to 15 per cent providing more incentive to travel during the day and on weekends or public holidays ...

http://www.translink.com.au/tickets-and-fares/fares/changes-to-fares-and-ticketing-in-2011

[somebody]

One more point, if QT & the minister are actually in favour of providing an intense peak hour service and then cutting back to little or no service in the offpeak, then they are in favour of having a big fleet of trains or buses that sits around in a yard doing nothing for most of the day.  A pattern that is quite prevalent in many American transit systems.

It is also largely what occurs in Sydney.