22 Apr 2011: SEQ: Partial duplications for the Sunshine Coast Line needed now

[ozbob]

Media release 22 April 2011

SEQ: Partial duplications for the Sunshine Coast Line needed now

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 calls for duplications on the Sunshine Coast line.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Staged duplications will allow for increased trains. It is proposed that the section from Beerburrum to Glass House Mountains be duplicated and straightened along the previously studied alignment.  In addition, the section from Mooloolah to Palmwoods should also be duplicated and straightened.  Doing so would allow a half hourly interurban service to Landsborough with an hourly service to Nambour or beyond.  Such a service would not require precision crosses as are currently required and would also end the reliance on Rail Bus services south of Landsborough.  Also, this would improve the speed of what is likely to be the slowest portion of the Tilt Train's trip between Mooloolah and Palmwoods."

"These duplications would also improve the economics of freight train services and compete better with road transport on the Bruce Highway.  It should also be noted Toll shifted Brisbane to Rockhampton freight to rail in 2008 (1).  Such moves should be encouraged in order to reduce emissions, oil dependency, damage to roads and lower road trauma costs."

"Extending the duplication to Beerwah would be of further assistance, in that it would allow a half hourly frequency all the way to Nambour.  This would also achieve the duplication to the point which the CAMCOS line is proposed to branch from the current track.  The Inner City Rail Capacity Study lists Beeburrum-Landsborough duplication as required 2008-2015 (2).  Time is running out for this to be accomplished in that time."

"On 21 March 2009, the ALP member for Glass House was voted out for an LNP member.  In April 2009, the duplication of the Sunshine Coast line was inexplicably truncated at Beerburrum rather than proceeding to Glass House Mountains which would have allowed a faster and more frequent passenger service to Landsborough at least. Duplicating the longest remaining section south of Nambour, between Beerburrum and Glass House Mountains, increases freight capacity and reduces crossing constraints caused by single track freight railways."

"This infrastructure upgrade is essential, well justified and achievable when compared to some other projects 'core and non-core' presently on the construction table."

References:

1. http://www.infrastructureaustralia.gov.au/public_submissions/published/files/82_smasuniversityofwollongong_SUB.pdf page 2

2. http://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/~/media/e26b187c-d8a1-4bbb-9349-ed034dd7cf9d/pdf_icrcs_stage_3_technical_pre_feasibility_chapter_2.pdf page 20

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

[ozbob]

Sunshine Coast forum --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?board=38.0

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

6 May 2011

SEQ: Partial duplications for the Sunshine Coast Line needed now

Greetings,

The Sunshine Coast line needs fixing.  It is essential that capacity be gained between Beerburrum and Nambour.  Here is a plan to do that now.

Best wishes

Robert

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

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

Media release 22 April 2011 re-released 6 May 2011

SEQ: Partial duplications for the Sunshine Coast Line needed now

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 calls for duplications on the Sunshine Coast line.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Staged duplications will allow for increased trains. It is proposed that the section from Beerburrum to Glass House Mountains be duplicated and straightened along the previously studied alignment.  In addition, the section from Mooloolah to Palmwoods should also be duplicated and straightened.  Doing so would allow a half hourly interurban service to Landsborough with an hourly service to Nambour or beyond.  Such a service would not require precision crosses as are currently required and would also end the reliance on Rail Bus services south of Landsborough.  Also, this would improve the speed of what is likely to be the slowest portion of the Tilt Train's trip between Mooloolah and Palmwoods."

"These duplications would also improve the economics of freight train services and compete better with road transport on the Bruce Highway.  It should also be noted Toll shifted Brisbane to Rockhampton freight to rail in 2008 (1).  Such moves should be encouraged in order to reduce emissions, oil dependency, damage to roads and lower road trauma costs."

"Extending the duplication to Beerwah would be of further assistance, in that it would allow a half hourly frequency all the way to Nambour.  This would also achieve the duplication to the point which the CAMCOS line is proposed to branch from the current track.  The Inner City Rail Capacity Study lists Beeburrum-Landsborough duplication as required 2008-2015 (2).  Time is running out for this to be accomplished in that time."

"On 21 March 2009, the ALP member for Glass House was voted out for an LNP member.  In April 2009, the duplication of the Sunshine Coast line was inexplicably truncated at Beerburrum rather than proceeding to Glass House Mountains which would have allowed a faster and more frequent passenger service to Landsborough at least. Duplicating the longest remaining section south of Nambour, between Beerburrum and Glass House Mountains, increases freight capacity and reduces crossing constraints caused by single track freight railways."

"This infrastructure upgrade is essential, well justified and achievable when compared to some other projects 'core and non-core' presently on the construction table."

References:

1. http://www.infrastructureaustralia.gov.au/public_submissions/published/files/82_smasuniversityofwollongong_SUB.pdf page 2

2. http://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/~/media/e26b187c-d8a1-4bbb-9349-ed034dd7cf9d/pdf_icrcs_stage_3_technical_pre_feasibility_chapter_2.pdf page 20

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

[Jonno]

Research showing that freeways are not safer than surburban roads.

http://www.ltrc.lsu.edu/TRB_82/TRB2003-000499.pdf

[ozbob]

From the Sunshine Coast Daily click here!

Rail commuter's diary of bad timing

Rail commuter's diary of bad timing

Rae Wilson | 23rd May 2011

A BUDERIM legal secretary will be forced to catch an even earlier train to commute to Brisbane after two weeks of "unacceptable" delays.

Ina Bailey began keeping a diary of her daily commute a fortnight ago after numerous delays and track disruptions made her late to work.

Mrs Bailey said she had been told multiple times that signal failures and congestion were the cause and a door closing problem occurred once.

She said congestion seemed to cause many delays when "so-called express" trains had to stop to wait for other trains to pass.

"We retired and moved to the Sunshine Coast from Brisbane but with the economy and prices going up, I decided to go back to work since January," she said.

"I drive to Sippy Downs and catch a bus to Landsborough to get the 6.54am train which should arrive at Central at 8.16am.

"I work near Eagle St on the river so it takes me 10 minutes to walk and I get to work with five minutes to spare.

"Previously you might get the odd late train but in recent times it has been consistently late and it is so frustrating.

"Since I kept a diary it has been late every day, bar one, and I just think it is ludicrous.

"My husband and I have both rung to find out the problem and we get told different stories.

"I used to laugh and say there's nothing dull about train travelling but it's gotten beyond a joke.

"I just can't imagine how much worse it might be when the new timetable comes in on June 6."

Mrs Bailey said during the week she spoke to a man who had moved to the Sunshine Coast with his family for the lifestyle.

"He also said he had travelled all over the world and that the Queensland trains were the worst he had encountered."

Mrs Bailey said the State Government should "pull its finger out" because people were leaving the Coast in frustration.

"I just feel like we're ignored here on the Coast," she said.

[somebody]

Why are they assuming it will be worse when the new timetable comes in?

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

26th May 2011

Sunshine Coast Line

Greetings,

An article appeared in the Sunshine Coast Daily over the weekend.  It highlighted the inaction and the need to get on with the track upgrades north of Beerburrum.

Coast rail upgrade slips into black hole of the backburner

Published: Sunshine Coast Daily
Saturday 21st May, 2011
by Kathy Sundstrom

See --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=6032.0

The neglect of the Sunshine Coast Line is fast becoming not only a State level disgrace but a National one as well, that this critical piece of transport infrastructure is being left to the languish.  It is time to reverse this and funding for the track amplification between Beerburrum and Landsborough should be provided in this years state budget.

Best wishes
Robert

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

18th June 2011

SEQ: Partial duplications for the Sunshine Coast Line needed now

Greetings,

RAIL Back On Track has long highlighted the need to move forward rapidly with track amplifications/passing loop upgrades on the Sunshine Coast line.  The situation is becoming critical.  The government has chosen to allow the Sunshine Coast to remain the busiest single railway line in Australia with restricted operations. The impacts are now serious, more freight is being put on the Bruce Highway when it  should be safely tucked away on rail, and passenger services are unable to cope.

The upgrade of the Sunshine Coast line is urgent.

The following information is from a briefing note obtained through an RTI application:
http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=5377.msg59949#msg59949

Briefing Note from:
Dept. of Transport and Main Roads,
Estimates 2009
TOPIC: Caboolture to Beerburrum Track Duplication Project
Prepared for: Minister for Transport

Excerpts only.

The results are reduced travel time and increased capacity for
additional passenger and freight services. The benefits of
increased capacity will not be fully realised until the next stage
(Beerburrum to Landsborough) duplication is undertaken.

Increased capacity will cater for future freight and passenger
demand as the population boom continues on the North Coast.

The Sunshine Coast is expected to grow by 60% over the next 20
years.

Can someone please explain?  The duplication from Beerburrum to Landsborough was due to be finished this year but was abandoned.  Urgent actions are now needed.

Best wishes
Robert

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

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

Media release 22 April 2011 re-released 18 June 2011

SEQ: Partial duplications for the Sunshine Coast Line needed now

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 calls for duplications on the Sunshine Coast line.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Staged duplications will allow for increased trains. It is proposed that the section from Beerburrum to Glass House Mountains be duplicated and straightened along the previously studied alignment.  In addition, the section from Mooloolah to Palmwoods should also be duplicated and straightened.  Doing so would allow a half hourly interurban service to Landsborough with an hourly service to Nambour or beyond.  Such a service would not require precision crosses as are currently required and would also end the reliance on Rail Bus services south of Landsborough.  Also, this would improve the speed of what is likely to be the slowest portion of the Tilt Train's trip between Mooloolah and Palmwoods."

"These duplications would also improve the economics of freight train services and compete better with road transport on the Bruce Highway.  It should also be noted Toll shifted Brisbane to Rockhampton freight to rail in 2008 (1).  Such moves should be encouraged in order to reduce emissions, oil dependency, damage to roads and lower road trauma costs."

"Extending the duplication to Beerwah would be of further assistance, in that it would allow a half hourly frequency all the way to Nambour.  This would also achieve the duplication to the point which the CAMCOS line is proposed to branch from the current track.  The Inner City Rail Capacity Study lists Beeburrum-Landsborough duplication as required 2008-2015 (2).  Time is running out for this to be accomplished in that time."

"On 21 March 2009, the ALP member for Glass House was voted out for an LNP member.  In April 2009, the duplication of the Sunshine Coast line was inexplicably truncated at Beerburrum rather than proceeding to Glass House Mountains which would have allowed a faster and more frequent passenger service to Landsborough at least. Duplicating the longest remaining section south of Nambour, between Beerburrum and Glass House Mountains, increases freight capacity and reduces crossing constraints caused by single track freight railways."

"This infrastructure upgrade is essential, well justified and achievable when compared to some other projects 'core and non-core' presently on the construction table."

References:

1. http://www.infrastructureaustralia.gov.au/public_submissions/published/files/82_smasuniversityofwollongong_SUB.pdf page 2

2. http://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/~/media/e26b187c-d8a1-4bbb-9349-ed034dd7cf9d/pdf_icrcs_stage_3_technical_pre_feasibility_chapter_2.pdf page 20

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

[ozbob]

Queensland Parliament Hansard  Appropriation and revenue amendment

http://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/view/legislativeAssembly/Hansard/documents/2011.pdf/2011_06_16_DAILY.pdf

Extract

... In the time remaining I would like to touch on what is not in the budget—projects that are priorities
for Glass House, projects I will continue to pursue. The most glaring omission in both the budget papers
and QTRIP is any commitment to the north coast rail corridor duplication. Commuters on the coast know
all too well that funding for the project was pulled three months after I won the seat of Glass House off
Labor. They also know that the government has gone to great lengths to ignore them in the time since.
Not only has there been no further commitments to reinstate the project; the government, the minister,
refused to meet coast commuters regarding the recent timetable changes, and the government
continues to treat them with contempt with respect to periodical ticketing. Fortunately, commuters know
that I will not rest until we get action on the corridor, on the timetable and on the fares.
I will use other opportunities to detail my concerns regarding north coast rail, but I would like to
take this opportunity to thank a few people: firstly, the shadow minister for transport for his willingness to
catch the train from the coast, meet with commuters and represent their concerns; to Rail Back on Track
for their ongoing advocacy; but most importantly to those commuters who have worked with me to
pester the government on these matters—none more so than Jeff Addison. I can only say that I am
disappointed that Jeff was unsuccessful in his bid to be the Sunshine Coast representative on the Public
Transport Advisory Group. But I know this: the Sunshine Coast representative, Natasha Hart of
Nambour Safe, will have no better ally than Jeff ...

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

6th October 2011

Sunshine Coast Line - Infrastructure concerns

Greetings,

Early this week I travelled to Cooroy on the day Queensland Rail Gympie North service ( http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=6819.0 ).

There are now speed restrictions between Beerburrum and Glass House Mountains which are further impacting on train services (passenger and freight) on what is one of busiest single line railways in Australia.
I noted that trains, passenger and freight, were squeezed into every passing loop and siding it seems between Brisbane and Cooroy.  The line is a major constraint for improving freight and passenger services north of Brisbane.

There is no other  major rail corridor, within a few hundred kilometres of a major population centre, with such a demanding role with respect to passenger and freight demands and with a major national security and strategic importance, that is in such a sad state in terms of poor capacity and speed, anywhere else in Australia   The state of the rail corridor north of Beerburrum through to Gympie North is a major concern.  Time to fix it.

Best wishes
Robert

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

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

Media release 22 April 2011 re-released 6 October 2011

SEQ: Partial duplications for the Sunshine Coast Line needed now

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 calls for duplications on the Sunshine Coast line.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Staged duplications will allow for increased trains. It is proposed that the section from Beerburrum to Glass House Mountains be duplicated and straightened along the previously studied alignment.  In addition, the section from Mooloolah to Palmwoods should also be duplicated and straightened.  Doing so would allow a half hourly interurban service to Landsborough with an hourly service to Nambour or beyond.  Such a service would not require precision crosses as are currently required and would also end the reliance on Rail Bus services south of Landsborough.  Also, this would improve the speed of what is likely to be the slowest portion of the Tilt Train's trip between Mooloolah and Palmwoods."

"These duplications would also improve the economics of freight train services and compete better with road transport on the Bruce Highway.  It should also be noted Toll shifted Brisbane to Rockhampton freight to rail in 2008 (1).  Such moves should be encouraged in order to reduce emissions, oil dependency, damage to roads and lower road trauma costs."

"Extending the duplication to Beerwah would be of further assistance, in that it would allow a half hourly frequency all the way to Nambour.  This would also achieve the duplication to the point which the CAMCOS line is proposed to branch from the current track.  The Inner City Rail Capacity Study lists Beeburrum-Landsborough duplication as required 2008-2015 (2).  Time is running out for this to be accomplished in that time."

"On 21 March 2009, the ALP member for Glass House was voted out for an LNP member.  In April 2009, the duplication of the Sunshine Coast line was inexplicably truncated at Beerburrum rather than proceeding to Glass House Mountains which would have allowed a faster and more frequent passenger service to Landsborough at least. Duplicating the longest remaining section south of Nambour, between Beerburrum and Glass House Mountains, increases freight capacity and reduces crossing constraints caused by single track freight railways."

"This infrastructure upgrade is essential, well justified and achievable when compared to some other projects 'core and non-core' presently on the construction table."

References:

1. http://www.infrastructureaustralia.gov.au/public_submissions/published/files/82_smasuniversityofwollongong_SUB.pdf page 2

2. http://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/~/media/e26b187c-d8a1-4bbb-9349-ed034dd7cf9d/pdf_icrcs_stage_3_technical_pre_feasibility_chapter_2.pdf page 20

Contact:

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

[Stillwater]

The Sunshine Coast Line duplication is likely to be a hot political issue in the forthcoming state election, but it's all likely to be hot air only.  The ALP has said it wants to win back three of the Coast seats - Glass House, Kawana and Noosa.  So what has it done?  It has endorsed three candidates hardly known to these electorates.

One of them is 48-year-old Bruce Garner, who joined the Labor Party a few weeks ago and will take on the Member for Kawana, Jarrod Bleijie.  Mr Garner used to live on the Coast, but has lived in Brisbane in recent years, where he cared for his elderly parents. 

In Noosa, 21-year-old university student, Kurt Hopkins, will stand against Glenn Elmes.  He says his connection with the area is that he has holidayed at Noosa regularly.  His experience has been taking his bucket and spade on holidays with the folks.  Another university student, 19-year-old Ryan Moore, a university student of Maleny, will take on the LNP's Andrew Powell in Glass House.

Clearly, the ALP is going through the motions in pitting this trio against established LNP members.  As a result, the LNP will feel no pressure to upgrade the SCL.  Whatever spare cash it has for election promises will go to more marginal seats.  The election process will bring about little prospect of people's needs being addressed on the Sunshine Coast.

[Stillwater]

Big muscles on the Coasts

How will Campbell Newman handle the muscling-up of LNP representation on the Gold and Sunshine Coasts?  It is the clash of the seven-pack versus the 10-pack, backed by (probably) a two-council Sunshine Coast and one Gold Coast City Council.  The LNP sweep to power across Queensland has delivered that party all 10 seats on the Gold Coast, the future venue for the Commonwealth Games.  Seven seats on the Sunshine Coast (Glass House, Caloundra, Maroochydore, Kawana, Buderim, Noosa and Gympie) were retained, with no new gains.  John Connolly, the LNP candidate in Nicklin (the seat based around Nambour), failed to get up against the sitting indepedent, Peter Wellington.

The LNP has promised that it will continue to fund major infrastructure supporting the Commonwealth Games, including additional transport infrastructure.  It has made no such promise for the Sunshine Coast line duplication to Nambour.  And why should the party reward the people of Nambour and surrounds for not voting LNP?

Furthermore, the LNP has promised to allow the people of Noosa a referendum to break away from the large Sunshine Coast Regional Council.  There is strong local support in the old Noosa Shire for such an eventuality.  The equivalent on the Gold Coast would be if the area south of Burleigh to the NSW border became a separate council area.  In a little over six months, the Gold Coast will have a strong single council whose city image is about to be thrust onto the world stage, backed by a state government that will pour millions more into its infrastructure.

In contrast, the Sunshine Coast faces the prospect of two councils that might not have the same local vision, or emphasis, or capacity, for public transport infrastructure.  While the ALP has made unfulfilled promises about things such as duplication to Nambour, the CoastConnect bus corridor and the CAMCOS rail corridor to Caloundra and Maroochydore, it has failed to keep those promises.  The LNP has countered by not even making any commitments to dollars and timing for new transport infrastructure, while organising rallies and petitions to expose the ALP's deception.

And then we have the seven Sunshine Coast MPs versus the ten on the Gold Coast -- bigger numbers mean greater strength in the fight for regional infrastructure.  And the LNP would be keener to reward the voters in the new seats it has won on the Gold Coast than they would the consistent voters they always have had on the Sunshine Coast.  Looking at the councils, the Gold Coast City Council has about 500,000 residents.  The Sunshine Coast Regional Council without Noosa would have about 280,000 residents.

The battle of the Coasts is shaping up as a middleweight versus lightweight fight.  Result?  The Sunshine Coast is likely to lose again, even under an LNP administration.

[ozbob]

Yes, despite the rhetoric ' we will govern for all Queenslanders '   it comes  down to politics in the end.  

Improving the Sunshine Coast line has flow on effects for even the Bruce Highway.  

It will be a long battle.