Queensland State Budget 2012

[#Metro]

The Gap Park 'n' Ride - $6.5 million
Capalaba Park 'n' Ride - $5.8 million

$12.3 million on park and ride!

[somebody]

Not sure what you mean by that, but I was thinking Newman, are you looking at the same dam levels I do? He should have thanked the GC mayor for offering to stop taking water from Brisbane when their dam got filled quickly in a series of storms.

That's what I was saying.  Wivenhoe hadn't filled since 1999.

[colinw]

http://statements.cabinet.qld.gov.au/MMS/StatementDisplaySingle.aspx?id=80527

Minister for Transport and Main Roads
The Honourable Scott Emerson

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Frequent and affordable public transport

Public transport in South East Queensland will receive a record $1.6 billion investment in the 2012-13 Budget to encourage passengers back on to buses, trains and ferries.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson said savings found across the portfolio had been redirected towards delivering more frequent, reliable and affordable services.

"The Newman Government is serious about lowering the cost of living for families and that will attract people back on to public transport after patronage reached a four-year low of 178.3 million trips last year under Labor," Mr Emerson said.

"This budget includes $39 million over four years to deliver the free travel after nine weekly journeys, to reduce the cost of living burden on regular public transport users.

"We've already seen a remarkable uptake with 80,000 public transport users taking 200,000 free journeys each week.

"The budget will also allocate $158.2 million over four years to halve Labor's fare hikes in 2013 and 2014.

"An additional $18 million has been allocated for a two year trials to improve train frequency with 15 minute daytime services on the Ferny Grove line.

"This is on top of the $10 million invested to provide 2,000 additional weekly services across Northern Brisbane in June."

The Newman Government will continue to deliver a number of public transport reforms across the state, including aligning regional taxi, train, coach, school and air services under the TransLink banner.

Additional reforms in 2012-13 aimed at keeping transport affordable include:

• Reviewing bus services to end duplication, simplify the network, improve under-utilised bus services and deliver more services where they are needed.
• Retain the Travel Train concessions currently available to pensioner and seniors. The number of free trips per services will be capped and the booking fee will increase from $12.50 to $25.
• Discounted taxi trips taken under the taxi subsidy scheme will be capped at $400 per person per year to ensure it continues to provide an accessible form of transport for those most in need. The cap will cover the travel needs of more than 80 per cent of users.
• Review of the School Transport Assistance Scheme for bus services to ensure eligible students are using these services and review new schools in the existing 3.2km (primary school) and 4.8km (secondary school) boundaries.

"In regional Queensland $22.7 million will be provided to continue upgrades to school bus fleets, while $15.4 million will be used to upgrade sections of the Mt Isa train line," Mr Emerson said.

"The budget will also allow for a significant upgrade to Queensland Rail's rollingstock including $357.4 million for new rollingstock and upgrading existing rollingstock.

[ENDS] 11 September 2012

[SurfRail]

On the $80 water rebate. This is one that comes in part back to Newman's day as Mayor. None of the local councils in SEQ invested in improving water supply. Probably because the users didn't have access to the areas where yo could build a dam. But the classic was when the GC was buying water from Brisbane and then it rained in teh south and their dam was overflowing. GCC indicated it would stop buying water, Newman threw it back and said we have a contract, take or pay $20k/day. Meanwhile his dams were at 20-25% and dropping. What he should have been doing was building a pump to take water back to Brisbane. Something the state govt had to act on and part of that now black hole.

regards
Shane

GCCC was doing plenty to fix things.  We could have been spared the entire mess if the Gold Coast was not made part of the entire water supply system for SEQ - they had proactive plans for water saving, they designed the Hinze Dam expansions, the desal plant was a GCCC initiative (which blew up in part because of the State's involvement) and Hinze was never at risk of running out of water even before the expansion.

It was every other council in the region that mucked things up, especially Brisbane.

[beauyboy]

"An additional $18 million has been allocated for a two year trials to improve train frequency with 15 minute daytime services on the Ferny Grove line.

Still no start date

Donald

[somebody]

GCCC was doing plenty to fix things.  We could have been spared the entire mess if the Gold Coast was not made part of the entire water supply system for SEQ - they had proactive plans for water saving, they designed the Hinze Dam expansions, the desal plant was a GCCC initiative (which blew up in part because of the State's involvement) and Hinze was never at risk of running out of water even before the expansion.

It was every other council in the region that mucked things up, especially Brisbane.

The way I remember it the Hinze Dam was in pretty dire danger of drying up.  It only had about 2 years storage for the Gold Coast.  Or something like that.  It just filled while Wivenhoe was still below 20%.

[#Metro]

"We've already seen a remarkable uptake with 80,000 public transport users taking 200,000 free journeys each week.

"The budget will also allocate $158.2 million over four years to halve Labor's fare hikes in 2013 and 2014.

"An additional $18 million has been allocated for a two year trials to improve train frequency with 15 minute daytime services on the Ferny Grove line.

"This is on top of the $10 million invested to provide 2,000 additional weekly services across Northern Brisbane in June."

$158 MILLION is a bloody MASSIVE increase in government subsidy, $39 million on top of that for the freebies
AAARGH! That's like almost $200 million being spent for ZERO increase in frequency and service

[HappyTrainGuy]

"This is on top of the $10 million invested to provide 2,000 additional weekly services across Northern Brisbane in June."

Unfortunately that was smoke and mirrors rather than providing better services sadly I still think it would have been better to take a look at the new housing developments/consult with dmr/areas that are changing eg Nundah and Toombul, redesign the network first, assign corridors (eg Sandgate Road corridor. Buz the 310. Cut services at Toombul Interchange. Cut services at Sandgate station. Cut/modify/reroute/to provide additional services such as the 306, 315, 322, 326, 335, 690) and extend services to or at interchanges and railway stations rather than just making up new routes, adding buz services to corridors where overcrowding was due to the PT design to start with, extending and upgrading routes as they saw fit to make the busway opening look worthwild and then taking on the task of redesigning the network 3 months later.

[ozbob]

 :bi

[Fares_Fair]

Nothing for rail to the Sunshine Coast is in the budget ...

Notes:
the MBRL is, as expected given the public commitments to its completion and as a joint local, state and federal government project.
the 9 journeys then free to continue for another 4 years, at a cost of $39 million.

Note too: this sounds promising
"The budget will also allow for a significant upgrade to Queensland Rail's rollingstock including $357.4 million for new rollingstock and upgrading existing rollingstock."

Does this mean we will get NGR earlier than the 2014 current date?
Possibly not given the 4 year term of the budget.

Found this from ozbob's earlier post from the budget papers ...

Queensland Rail Limited

Queensland Rail Limited is allocating $826.5 million for capital outlays in 2012-13.

Program Highlights (Property, Plant and Equipment)

$357.4 million is provided to deliver new and upgraded existing rollingstock across
Queensland, including:
•$121.5 million for the New Generation Rollingstock
•$92.4 million for the Sunlander Rollingstock replacement
•$47.1 million for Citytrain Rollingstock
•$24.5 million for additional Citytrain Rollingstock
•$14.4 million for Disability Discrimination Act compliance rail infrastructure
projects.

A further $355.7 million is provided for capital infrastructure upgrade programs,
including:
•$183.9 million to continue construction of a 9.5 kilometre new dual rail track on
the Springfield Line, from Richlands to Springfield, at a total estimated cost of
$384.9 million
•$55 million for upgraded platforms, track infrastructure improvements and other
works, as part of the Rail Capacity Upgrade project, at a total estimated cost of
$90 million
•$14 million to undertake works on the Mount Isa line, including priority works
such as replacing sleepers and constructing a new passing loop, at a total
estimated cost of $28 million
•$11.2 million to complete construction of the 2.6 kilometre track duplication
from Keperra to Ferny Grove, including an upgrade of Ferny Grove Station, at a
total estimated cost of $85 million
•$7.3 million towards construction of a third track from Lawton to Petrie, at a total
estimated cost of $168.6 million.

[WTN]

I'm disgusted $1billion can be allocated to the Bruce Highway and spent if the Feds match it, but nothing towards the NCL.

On the upside, funding is allocated to the FG frequency upgrade and Kippa Ring line, in addition to the above.

[colinw]

It would appear that in Queensland there are three ways to get better than half hourly train frequency to your station:

Method #1.  The "build a branch line for political reasons" method. With this method you achieve better than half hourly frequency by having a nice expensive branch line built from a junction somewhere beyond your station. The branch will only receive a crappy half hourly service, and will probably be hampered by a botched junction layout, but at least you'll get quarter hourly trains. Risk: you get shafted by the new branch running express past your station.

Method #2.  The "pork barrel express" method. Elect the incoming premier in your electorate, after a bitter media-intensive battle. Your line will be promised and delivered 4TPH while the rest of the system remains in limbo. Risk: when the other mob wins back power, kiss your 4TPH service goodbye, after a "fair & balanced" network review of course.

Method #3.  The "sod this I'm outta here" method. Move to Perth, or just about anywhere else in the developed world except Adelaide. Risk: you won't like it there.

Note: for Sunshine Coast residents substitute the words "any train frequency" for "better than half hourly train frequency". Other principles remain valid.

[ozbob]

http://scottemerson.com.au/media-releases/qld-rail-begins-consultation-on-reform.html

Qld Rail begins consultation on reform

Tuesday, 11 September 2012 22:23
Consultation has begun today on a proposal to reduce Queensland Rail's corporate and support areas by around 500 personnel.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson said the proposal was designed to put the focus on delivering better rail services for passengers by reducing the massive corporate overheads which had grown under Labor.

"Under Labor and Annastacia Palaszczuk, staffing in the corporate, communication, marketing and finance areas of Queensland Rail grew between 60 and 120 per cent," Mr Emerson said.

"Labor's answer for their financial mismanagement and projected $100 billion debt was to increase the cost of living for families by hiking up fares by 15 per cent every year.

"The Newman Government has made it clear to Queensland Rail that we want to improve the reliability, frequency and affordability of public transport and this proposal is vital to those efforts."

The proposal includes slashing the organisation's executive and general manager positions from 77 to 32, with a reduction of around 500 personnel to be achieved through voluntary redundancy payments and winding back contractors.

Queensland Rail will start consultation with the employees and unions on the proposal immediately.

"I want to work with unions to hear their ideas of where we can identify savings in Queensland Rail to make it more reliable, frequent, and affordable," Mr Emerson said.

"Public transport patronage across South-East Queensland decreased to 178.3 million under Labor – its lowest level in four years.

"Time's up for massive delays on our rail network, time's up for fares rising by 15 per cent each year, and time's up for Labor's lame excuses.

"It's time for action to improve public transport and only the Newman Government has a plan that will deliver for Queenslanders."

Mr Emerson said the budget delivers the LNP's key election commitments to be a passenger-focussed government improving frequency, reliability, and affordability.

"There is $9 million for additional train services. We will tackle declining affordability with $9 million for free travel after nine journeys and $8.6 million to halve Labor's fare hikes in 2013 and 2014.

"$36 million has been allocated for pensioner and senior concessions on long-distance train travel.

"And Queensland Rail will also deliver all 26 recommendations of an independent reliability audit which identified a 'piecemeal' approach to maintenance.

"The Government is making the tough decisions to deliver better services and lower the cost of living for Queensland families," Mr Emerson said.

[WTN]

Under budget paper 4, sections 2 and 3, there's savings (read: reductions) to passenger rail services, rail infrastructure, etc under the guise of improving efficiency of QR.

$35 million is to be stripped from CRR land acquisitions. But then again, the project isn't going ahead yet.

[ozbob]

From the Couriermail click here!

Fewer train, ferry trips drives funding to road users

Fewer train, ferry trips drives funding to road users

    by: Robyn Ironside, Sarah Vogler
    From: The Courier-Mail
    September 12, 2012 12:00AM

REDUCED fare hikes and free weekly trips will not be enough to reverse the decline in train and ferry patronage in the year ahead.

The State Budget has forecast 400,000 fewer trips on trains and ferries in 2012-13, but 3.2 million more bus-users, and at the same time a slight increase in road travel times.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson said the Government wanted to be "realistic" in regards to patronage after significant decreases under Labor.

"My aim is to try to turn around those figures, but that won't happen overnight," Mr Emerson said.

While commuters face two more years of fare hikes totalling 15 per cent, beyond that the outlook is unclear.

"I'll be sitting down with TransLink and working out where we'll go with our fares," said Mr Emerson. "We haven't made a decision yet on what we'll do."

The Government has also axed the TravelSmart program designed to get people out of cars and on to alternative transport, which Mr Emerson said was clearly a "Labor fail".

"About the only thing (that program) achieved was to spend $1 million on backpacks, many of which are still sitting in a warehouse somewhere."

Other savings are being found in the Taxi Subsidy Scheme, which would cap the amount returned to those entitled to up to $25 off a cab fare, at $400 a year.

Close to $40 million will be saved over four years on the School Transport Assistance Scheme by ensuring students who get the concessions do not live within 3.2km of a state primary school or 4.8km from a state high school.

Free travel for pensioners on Traveltrain will continue, but the number of seats available on each service will be capped to ensure a mix of paying and non-paying passengers.

Mr Emerson said they would also double the booking fee from $12.50 to $25.

Cross River Rail remains up in the air, with the State pulling $35 million in funding earmarked for land acquisitions, but Mr Emerson said road funding would increase by $1.3 billion over the next three years.

Peak motoring body RACQ welcomed the road funding commitment, but Executive General Manager for Advocacy Paul Turner expressed concern about cuts to the Safer Roads Sooner Program.

"A reduction from $66 million in last year's budget to $61.2 million in 2012-13 means a significant overall cut to road safety programs across Queensland," Mr Turner said.

He said a further $23 million decrease in the Transport Infrastructure Development Scheme would hit local council projects hard - a view shared by the Local Government Association of Queensland.

Chief Executive Greg Hallam said the LGAQ would lobby hard to ensure a reversal of the "deep cuts" to the scheme. "We will be insisting that the funding programs the Government has seen fit to slash today be restored to their former state once Queensland's finances are back in the black," Mr Hallam said.

[ozbob]

... "I'll be sitting down with TransLink and working out where we'll go with our fares," said Mr Emerson. "We haven't made a decision yet on what we'll do." ,,,

Well, well, finally the obvious is realised ...

[Jonno]

From the Couriermail click here!

Fewer train, ferry trips drives funding to road users

Fewer train, ferry trips drives funding to road users

    by: Robyn Ironside, Sarah Vogler
    From: The Courier-Mail
    September 12, 2012 12:00AM

REDUCED fare hikes and free weekly trips will not be enough to reverse the decline in train and ferry patronage in the year ahead.

The State Budget has forecast 400,000 fewer trips on trains and ferries in 2012-13, but 3.2 million more bus-users, and at the same time a slight increase in road travel times.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson said the Government wanted to be "realistic" in regards to patronage after significant decreases under Labor.

"My aim is to try to turn around those figures, but that won't happen overnight," Mr Emerson said.

While commuters face two more years of fare hikes totalling 15 per cent, beyond that the outlook is unclear.

"I'll be sitting down with TransLink and working out where we'll go with our fares," said Mr Emerson. "We haven't made a decision yet on what we'll do."

The Government has also axed the TravelSmart program designed to get people out of cars and on to alternative transport, which Mr Emerson said was clearly a "Labor fail".

"About the only thing (that program) achieved was to spend $1 million on backpacks, many of which are still sitting in a warehouse somewhere."

Other savings are being found in the Taxi Subsidy Scheme, which would cap the amount returned to those entitled to up to $25 off a cab fare, at $400 a year.

Close to $40 million will be saved over four years on the School Transport Assistance Scheme by ensuring students who get the concessions do not live within 3.2km of a state primary school or 4.8km from a state high school.

Free travel for pensioners on Traveltrain will continue, but the number of seats available on each service will be capped to ensure a mix of paying and non-paying passengers.

Mr Emerson said they would also double the booking fee from $12.50 to $25.

Cross River Rail remains up in the air, with the State pulling $35 million in funding earmarked for land acquisitions, but Mr Emerson said road funding would increase by $1.3 billion over the next three years.

Peak motoring body RACQ welcomed the road funding commitment, but Executive General Manager for Advocacy Paul Turner expressed concern about cuts to the Safer Roads Sooner Program.

"A reduction from $66 million in last year's budget to $61.2 million in 2012-13 means a significant overall cut to road safety programs across Queensland," Mr Turner said.

He said a further $23 million decrease in the Transport Infrastructure Development Scheme would hit local council projects hard - a view shared by the Local Government Association of Queensland.

Chief Executive Greg Hallam said the LGAQ would lobby hard to ensure a reversal of the "deep cuts" to the scheme. "We will be insisting that the funding programs the Government has seen fit to slash today be restored to their former state once Queensland's finances are back in the black," Mr Hallam said.

Absolutely no recognition that this increase in road funding will further reduce PT patronage.  Say goodbye to any thoughts of leading practice transport planning.  Back to the good old Main Roads days!!!!  More deaths, more trauma, more pollution, more economic addiction to rising oil prices , more greenhouse gases..,..

[ozbob]

Minister for Transport and Main Roads
The Honourable Scott Emerson
11/09/2012

Bruce Highway boost in transport Budget

The Newman Government's 2012-13 Budget will deliver a $415.6 million boost to improve the Bruce Highway as part of a $6.4 billion commitment to deliver better infrastructure and planning.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson said the budget delivered on the strong election pledge to fix the Bruce Highway.

"Along with our $415.6 million boost we are funding $200 million in this budget as part of our $1 billion commitment over 10 years, if the Federal Government brings forward their funding for the Bruce Highway," Mr Emerson said.

"We are committed to investing in this lifeline of Queensland and making the tough decisions to ensure we deliver better roads, rail, port and transport infrastructure.

"This is in stark contrast to the previous Labor government who neglected the highway and still believe any state funding for the Bruce Highway is mis-pending."

The budget will also contribute to the $17.8 billion Queensland Transport and Roads Investment Program (QTRIP) 2012-13 to 2015-16.

Funding for the delivery of major south-east Queensland projects in the 2012-13 budget include:

·$93 million for on-going upgrades on the Gateway Motorway (north and south)

·$184 million for the Richlands to Springfield train line

·$55 million for intersection improvement works on the Brisbane Valley Highway at Blacksoil

·$66 million to start construction on the Moreton Bay Rail link

·$279 million for on-going construction of the Gold Coast Rapid Transit project

Funding for the delivery of capital improvement works on the major highways in 2012-13, include:

·$35.1 million for the Pacific Motorway

·$415.6 million for the Bruce Highway

·$219.9 million for the Warrego Highway

·$11.7 million for the New England Highway

·$30.3 million for the Capricorn Highway

·$42.2 million for the Peak Downs Highway

·$2.5 million for the Captain Cook Highway

·$100.5 million for the Landsborough Highway

·$12.7 million for the Kennedy Development Rd

·$17.5 million for the Flinders Highway

·$22.7 million for the Townsville Ring Road.

"This year's budget also delivers the LNP's election commitments, including $42.5 million for the joint state-council funded flyovers at Telegraph Rd, Bracken Ridge and Robinson Road, Geebung.

"In addition, the first $1.5 million of a $10 million program to install flashing safety lights at school zones will commence.

Local governments will benefit from the $49 million Regional Safety Development Scheme, $160 million base Transport Infrastructure Development Scheme, $136 million Safer Roads Sooner program, $116.7 million Resource Development Program and $102 million Cycle network grants and capital programs.

It will also deliver for resource regions as part of the Newman Government's Roads to Resources commitment with the $45 million Toowoomba Ring Road and $5 million West Creek Railway Bridge, and $24 million Blakey's Crossing, Townsville.

"Our reforms to introduce contestability and greater involvement from private construction companies will deliver better roads and transport infrastructure," Mr Emerson said.

"In return I want private companies lining up to deliver innovation and value for money, whether it's the $65 million upgrade to the Samford-Wardell St intersection or the $1.147 billion Moreton Bay Rail Link.

"Queensland can no longer afford to allow the cost of delivering transport projects to be well ahead of the national average - as it has been over the past decade - so we'll be driving innovation and value for money at every site.

"In order to deliver better infrastructure and better planning while tackling Labor's debt, we have made the tough decision to reduce the size of the Q-TRIP program by $1.6 billion.

"Of this $1.6 billion, $382 million is Labor's pre-election bribes, which they had no money in the budget for.

"The Newman Government's Q-TRIP is about delivering a realistic program of works the State can afford not promising projects that were never funded like the previous Labor government."

As announced in May, Labor's unfunded projects that have been deferred include duplication of the Warrego Highway west of Charlton, Labor's plan for the Cairns' City Place bus station, Sumner Rd interchange at Jamboree Heights and changes to the Proserpine-Shute Harbour Rd intersection.

[ENDS] 11 September 2012

[SurfRail]

I fail to understand why TravelSmart was axed.  It was very clearly working if you read the history of the program on Brisbane's northside and on the Sunshine Coast, and his fairly flippant response shows he has no idea about what it was doing or why.

[colinw]

The deferral of acquisitions for CRR is somewhat concerning, but I guess it makes sense if the Government hasn't yet decided to proceed. Maybe they are considering reverting to the Fairfield portal?

If, as it seems, Next Generation Rollingstock is to proceed then something will have to be done about stabling, but there's nothing in the budget for that this year.

Over all, not quite as bad as I expected, but certainly nothing to be happy about.

[ozbob]

... "I'll be sitting down with TransLink and working out where we'll go with our fares," said Mr Emerson. "We haven't made a decision yet on what we'll do." ,,,

Well, well, finally the obvious is realised ...

Sent to all outlets:

12th September 2012

2012 State Budget - fare review needed

Greetings,

The 2012 State Budget has highlighted how urgently a review of TransLink's SEQ public transport fare system is needed.

Stalled patronage levels is costly in terms of congestion costs, road trauma costs and environmental impacts.

The present fare structure for the go card is in my opinion the worlds worst.   Excessive base fare cost with considerable fare box leakage due to an easily manipulated fare structure.

An urgent review of the fare system is needed.

Best wishes
Robert

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

[HappyTrainGuy]

If, as it seems, Next Generation Rollingstock is to proceed then something will have to be done about stabling, but there's nothing in the budget for that this year.

Short term stabling has already been taken care of in other existing projects. Petrie will lose 2x 6 car stabling pretty soon with others taking up the slack short term but when Kippa Ring comes online it will gain 6 or 8x 6 car stabling with provision for a futher extension. Redbank also has room for extending its stabling and Robina Stabling would likely be extended when its yards get upgraded (new fencing eg Mayne/Redbank/Beenleigh).

[mufreight]

The deferral of acquisitions for CRR is somewhat concerning, but I guess it makes sense if the Government hasn't yet decided to proceed. Maybe they are considering reverting to the Fairfield portal?

If, as it seems, Next Generation Rollingstock is to proceed then something will have to be done about stabling, but there's nothing in the budget for that this year.

Over all, not quite as bad as I expected, but certainly nothing to be happy about.

Seems that the Next Generation Rollingstock acquisition while it is to proceed has been delayed at this time and without the new facilities at Wulkaraka needed to comission and service the NGR trains that delay will obviously be lengthy.   

[ozbob]

I think the minster previously stated the EMU cars will go for 40 years

When?   Some members here, including myself have suggested they will be around at the 40 year mark, cannot recall the Minister making that comment.

If the LNP stay the distance for round 2, say hello to ' Metro Brisbane ' ....

[SurfRail]

^ Might have its advantages.  Whose patronage growth and future plans now look better than anybody else's (including Perth's on several lines)?

[HappyTrainGuy]

So I'm going to put it out there and say that the facility is unlikely to be run by QR and therefore the govt may let the Maintainence provider build and run their new facility from greenfield.  Stabling is not overly complex and can be added on once the tender, they may even make it total, build, maintain, service and stable. Only time QR may get involved is when the driver turns up and heads out for a revenue service.

From the offset the proposed contract was for whole of life (built it, maintain it, overhaul it) was never guaranteed by the transport minister that it wouldn't be run via a third party under a whole of life contract to Queensland Rail. The current site was proposed as minimal works would have to be carried out for it.

[nathandavid88]

I was just reading a story on the Brisbane Times that shows a breakdown of what the budget will deliver within for Brisbane. Most of it was no surprise, but one that was is this one:

TRAIN: $2 million - Department of Transport and Main Roads
Last Updated by Katherine 16 hours ago
$2 million for the Mayne to Ferny Grove connection,
with $18 million post 2012-13. Total project cost: $20 million

Did anyone else hear about this? I knew about the Keperra to Ferny Grove duplication, but I didn't read anything else about the Mayne-FG connection.

[somebody]

That project was in the ICRCS.  I'm pretty sure the LNP has had a bit of a focus on it.  CAPEX to save OPEX is something they can see value in.

Does anyone know anything about this one though:

$6.868 million Inner City Busway (City to Petrie Terrace), Queen Street Busway Station, bus priority works. Total project cost: $8.748 million

Read more: http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/brisbanes-state-budget-highlights-20120912-25shd.html#ixzz26J84BL00

[HappyTrainGuy]

I was just reading a story on the Brisbane Times that shows a breakdown of what the budget will deliver within for Brisbane. Most of it was no surprise, but one that was is this one:

TRAIN: $2 million - Department of Transport and Main Roads
Last Updated by Katherine 16 hours ago
$2 million for the Mayne to Ferny Grove connection,
with $18 million post 2012-13. Total project cost: $20 million

Did anyone else hear about this? I knew about the Keperra to Ferny Grove duplication, but I didn't read anything else about the Mayne-FG connection.

Pretty sure its the Cartwright street connection 

[Golliwog]

That project was in the ICRCS.  I'm pretty sure the LNP has had a bit of a focus on it.  CAPEX to save OPEX is something they can see value in.

Does anyone know anything about this one though:

$6.868 million Inner City Busway (City to Petrie Terrace), Queen Street Busway Station, bus priority works. Total project cost: $8.748 million

Read more: http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/brisbanes-state-budget-highlights-20120912-25shd.html#ixzz26J84BL00

Not sure. The only project I could find on the TMR website is this one: http://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/Projects/Name/K/King-George-Square-Busway-upgrade.aspx

But that was only ~$1M and is meant to be finished soon as well.

[Jonno]

Just noticed the $300m total budget cost fir the Kessels Road/Mains Road intersection upgrade.  And here were we're think the eastern busway was expensive.  $300M for 1 intersection that will not fix congestion 1 millisecond.

[WTN]

Let's not forget the social impacts the Mains Rd upgrade will have. The upgrade is well underway and it's not hard to see. Houses, including a "mansion" are gone. Some shops and business near the intersection are either demolished or fenced off. But don't you worry about that, nobody walks there any more, and all driveways and carparks appear to be still accessible.

[somebody]

Just noticed the $300m total budget cost fir the Kessels Road/Mains Road intersection upgrade.  And here were we're think the eastern busway was expensive.  $300M for 1 intersection that will not fix congestion 1 millisecond.

While I am generally supportive of your agenda, clearly de-bottlnecking this intersection will do something for congestion.  Traffic would have grow quite a bit to get back to where we started at this particular intersection.

You're probably going to say that would be netted off at other locations.

[Golliwog]

Just noticed the $300m total budget cost fir the Kessels Road/Mains Road intersection upgrade.  And here were we're think the eastern busway was expensive.  $300M for 1 intersection that will not fix congestion 1 millisecond.

While I am generally supportive of your agenda, clearly de-bottlnecking this intersection will do something for congestion.  Traffic would have grow quite a bit to get back to where we started at this particular intersection.

You're probably going to say that would be netted off at other locations.

True to some degree, though this is a big intersection between 2 major routes so the congestion would really only build at the next major intersection.