Queensland Parliament - Hansard. items of interest

[ozbob]

https://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/documents/hansard/2015/2015_06_04_DAILY.pdf

Abbott Government, Infrastructure Funding

Hon. A PALASZCZUK (Inala—ALP) (Premier and Minister for the Arts) (9.41 am): Queensland is not only being ignored by the LNP government in Canberra; it is being punished. Tony Abbott is sitting on a $5 billion special infrastructure encouragement fund which he doles out to reward states with lucrative incentive payments on the condition that they sell their assets. Labor has been explicit; we have been nothing less than clear: we will not sell our assets under any circumstances. Today I challenge the opposition to join us in not only lobbying Canberra to provide Queensland with its fair share but to send a clear message to its colleagues in the Commonwealth that we will not be held to ransom and we will not be blackmailed into selling off assets in order to receive funding for critical infrastructure that we need throughout our state.

Tony Abbott has provided nothing for special infrastructure funding north of the Tweed. New South Wales has been the big winner in this regard along with Western Australia. Let us be very clear: if the Prime Minister and his Treasurer can provide additional funding to Western Australia, they can also provide it to Queensland. By giving Western Australia an additional nearly $500 million, the Prime Minister has now established a convenient infrastructure funding precedent. Queenslanders and my government expect him to do the same. I challenge the LNP opposition to put that argument to the Prime Minister. I challenge those opposite to stand up for this state. I challenge them to stand up for Queenslanders. Sadly, not only are we being frozen out of badly needed extra infrastructure funds; billions of dollars of cuts to our hospitals and schools are coming too courtesy of Tony Abbott. Now is the time for the opposition to join with us, to stand up, to be united and make the determined call to fight Canberra's discriminatory approach currently applied to special infrastructure funding for Queensland.

As Premier I promised to consult widely and get a consensus opinion on major issues affecting my government and our great state. That commitment to Queenslanders means my government cannot sit by any longer and let an unfettered Prime Minister go unchecked—penalising each and every Queenslander—denying us vital infrastructure funds, and I will not let him go unchecked. I intend to fight for every dollar at the upcoming Special Premiers' Conference in July and I will be fighting the Commonwealth for a states' funding model. The Prime Minister's current unyielding approach also strikes a blow at the very heart of our Federation. It makes a lie of his and his deputy's claims of any budget fairness. I cannot stress enough how their approach constitutes an attack aimed right at the heart of a federal-state funding model—a model that has been built up over a century and overall has served us well. Once again by administering his special $5 billion infrastructure funding
pool in the manner in which he does, Mr Abbott is threatening to radically change the federal system in Australia. Well may they tour LNP marginal federal seats in Queensland, but he cannot hide forever, riding roughshod over vital infrastructure dollars that Queenslanders want and are rightfully entitled to. Queenslanders can see through their falsehoods and bullying tactics. I and my government will make sure of that—right up until the next federal election if we need.

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

Road and Transport Infrastructure

Hon. JA TRAD (South Brisbane—ALP) (Deputy Premier, Minister for Transport, Minister for Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning and Minister for Trade) (9.48 am): Infrastructure Australia's recently released infrastructure audit paints a stark picture of the consequences of inaction on infrastructure. The report shows that the cost of road congestion in South-East Queensland will rise from $1.9 billion in 2011 to $9 billion by 2031. Without investment in key transport infrastructure, projects that will help to reduce congestion, we will struggle to maintain the quality of life that our region presently enjoys. This should be a call to action for all governments to invest in transport infrastructure. In our urban areas we have to invest in infrastructure that will move large volumes of people quickly.

I raised the issue of public transport infrastructure at the recent Transport and Infrastructure Council with the Deputy Prime Minister and state and territory ministers and the chair of Infrastructure Australia, Mark Birrell. I also raised Commonwealth funding for Queensland infrastructure with the Prime Minister directly when we both attended the recent Paniyeri festival in South Brisbane. Despite the problems facing South-East Queensland and Australia being thrown into sharp focus by the audit, the federal government continues to have its head in the sand by refusing to provide funding for Queensland infrastructure, especially public transport infrastructure, unless Queensland sells assets.

Queenslanders have spoken strongly at two elections and said that they do not want their assets sold. Without access to federal funding for large scale infrastructure projects such as public transport projects, Queensland will not be getting its fair share. If the Abbott government's current position on infrastructure had prevailed between 2007 and 2013, projects such as the Moreton Bay Rail Link and the Gold Coast light rail would never have been built.
The audit sets out clearly the infrastructure challenges in Australia today but, inexplicably, Queensland has not had a state infrastructure plan since 2011. That is more than three years without a coordinated approach to infrastructure investment in this state. We have committed to delivering an infrastructure plan within our first 12 months. The independent advice of Building Queensland will be instrumental in ensuring that we invest in the right infrastructure, with these priorities then reflected in our state infrastructure plan.

This government was elected on a platform of stronger growth for Queensland and we are committed to creating jobs to address record unemployment and to grow and diversify our economy. We can especially deliver on this commitment if governments work cooperatively to fund and deliver productivity-raising infrastructure for our growing cities and regions.

[ozflier]

Talking about the Queensland Government,

Has there been any news on the projects that I had believed were moving forward into this year.

ie the  duplication of the Gold Coast rail line from Coomera to Helensvale and the Toowoomba Range tunnel height changes and added crossing loops.

I have looked for press releases  but found nil recently .

Does anyone know if they have been consigned to the new Governments, bin, delayed indefinitely or are moving ahead.

[nathandavid88]

As far as I know, they are all proceeding as announced.

[ozflier]

Ta for that.

[ozbob]

https://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/documents/hansard/2016/2016_05_10_DAILY.pdf

10th May 2016

Ministerial Statements


Queensland Rail
Hon. SJ HINCHLIFFE (Sandgate—ALP) (Minister for Transport and the Commonwealth Games)
(10.04 am): As highlighted by the Premier earlier, as part of the Palaszczuk government's accelerated
works program last Thursday the Treasurer and I issued a direction under the Queensland Rail Transit
Authority Act 2013 to require Queensland Rail to establish a dual early contractor involvement process
and enter into negotiations with Downer's Maryborough maintenance centre and UGL's maintenance
facility in Townsville in relation to potential rolling stock maintenance and overhaul works.
Early contractor involvement, which is an established market engagement strategy, delivers
competitive services and the value for money offered by longer-term contracts. Queensland Rail has
$400 million in planned maintenance and overhaul projects needed for its rolling stock until 2024, and
the Palaszczuk government has acted to ensure that this will provide a steady stream of local work for
regional Queenslanders. In doing this, Queensland Rail will secure contractors who we know have an
established track record in this field and will also ensure these suppliers, who are important employers
in regional Queensland, have a pipeline of work available to them to provide them with certainty for the
future. Our focus is on jobs for Queenslanders, especially in regional Queensland, and accelerating
Queensland Rail's package of rolling stock maintenance and overhaul works will assist by guaranteeing
work for Queensland's railway industry until 2024, supporting jobs, critical skills and regional
economies. The government believes in retaining a core rail and manufacturing skills base right here
in Queensland.

This announcement is a vote of confidence in the future of Queensland's railway industry and
reflects our government's determination to ensure that it can flourish as an important part of our state's
economy. It also reflects our decision to retain a rail engineering and manufacturing skills base here in
Queensland. Downer in particular has a proud history of working on Queensland railways, and this
partnership will ensure that they continue to contribute to the delivery of our investment in rail
infrastructure. This follows on from the recent $5.6 million two-year contract that was awarded to
Downer in April to upgrade and maintain the wheels on most of the Queensland Rail train fleet. This
$400 million injection will help secure regional rail jobs over the coming years to support the overhaul
and modifications of Queensland's L series carriages, diesel tilt trains, train units, locomotives and
wheel sets.

As someone from an extended family of Queensland Rail workers, I can say that Queensland
has a proud railway history. The Palaszczuk government is doing everything it can to ensure that jobs
associated with the running and maintenance of our rail infrastructure and assets remain in
Queensland, particularly regional Queensland.

[ozbob]

https://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/documents/hansard/2016/2016_09_14_DAILY.pdf

Ministerial Statements 14th September 2016

Public Transport, Infrastructure

Hon. SJ HINCHLIFFE (Sandgate—ALP) (Minister for Transport and the Commonwealth Games)
(2.42 pm): The Palaszczuk government is committed to improving public transport infrastructure by
investing in the future. I wish to advise the House of the Palaszczuk government's investment,
announced last week, of more than $67 million to revitalise Queensland Rail's Brisbane Central station
to protect its rich history and deliver a fresh new look. The three-year program of works will support 750
construction jobs across a range of professions. Not only will Brisbane's busiest station get a fresh new
look; the upgrade will make it easier for passengers to move around the station, with more accessible
platforms including new lifts and escalators to reduce congestion. These improvements are essential
to cater for growth and build the railway services we need for the future.

The upgrade of Central station is only one element of Queensland Rail's $767.8 million capital
investment program for 2016-17 that will see improved infrastructure right across its network. This
investment includes $460 million for improving network assets across the state and $247 million for
rolling stock related investment that will ensure Queensland Rail continues to provide customers with a
safe, efficient and reliable service.

There are also a number of major projects on the go, including the European Train Control
System, the new signalling system that will completely modernise the inner-city rail network, boosting
rail capacity by 20 per cent and allowing an extra 12,000 commuters through the CBD during peak rail
periods. Some $100 million is being invested to improve efficiency and reliability on the north coast line
by extending passing loops. These upgrade works will further increase productivity and efficiency for
freight transport.

Queensland Rail also continues to deliver the $212 million Station Accessibility Upgrade
Program, which started in the 2015-16 financial year, to upgrade 14 stations over five years. Major
construction works are already underway at Alderley, Newmarket, Dinmore, Graceville and Nambour
stations. The improvements to the stations include new footbridges and lifts, high-level platforms to
provide easier access where the assisted boarding point is located, accessible toilets, extended waiting
shelters and a range of other accessibility features such as hearing aid loops. Upgrading these stations
will improve transport options for passengers with accessibility requirements and help ensure all
passengers can travel on Queensland Rail's network safely and easily. Planning works are underway
to upgrade Strathpine, Boondall and Morayfield stations, with works expected to commence next year.
The Palaszczuk government's investment in Queensland Rail demonstrates its commitment to building
a better Queensland.

[ozbob]

Queensland Parliament Hansard

https://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/documents/hansard/2018/2018_10_18_DAILY.pdf

18th October 2018

Ministerial Statements

Infrastructure, Public Transport

Hon. MC BAILEY (Miller—ALP) (Minister for Transport and Main Roads) (9.57 am): <Under the
Palaszczuk Labor government >we are seeing public transport commuter patronage grow. The latest
numbers are very positive and show that 5.4 million more public transport trips were taken across the
region in 2017-18 compared to 2016-17, which is a 3.1 per cent increase. Lower fares for commuters
introduced by the Palaszczuk Labor government are making a difference, but cheaper transport is only
one barrier to growing patronage. Our government is committed to making public transport more
accessible.

Across South-East Queensland there are 152 rail stations on the network, and some of these
stations are more than a century old. Many more were built before modern disability legislation.
Modernising historic stations is a significant undertaking by the Palaszczuk Labor government, as we
are committed to every rail commuter being able to use their local train station without barriers. We are
committed to the principle of universal accessibility by investing $300 million to upgrade 16 stations.
Queensland Rail's Station Accessibility Upgrade program has already delivered improvements at
Graceville, Dinmore, Nambour, Alderley and Newmarket stations for commuters. Construction will soon
start at Morayfield, Boondall and Strathpine, and upgrades are planned for stations at Dakabin,
Buranda, Albion, Cannon Hill, Auchenflower, East Ipswich and Loganlea. Work is planned or underway
right across the south-east, including the installation of lifts, raised platforms to assist boarding,
pedestrian overpasses, tactile flooring, ramps, hearing aid loops and accessible toilets.
As a government that values the views of our community, we seek feedback and input on the
design of these facilities. Queensland Rail seeks guidance from members of its Accessibility Reference
Group, which includes representatives from Guide Dogs Queensland, Vision Australia, Queenslanders
with Disability Network, the MS society, Spinal Life Australia, Arthritis Queensland and Better Hearing
Australia. I sincerely thank all of those representatives who put forward their experience and
collaborated with the government and Queensland Rail.

The upgrades in this program will increase the number of independently accessible stations on
the network from 80 to 91. Once these projects are complete, 83 per cent of rail commuters will travel
to and from accessible stations.

Station upgrades are not our only commitment to commuters. We committed $114 million to build
or expand park-and-rides across the south-east. That commitment will add 2,300 new spaces at nine
locations to the 30,000 parks already provided at 159 park-and-rides across the TransLink train, bus,
ferry and tram network.

More people are riding trains, buses, ferries and trams, and that passenger growth has gained
momentum due to the introduction of Fairer Fares in late 2016 by the Palaszczuk government. By
reducing the average adult fare by about 13.5 per cent compared to January 2014 levels, Fairer Fares
has encouraged more people to give public transport a go and saved families more than $117 million.
Concessions and discounts for veterans, jobseekers and asylum seekers also ensure public
transport is accessible to those who may rely on it the most. To support the centenary of armistice
services on 11 November, the Palaszczuk government will provide free public transport for uniformed
serving Australian Defence Force personnel and veterans wearing their service medals. Accompanying
family members wearing service medals will also travel free. I offer my thanks to the Redlands RSL,
which proposed this excellent idea to acknowledge our veterans and their contribution to our
community.

[ozbob]

Queensland Parliament Hansard

https://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/documents/hansard/2019/2019_10_22_DAILY.pdf

Ministerial Statements

Public Transport, Investment

Hon. MC BAILEY (Miller—ALP) (Minister for Transport and Main Roads) (9.59 am): Public
transport investment is in the fast lane under the Palaszczuk Labor government. This morning, the first
trials of express ticketing gates started at Central Station as part of the Palaszczuk government's
$371 million statewide Smart Ticketing rollout. Next month, people catching buses in Innisfail, Bowen,
Hervey Bay, Maryborough and Minjerribah will be able to track the real-time journey of their bus for the
first time. These trials will give Queensland commuters a first look at how our public transport
investment is making their journeys better.

Smart ticketing means people will be able to pay with their credit or debit card, smartphone or
smartwatch to speed up boarding and exiting. Queenslanders will access the latest technology used by
millions of commuters in London, Chicago and Vancouver. For the first time in Queensland history this
will be a ticketing system for all Queenslanders and not just those in South-East Queensland.
We are also investing in Cross River Rail which will unlock the bottleneck at the core of the
South-East Queensland rail network. One hundred per cent funded by the Palaszczuk Labor
government, the $5.4 billion Cross River Rail project will give us the capacity to run more services,
more often.

On the Gold Coast we have $351 million committed for the next stage of light rail to Burleigh—
not an infliction, but an investment in Gold Coast jobs. We are building thousands more car parks at
train and bus stations across South-East Queensland with a $116 million park-and-ride program. Our
$357 million station upgrade program is modernising train stations across the region to make them
more accessible and commuter friendly. Two years in a row of record public transport patronage shows
more people want to catch trains, buses, ferries and trams. That is why public transport investment is
a major feature of the Palaszczuk government's record $23 billion roads and transport investment over
the next four years.

Like any rail network around the world, occasionally technical faults can occur, and this morning's
train delays have seen our hardworking staff respond as quickly as possible to fully restore services.
On-time running on our rail network remains much better than Sydney or Melbourne's, but,
unfortunately, not today. A signalling fault at Eagle Junction this morning resulted in some cancellations
and delays to services, so I thank our passengers for their patience and sincerely apologise to those
who were affected.

[ozbob]

Overseas travel report: Report on an official visit to Lyon, London and Oslo by the Minister for Transport and Main Roads (Hon. Bailey), 6-11 October 2019

> https://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/Documents/TableOffice/TabledPapers/2019/5619T1991.pdf

[#Metro]

Interesting info:

Labour represents 60% of the total cost of operations. Ruter is planning for autonomy which will
change the business model of public transport and result in more flexible fleet options and
opportunities. In undertaking planning there are a range of compromises and potential for

[verbatim9]

Interesting info:

Labour represents 60% of the total cost of operations. Ruter is planning for autonomy which will
change the business model of public transport and result in more flexible fleet options and
opportunities. In undertaking planning there are a range of compromises and potential for

^^ETCS and Driver Only operations to bring down overall running costs into the future. Train drivers receiving up to 200,000 gran a year is not a good outcome. Trains in SEQ need to go out to.competitove tender. More automation is needed re real time announcements etc... Level platforms to eliminate station attendants for off peak assisted boarding and disembarking.  Perth train network cheaper to run I suspect, same goes with Adl and Mel systems.

[#Metro]

I'm surprised the minister was talking to Keolis. Keolis is a gigantic contract PT company. What was his motivation for meeting?

The other interesting thing is Ruter - part-owned by the state, part-owned by the county council.

Maybe that is a model for a future Brisbane Transport?

Keolis Lyon has been contracted since 1985 and is a 100% subsidiary of the Keolis Group.
It currently has 4,500 employees of which 2,500 are operators (drivers). The organisation
has an annual turnover of €380 million

Keolis Lyon is the operator for the Lyon network and undertakes the following:
• Operates the public transport service as defined by the rules in the contract
• Maintains the rolling stock and manages the assets
• Brings international expertise to the PTA

[aldonius]

I'm surprised the minister was talking to Keolis. Keolis is a gigantic contract PT company. What was his motivation for meeting?

Keolis (in conjunction with Downer) are part of the G:Link consortium and own Hornibrook Buslines.

[Stillwater]

Pity the Minister did not look at the operation of hydrogen-powered trains.

[ozbob]

https://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/documents/hansard/2020/2020_05_21_DAILY.pdf

Queensland Parliament Hansard 21st May 2020

Questions without notice

Infrastructure Projects

Mr KELLY: My question is to the Minister for State Development, Tourism and Innovation. Will
the minister update the House on the government's strategy to stimulate Queensland's economy by
delivering major infrastructure projects in Queensland?

Ms JONES: I thank the honourable member for the question. I know that as the member for
Greenslopes he has been singularly focused on delivering jobs for his local community as well as
wonderful improvements to local schools and basically just being a great guy.

Our government is very proud that we are continuing to invest in infrastructure. As the Treasurer
has said this week, we are going to maintain more than $50 billion in infrastructure spend to support
jobs right across our state. In the South-East Queensland region we have two of the largest ever
projects underway to transform our state. I am talking about the Cross River Rail project and the
Queen's Wharf development. In total these projects are injecting more than $9 billion into the
Queensland economy and supporting more than 10,000 construction jobs. Thank goodness that the
LNP did not get elected at the last election where they promised scrap it. The infrastructure industry got
on to them and asked them to please not scrap it and then they were going to delay it. At this time,
when we are going through this terrible pandemic and seeing tens of thousands of jobs shed across
Queensland, we would not have had the thousands of jobs, livelihoods and pay packets going home
under them. We pressed on with delivering the Cross River Rail project.

I am very pleased to inform the House that today I can confirm that on the Cross River Rail project
piling works are coming to an end at the Woolloongabba site. This is a great milestone on this project
which is crucial to getting those jobs moving and getting Queensland moving. When it comes to the
Queen's Wharf development, once again it has been great to see those workers in William Street. There
is us and them walking around William Street. I have had a chat to a number of them. They have been
saying it has been very safe on site and it has been pushing ahead. They are very grateful to have a
job. I spoke to a number of them out the front when I was getting some lunch and they were saying that
a lot of their family members and friends have lost their jobs and they are very grateful that they are
continuing to work.

Today I can confirm that the first stage, the foundations of the Queen's Wharf development at
William Street, is now complete and the second stage is on track to be completed in July. Workers had
to dig 26 metres underground to excavate the car park for a new integrated resort. Today I can
announce that we have finally built back up to ground level. What we will now see is so exciting. Looking
at the site, one can see it taking shape. We will have a new world-class facility in our back yard. Only
a Palaszczuk Labor government will get on with the job of building a better Queensland through
infrastructure. We know it means jobs, we know it means livelihoods and we know it means pay packets
for thousands of Queensland families.

[ozbob]

Queensland Parliament Hansard

https://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/documents/hansard/2020/2020_08_13_DAILY.pdf

Ministerial Statements

Road and Transport Infrastructure

Hon. MC BAILEY (Miller—ALP) (Minister for Transport and Main Roads) (10.09 am): It is the
Palaszczuk Labor government that has an economic plan for recovery. Roads move Queensland
forward in more ways than one, which is why our economic plan includes a $12.6 billion commitment
to build a better Bruce Highway and futureproof it with a Bruce Highway Trust. The global impact of
COVID-19 has been far-reaching, with impacts on economies including Queensland's, but because of
Queensland's strong and ongoing health response—

Mr Minnikin interjected.

Mr BAILEY: I hear interjections from those who spent nothing on infrastructure. It is because of
Queensland's strong and ongoing health response that we have kept supply chains open and freight
flowing and we have continued to build game-changing Bruce Highway upgrades from Cairns to
Brisbane. That has helped to support thousands of jobs, drive safety and supercharge Queensland's
freight efficiencies and supply chain into the future. Between Gympie and Brisbane, which are regions
expected to boom, we are building $3 billion in Bruce Highway projects and driving a $2 billion plan for
much more. Last week we announced the first major contract for the $1 billion Bruce Highway Gympie
bypass. This 26-kilometre new road will generate close to 600 jobs and a greater capacity for our freight
industry. It will join more than $1.1 billion in works already underway on the Sunshine Coast and will be
followed by another $660 million upgrade to six-lane the Bruce Highway from Caboolture to Steve Irwin
Way between Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast.

Mr Ryan: Hear, hear!

Mr BAILEY: I acknowledge the support from the member for Morayfield. This week we started
consultation on a $2.1 billion commitment to upgrade the Bruce Highway in Moreton Bay and the
connecting Gateway Motorway. That plan includes a new arterial road between Dohles Rocks Road
and Anzac Avenue—the Moreton Connecter. Our plan will make sure that our roads are ready for the
double demand expected on this stretch in the next two decades and, importantly, support another
1,200 jobs. That is because Labor backs the Sunshine Coast, we back Gympie and we back Moreton
Bay—not just through roads but also through rail where we are delivering the $550 million Sunshine
Coast rail duplication, which will create more jobs, public transport and opportunities for Queensland
businesses.

Mr Minnikin: On the never-never. Anna Bligh, 2009.

Mr BAILEY: Those opposite did not even start the business case on it. We are getting it done,
with more than half a billion dollars worth of investment. This week in response to the COVID-19
pandemic we introduced close to—

Mr Minnikin interjected.

Mr BAILEY: I will start again. This week in response to the COVID-19 pandemic we introduced
close to a thousand extra bus services and 105 train services to extend morning and afternoon peak
services and help the community spread their travel patterns as part of our COVID-safe public transport
plan. I want to acknowledge our commuters and, importantly, our Queensland Rail drivers and station
staff, our TransLink and QR staff and planners who have successfully brought these additional services
online. They are running very smoothly. The Palaszczuk government knows how important transport
and roads are to our economic recovery. We can be trusted to continue investing in the transport
infrastructure that this state needs.

[ozbob]

https://documents.parliament.qld.gov.au/tableOffice/questionsAnswers/2022/114-2022.pdf

Question on Notice
No. 114
Asked on 24 February 2022

MR M BOOTHMAN ASKED MINISTER FOR TRANSPORT AND MAIN ROADS (HON M BAILEY)

QUESTION:

With reference to TransLink Senior Network Officers (SNOs)—

Will the Minister advise the minimum and maximum number employed (FTE) in each financial
year since 2015–16?

ANSWER:

I thank the Member for Theodore for the question.

The Palaszczuk Government is committed to providing a safe public transport network for
everyone. For this reason, the Department of Transport and Main Roads employ a frontline
enforcement workforce of Senior Network Officers (SNOs) to assist with deterring fare evasion
and anti-social behaviour on the South East Queensland (SEQ) passenger network.
There are five teams of SNOs that cover all modes of passenger transport from the Gold Coast
to Noosa on the Sunshine Coast. These teams operate and deploy from Brisbane CBD and the
Gold Coast. Regardless of work location, SNO resources are deployed based on operational
requirements across the SEQ network and teams regularly work in different areas, as required.
The below table outlines the number of SNOs employed as at 1 July each year. It should be noted
that this is a stable workforce with very low rates of attrition, so the numbers do not vary greatly
throughout the year. Determining maximum and minimum numbers over multiple years would
require a resource intensive analysis of Human Resources data for limited results.

Number of SNOs employed by TransLink
Year Number employed annually as at 1 July
2015–16 51
2016–17 60
2017–18 59
2018–19 57
2019–20 55
2020–21 57
2021–22 61

To increase efforts to stamp out fare evasion and anti-social behaviour across the SEQ public
transport network, enforcement activities are also performed by frontline workforces employed by
TransLink service delivery partners – namely Keolis Downer (G:Link) customer service officers
(CSOs) and Westside/Park Ridge CSOs.

[ozbob]

https://documents.parliament.qld.gov.au/tableOffice/questionsAnswers/2022/88-2022.pdf

Question on Notice
No. 88
Asked on 24 February 2022

MR R STEVENS ASKED MINISTER FOR TRANSPORT AND MAIN ROADS (HON M BAILEY)

QUESTION:

Will the Minister provide a weekly breakdown of staff absenteeism (in absolute numbers and
percentage) for each week in January 2021, February 2021, January 2022 and February 2022
for the Brisbane Metropolitan Transport Management Centre and the Queensland Rail network
control centre?

Response > https://documents.parliament.qld.gov.au/tableOffice/questionsAnswers/2022/88-2022.pdf

[ozbob]

https://documents.parliament.qld.gov.au/tableOffice/questionsAnswers/2023/327-2023.pdf

Question on Notice
No. 327
Asked on 30 March 2023

MR S MINNIKIN ASKED MINISTER FOR TRANSPORT AND MAIN ROADS (HON M BAILEY)

QUESTION:

Will the Minister provide the government subsidy per passenger trip for public transport services
in South East Queensland (reported separately by rail, bus and light rail) for each of the last two
financial years together with the forecast numbers for 2022–23 to 2024–25?

[#Metro]

QR has always been expensive to operate, you can see clearly that it's at least $20 per passenger.

I think this is due to low utilisation. Would be interesting to compare this to Perth.

The data also clearly shows LRT is cheaper per passenger than buses at scale. This cost is likely to fall even further with extensions.

[ozbob]

Rail has the ROW costs etc. and journey lengths are on average a lot longer.

So it is not a simple direct cost comparison.  Much more nuanced than that.

But QR is on the expensive side. NGR bungles with the associated now ongoing high labour costs don't help either.

[#Metro]

Rail has high fixed costs. These can only be diluted with high passenger usage.

Having the cost per km and comparing to Perth will be useful because it's similar infrastructure and trains.

[ozbob]

I had a quick look at the PTA Annual Report 2021-22

https://www.pta.wa.gov.au/Portals/15/annualreports/2022/PTA%20Annual%20Report%202021-22%20Digital%20Version.pdf

Working quickly cost per passenger on Transperth trains ~ $16.58 (adjusted for fare revenue), significantly less than our Citytrain.

But again Transperth is more concentrated and so forth, DOO as well.

Gives you a ball-park guide.

[Gazza]

LRs low subsidy could be attributed to its specific circumstances in the SEQ network.

It's higher cost to run, but it's in a high density part of SEQ, and runs at a speed passengers are happy with, so it a clear example where it was the correct mode for the task.

For buses, there are a mix of high patronage and welfare routes and bus networks will always be lumped with that.

For rail, I think the high costs are because it's a bit of a legacy network. Some lines are decent, some are slow, but we still have to pay to run the slow lines even though the patronage is disappointing.
Eg take the sunshine coast line or the beenleigh line, it has the high fixed costs of rail, but the speed of a welfare route, so it cannot get enough patronage without upgrades.

The comparison with Transperth is interesting.
They have both their legacy lines, and the modern ones.

But even a 'bad' legacy line in Perth is still better than one of the better lines in Brisbane.

Eg what suburban line in Brisbane is the "best"? Say Caboolture?

But the Caboolture line still has a worse alignment than anything in Perth.

[SurfRail]

The costs for bus operations don't include the perway (which in Brisbane given the extent of dedicated busway infrastructure is large).  The heavy and light rail costs would.

[#Metro]

The costs for bus operations don't include the perway (which in Brisbane given the extent of dedicated busway infrastructure is large).  The heavy and light rail costs would.

This is a good and valid point.

Road surfaces need to be maintained and stations need to be cleaned and repaired. The fact that this is an off-budget expense in some cases compromises the comparisons.

[HappyTrainGuy]

Pay is also different from other operators and networks. QR has a very heavy overtime dependency which is one way drivers and guards appear to earn quite a lot. If you can score the Christmas/new year shifts you just rake in the money. You play the game now and get set up in the long run with annual leave earnings and long service leave. Mtce operations are also 24/7 with the same overtime constraints. Some Bus drivers can be the same aswell if you know how to play the system. QR staff levels have exploded with NGR DOO trains on a non DOO compliant network. Staff were required to get the fleet operational as EMU's exceeded their operational life, 100/200s were breaking down constantly and NGR's starting to stockpile up with government departments promising more seats. To get your head around that with the massive job cuts and outsourcing under Newman staff levels have already surpassed what employment numbers were pre Newman without reinstating outsourced or cut positions. If you want a good example Northgate has 6 staff members during peak hour with 4 on average throughout the day. Other stations have 2 or 3 staff members. Darra has 4-5 staff members during peak hours just to check the middle of trains. This is also why NGRs do not operate on the Ferny Grove or Beenleigh lines. It's not a rollingstock problem but a station staff and cost problem. Doomben gets around the staff issue on a numbers game. Should an NGR end up on it given the low patronage it's rare that boarding assistance would be required. But there has been times where this has bit and a outbound Doomben service has blocked the up sub at Eagle Junction while it waited for a delayed inbound service because a guard had to help a wheelchair user at an unattended station. Nambour to some extent too.

[ozbob]

The NGR DDA failure has been costly and will continue to be.

The fools largely responsible are still there calling the shots. 

We have Governments that lack moral courage. Got that little people?    

[HappyTrainGuy]

This is where I find the whole cost thing interesting when people claim DOO will dramatically cut costs. It won't be as dramatic and as simple as people think. You have to spend a ton of money to enable it on 1-2 lines. Sure, the Gold Coast line could go DOO but what about the extra station staff still out there on other lines. Then there is fleet age eg EMUs are bloody costly to keep operating. What about crew overtime for the drivers/guards/mtce crews. There are hurdles of expenditure required.

[ozbob]

Indeed.  DOO will require massive expenditure - complete roll out of ATP (e.g. ETCS L2 or equivalent/better) plus other changes to the network for a start.

What surprises me a little is the high ongoing costs associated with the NGRs and the lack of recognition of that in the public/media domains, and it is not going away soon.

[HappyTrainGuy]

I suppose it's the station staff/frontline staff that you actually get to see. Someone there out and about where you can ask a question about the train, places nearby or even have a chat instead of hiding in a station office or having an unattended station.

[ozbob]

Queensland Parliament Hansard

https://documents.parliament.qld.gov.au/events/han/2023/2023_05_23_DAILY.pdf

Ministerial Statement

Digital Services

Hon. MC BAILEY (Miller—ALP) (Minister for Transport and Main Roads and Minister for Digital
Services) (10.04 am): Last week I had the privilege of taking on greater responsibility within the
Palaszczuk government. As part of the changes I was appointed by the Premier to the portfolio of digital
services, an area that is crucial to a modern economy. The Palaszczuk government is committed to
delivering good jobs, better services and a great lifestyle, and harnessing the opportunities of the digital economy is at the heart of achieving those objectives.

There is a lot happening in the digital services space. I acknowledge the work of my predecessor,
the Minister for Communities, in this area. The Queensland Government Customer and Digital Group
has over 1,600 employees across 96 locations across the state. Our specialised cybersecurity unit,
established in 2016 by this government, last year blocked 1.6 billion malicious activities. They play an
important role in protecting Queenslanders, our public assets and our data. The First Nations contact
centre pilot in Cherbourg is going from stride to stride. Opened in April last year, the Department of
Tourism, Innovation and Sport worked with the Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire Council, the community and
TAFE Queensland to facilitate a three-year pilot with Fujitsu Australia. Fujitsu provided paid
employment from day one, and it is now the No. 1 centre for customer service in the Asia-Pacific region
for Fujitsu. Well done, Cherbourg. It is a fantastic effort. We love your work.

This week I am meeting with NBN Co and Telstra to be briefed on the status of digital connectivity
in regional and remote Queensland communities. Providing regional and remote communities with
better connectivity is crucial to closing the digital divide and to providing better social and economic
outcomes for communities. We are also continuing to work on the implementation of Our Thriving Digital
Future through the first 2023-2026 action plan. This is supported by the Palaszczuk government's
$200 million commitment over the next three years to accelerate Queensland's digital economy. The
Queensland Digital Licence, which is rolling out by postcode in Townsville right now before going
statewide later this year, is an important move forward.

Mr Minnikin interjected.

Mr ACTING SPEAKER: Member for Chatsworth, you are warned under the standing orders.

Mr BAILEY: Our technology for the digital licence is the first of its kind in Australia. It is compliant
with the international ISO standards, making it compatible with systems across the world, and is much
more secure than versions interstate, which have encountered substantial problems. Wherever we can,
we look at new ways to use technology to improve customer service across Transport and Main Roads
and across the whole of government. As the Minister for Digital Services, I will continue to prioritise and to invest in improving our future.

====

An overloaded Transport Minister does not auger well for the future transport in this state ..

[HappyTrainGuy]

Little bit off topic but relates to my post above. Still, when I think about DOO. Even if you spent an absolute ton of cash upgrading platforms, procedures, crew training, signalling and trackside infrastructure (atp) the NGR fleet still won't be DOO compliant as every single cab end needs to be made wheelchair compliant for DOO procedures. Christ the EMUs that have exceeded their end of life have a better compliance when it comes to wheelchair access at cab ends than the NGRs currently do. Otherwise you will have the same problem we have now where onboard crewing costs would drop but PSA levels suck up even more expenditure. Even if NNGR/NGR2/whateveryouwanttocallthem are DOO compliant you are still going to have high numbers of station staff to satisfy requirements of the NGR's. Maybe Bailey can get his new department to draw up some $100 notes to pay for everything.

TMR really needs to kick out public transport into its own authority.

[ozbob]

Queensland Parliament Hansard

https://documents.parliament.qld.gov.au/events/han/2024/2024_04_16_DAILY.pdf

Ministerial Statements

Public Transport, Energy Transition

Hon. BJ MELLISH(Aspley—ALP) (Minister for Transport and Main Roads and Minister for Digital
Services) (10.07 am): Jump on board our big bus build. In February I joined the Premier, the Deputy
Premier, the Australian Manufacturing Workers' Union and bus operators to announce that we will
procure and locally manufacture 400 zero-emission buses in Queensland. This is the single biggest
investment in a bus fleet in Queensland's history. Transport emissions in Queensland alone make up
17 per cent of total emissions. This is why we need to act—and act fast. This is exactly what the Miles
government is doing.

Our energy transition will not only reduce our transport emissions but also support good quality
Queensland jobs along the way. The Department of Transport will partner with the Queensland
Investment Corporation to deliver the program. Local bus manufacturing will be boosted through local
content requirements that will see the creation of direct and indirect jobs. Local opportunities will be
created for small and medium businesses within the broader supply chain.

Bus depots will also go green, with new zero-emission depots to be built and existing depots to
be transitioned. Investigations are underway at Toowong and Sherwood in partnership with Brisbane
City Council. TransLink already has 75 zero-emission buses being trialled at eight depots across
Queensland to help inform the design of zero-emission buses and depots from 2025. Our bus program
will deliver cleaner and quieter neighbourhoods across Queensland. We know that Queensland has the
capacity to manufacture world-leading products. Whether it is trains or buses, we will make them right
here in Queensland, by Queenslanders, for Queenslanders.

It is no secret that projects not only in Australia but also around the world are facing cost
pressures. Managing cost increases for our Big Build transport infrastructure delivering across the state
is challenging but necessary. Since commencing as the minister, I have asked my director-general to
undertake work to improve TMR's delivery of major infrastructure projects and to better manage projects
on behalf of taxpayers.

The director-general has commissioned Rodd Staples, an acknowledged leading Australian
infrastructure expert, to undertake a review of how TMR manages its projects. Mr Staples has held
senior executive roles in Transport for New South Wales for nine years, culminating as secretary of the
department until 2021. His review is considering how TMR can better manage costs through the project
lifecycle and key risks such as PFAS and environmental approvals. TMR deliver thousands of projects
across our state and we want to make sure Queenslanders are getting great value for money whilst we
are also delivering the modernised infrastructure program a growing state needs.

[ozbob]

Queensland Parliament Hansard

https://documents.parliament.qld.gov.au/events/han/2024/2024_09_12_DAILY.pdf

Questions Without Notice

Road and Transport Infrastructure

Mr HARPER: My question is of the Minister for Transport and Main Roads. Can the minister
update the House on how the Miles Labor government is delivering the transport and road projects like
Riverway Drive that matter to Queenslanders—

Opposition members interjected.

Mr SPEAKER: Sorry, member. There is always meant to be silence during questions being
asked, but I could not hear part of your question. I ask you to start your question again.

Mr HARPER: Thank you, Mr Speaker. Can the minister update the House on how the Miles Labor
government is delivering transport and road projects like Riverway Drive that matter to Queenslanders,
and is the minister aware of any other approaches?

Mr SPEAKER: Minister, you have two minutes to respond.

Mr MELLISH: Thank you, Mr Speaker; that is all I need. Our $37 billion transport big build is
setting up Queensland for the future. Right across Queensland we are investing in game-changing
road, rail and active transport projects: our billion dollar inland freight route underway right now; the
Rocky ring-road; our hugely successful 50-cent fares; the first government to secure Sunshine Coast
direct rail; and Gold Coast Light Rail. In this term of government alone we have delivered 98 projects,
worth over $4.6 billion.

In contrast, the LNP has made one transport commitment this term—just one. Its only
commitment is to build the Sunshine Coast direct rail to Maroochydore at an additional cost of $6 billion,
which experts say simply cannot be done. I am particularly concerned that the member for Kawana is
campaigning so strongly to have this project open sooner all the way to Maroochydore given that this
project directly benefits his property interests. I think the member should disclose whether he has
excused himself from shadow cabinet during the discussion of this project. He has certainly been the
main spokesperson on it.

I will say it again: this is the only transport project the LNP has committed to. It has not committed
to building a new bridge across the Barron River. Instead, it talks about a review or a repair. It has
consistently derided our commitment to build a new bridge for Bribie Island. We can guarantee that
those opposite will cut it. At every step the LNP has opposed major transport upgrades to the public
transport network—the Northern Transitway, light rail on the Gold Coast and, of course, Cross River
Rail, which the member for Chatsworth particularly hates. Speaking of the member for Chatsworth, I
want to take this opportunity to thank him for being the best shadow transport minister a Labor
government could hope for—no policies, no announcements, no ideas, no projects, no commitments,
and he does not support public transport—but he does not have much competition over there. The
member for Burleigh said in 2021 that public transport would be obsolete within a decade. Well, the
clock is surely ticking. This opposition offers nothing for transport and main roads and it has been found
out.

Mr SPEAKER: Honourable members, the period for question time has expired.