Inland Rail

[verbatim9]

Gowrie to Grandchester Rail Corridor Study---> Updated 05 Aug 2020

[Matt]

Couriermail Quest --> Defiant attack as fears of noise, dust, derailment and property price slump fuel letter


An excerpt from Cr Darren Power's letter

A local government has launched a defiant attack on the federal government's controversial inland rail, firing off a heated letter to one of the country's highest levels of government.

Logan City Council mayor Darren Power wrote to deputy prime minister Micheal McCormack begging for the Inland Rail route to be changed so it did not affect Logan's southwestern suburbs.

The letter was sent after Cr Power slammed an Australian Rail Track Corporation briefing last week for failing to answer questions about how the freight venture would affect residents.

That briefing told councillors that the Inland Rail route was unlikely to change despite vehement opposition from Logan and that there was a risk of derailments on the track.

Australian Rail Track Corporation project manager Rob McNamara was subjected to a barrage of questions about the line, which will be built on existing track running through Greenbank, Forestdale, Hillcrest, Flagstone and Algester.

Mr McNamara refused to say if the project was "too far gone to change the route" but suggested it was unlikely after the federal government gave the corporation the alignment for the track.

He came under further fire after admitting that derailments were "far too frequent".

He was commenting after he heard of residents' concerns about the number of freight trains increasing from eight a day to 45 a day in 2040 when the project was completed.

Cr Power said his council was fiercely united in its opposition to the freight route through Logan and called for answers about noise, dust, vibration and the use of coal trains on the existing track.

He said the delegation withheld details about any test results carried out on noise and vibration and the location of noise barriers.

"The damage that will be done to those residents on the route will be severely affected and realistically I can't see how this is going to continue because this would have to be the most populated area of the route."

Logan lodged a submission to a Senate inquiry into the management of the Inland Rail project by the Australian Rail Track Corporation and the Commonwealth Government in November.

Residents Stan and Suz Corbett, whose Forestdale home is close to the track, said the ARTC was deliberately withholding information.

They said residents needed input as the freight line would adversely affect property prices.

The couple, who have been campaigning against the route through Logan since 2017, also wrote to Mr McCormack this week, complaining about the lack of data released about testing.

"ARTC is not providing suitable answers to serious questions," Mrs Corbett said.

"I have been on the ARTC Community Consultative Committee for almost two years and they are still testing along the corridor but no amount of testing or mitigation will stop the noise, vibration or diesel fumes."

Residents were still waiting to find out if the Co-ordinator-General's Department will allow the project to be co-ordinated through the state department, a move which would require a comprehensive environmental impact assessment.

Mrs Corbett said it would also allow residents a say in the terms of reference for any environmental impact statement.

NIMBYS, everywhere you look, there's NIMBYS.  !

[Matt]

I am not convinced of the importance of the inland line. Some features would really boost its utility. Double stacking would be a massive plus. As would decent passing loops (or double track but unlikely). Standardising the Mildura line and linking it to the Adelaide-Sydney line must be a priority if the inland line goes ahead. I thought the time savings would be an hour or two, not ten? Whatever happens, rail freight on the East Coast needs a lot of attention.

Hooray for the Coalition spending on rail!!!!!

Should be built to a minimum of 70 mph  double stacked, otherwise what's going to attract road freight to come over.

[Jonno]

Couriermail Quest --> Defiant attack as fears of noise, dust, derailment and property price slump fuel letter


An excerpt from Cr Darren Power's letter

A local government has launched a defiant attack on the federal government's controversial inland rail, firing off a heated letter to one of the country's highest levels of government.

Logan City Council mayor Darren Power wrote to deputy prime minister Micheal McCormack begging for the Inland Rail route to be changed so it did not affect Logan's southwestern suburbs.

The letter was sent after Cr Power slammed an Australian Rail Track Corporation briefing last week for failing to answer questions about how the freight venture would affect residents.

That briefing told councillors that the Inland Rail route was unlikely to change despite vehement opposition from Logan and that there was a risk of derailments on the track.

Australian Rail Track Corporation project manager Rob McNamara was subjected to a barrage of questions about the line, which will be built on existing track running through Greenbank, Forestdale, Hillcrest, Flagstone and Algester.

Mr McNamara refused to say if the project was "too far gone to change the route" but suggested it was unlikely after the federal government gave the corporation the alignment for the track.

He came under further fire after admitting that derailments were "far too frequent".

He was commenting after he heard of residents' concerns about the number of freight trains increasing from eight a day to 45 a day in 2040 when the project was completed.

Cr Power said his council was fiercely united in its opposition to the freight route through Logan and called for answers about noise, dust, vibration and the use of coal trains on the existing track.

He said the delegation withheld details about any test results carried out on noise and vibration and the location of noise barriers.

"The damage that will be done to those residents on the route will be severely affected and realistically I can't see how this is going to continue because this would have to be the most populated area of the route."

Logan lodged a submission to a Senate inquiry into the management of the Inland Rail project by the Australian Rail Track Corporation and the Commonwealth Government in November.

Residents Stan and Suz Corbett, whose Forestdale home is close to the track, said the ARTC was deliberately withholding information.

They said residents needed input as the freight line would adversely affect property prices.

The couple, who have been campaigning against the route through Logan since 2017, also wrote to Mr McCormack this week, complaining about the lack of data released about testing.

"ARTC is not providing suitable answers to serious questions," Mrs Corbett said.

"I have been on the ARTC Community Consultative Committee for almost two years and they are still testing along the corridor but no amount of testing or mitigation will stop the noise, vibration or diesel fumes."

Residents were still waiting to find out if the Co-ordinator-General's Department will allow the project to be co-ordinated through the state department, a move which would require a comprehensive environmental impact assessment.

Mrs Corbett said it would also allow residents a say in the terms of reference for any environmental impact statement.

NIMBYS, everywhere you look, there's NIMBYS.  !

Bet they are just as determinedly quiet about the Mt Lyndsay Highway becoming a 4 lane freeway!!

[JimmyP]

I am not convinced of the importance of the inland line. Some features would really boost its utility. Double stacking would be a massive plus. As would decent passing loops (or double track but unlikely). Standardising the Mildura line and linking it to the Adelaide-Sydney line must be a priority if the inland line goes ahead. I thought the time savings would be an hour or two, not ten? Whatever happens, rail freight on the East Coast needs a lot of attention.

Hooray for the Coalition spending on rail!!!!!

Should be built to a minimum of 70 mph  double stacked, otherwise what's going to attract road freight to come over.

I believe double stacking is the plan. Hopefully plenty of 115km/h running in there too, but no doubt there will be slower curves etc. Should still be significantly better than the current route.

[ozbob]

Queensland Times --> Flooding fears for inland rail route

The Inland Rail project will pass through the Lockyer Valley. Its council has raised a number of issues about the sections intended for the region.

A REGIONAL council which was devastated by flooding a decade ago holds fears Inland Rail will only make them more vulnerable and the funding model for the "once-in-a-generation project" will prioritise profit over safety.

The Lockyer Valley felt the brunt of the floods in 2011 and 2013.

Of the 25 people who died in the 2011 disaster, 12 were from Grantham and there were more deaths in Murphys Creek and Helidon.

The proposed 1700km railway is being managed by the Australian Rail Track Corporation with two sections, Gowrie to Helidon and Helidon to Calvert, set to cross the region.

In a submission to the Senate Standing Committee on Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport, the council outlined its concerns about the project.

The freight-only railway will cross through the townships of Helidon, Gatton, Forest Hill and Laidley.

"Council has long recognised the potential for national benefits from an Inland Rail project," the submission read.

"Our approach has always been to reduce and mitigate as far as possible the negative impacts of the project on our communities and to look for any potential benefits from the project.

"To date these benefits have proved elusive, however the impacts of the proposed railway are already being felt in our communities."

The council has taken issue with the 126 kilometre section from Gowrie to Kagaru being delivered by a public private partnership, which it says could result in "substandard" infrastructure it would then be left to manage.

"While council has been engaged in the concept design process, there remain significant unknowns which will not be well understood until detailed design is undertaken by the successful consortium," the submission read.

"By that stage there is a real concern that council will have limited opportunity to influence design outcomes.

"This project will impact the Lockyer Valley for generations."

The council's senior adviser for advocacy Stephen Hart said the model could prove problematic.

"We understand why they're doing it," he said.
"It's a very challenging engineering project.

"The risk is that with a normal contract arrangement, the (Federal Government) would be there as a bit of a fall back position in case the contractor went off the trails.

"Or concern is that profit might take a priority over safety or amenity."

The Lockyer council is concerned the project could worsen flood risks and improving flood resilience will not be a priority for a private party.

Flood modelling has been conducted for the concept design of the local sections and the council will seek a review of the modelling from whichever party is appointed by ARTC.

"Any bit of linear infrastructure has the potential to cause flood impacts, whether it be a road or a railway line," Mr Hart said.

"Unless that's well designed and carefully modelled and carefully constructed, there's a risk that it will impact on the water flows."

Providing the local community with adequate up-to-date information has also been flagged as an issue.

An ARTC office was opened in Gatton last year and the council commended ARTC officers for their strong efforts engaging and showing genuine concern for impacted communities.

The council understands local ARTC officers have individually contacted all directly-affected residents on a 'one-on-one' basis.

"With the timing of our engagement (ARTC) didn't have much information to provide the community with," Mr Hart said.

"Their CEO Richard Wankmuller acknowledged that at a community meeting.

"He pointed out as time progressed, they've got more and more information but unfortunately they engaged early when they just didn't have the information the community needed.

"I believe that's led to a bit of community disengagement.

"It's a project that's been in the making for so long that a lot of community members just felt that it wasn't going to happen.

"Unfortunately we believe it will. We've always said we can see the national benefits but it's coming at a significant cost to the communities of the Lockyer Valley."

Inland Rail director of environment, engagement and property Rebecca Pickering said ARTC "acknowledges community concerns" regarding the project.

"Since 2017, we have been working closely with communities and stakeholders in the Gowrie to Helidon and Helidon to Calvert region to discuss project status, information about the draft Environmental Impact Statement, rail alignment, hydrology, noise and vibration, flora and fauna, property, traffic and road rail interfaces," she said.

"The G2H and H2C projects are each in the planning process.

"In the last year, we have had over 800 engagements with landholders and other community members, held four quarterly meetings with the Lockyer Valley Community Consultative Committee and facilitated monthly working group meetings with councils in the region.

"Our consultation with the community is ongoing and residents can contact us through our dedicated email and 1800 number."

ARTC submitted the preliminary draft Environmental Impact Statement for the Helidon to Calvert section to the Queensland Coordinator-General in September last year.

It also recently submitted the EIS for the Gowrie to Helidon section.

[ozbob]

Couriermail 15th September 2020 page 6

Rail project on track

THE first segment of the huge Inland Rail project will be completed today, with trains set to roll on the Parkes-Narromine section of track in NSW later this year.

A ceremonial golden rail clip will become the last of 365,000 clips installed on the initial section of the 1700km Melbourne to Brisbane line.

More than 1800 people worked on the Parkes-Narromine section, and almost $110m was spent with local businesses. The entire project is expected to be finished in the mid-2020s.

"Inland Rail is an investment in Australia – in our economy, in our regions and in the capacity of our future freight network," Deputy Prime Minister Michael Mc-Cormack said.

Finance Minister Mathias Cormann said the Inland Rail project would provide "cheaper, safer and more reliable" freight than road.

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/RailExpressNews/status/1305735858390052865

[ozbob]

Couriermail Quest --> Logan fury over Inland Rail delay as ARTC prepares for grilling over costings

The developer of the controversial inland freight rail will face tough questioning about costings when a Senate Estimates committee convenes next week.

Australian Rail Track Corporation chief executive Richard Wankmuller and senior executives will be asked about a blowout in costs from $9 billion to $12 billion.

The questioning is also likely to focus on additional costs of an estimated $6 billion for the stretch of track from Gowrie to Kagaru, the most expensive part of the project which includes 9km of tunnels.

The line, which is designed to one day carry double-stacked freight trains and uncovered coal, will run through some of southeast Queensland's most populated areas.

Plans suggest 230,000 Logan residents will be living within a 3km zone of the track by 2041.

The Estimates hearings are unlikely to focus on concerns about technical studies or the lack of community consultation.

Those issues were raised this week by Logan mayor Darren Power who blasted the federal government for delaying the next Senate inquiry from November 11 to February next year.

Cr Power said the February postponement was despite an announcement in June by Prime Minister Scott Morrison to fast-track the project.

"It's 'not good enough' that Logan residents have been left in the dark due to yet another delay," he said.

"Council has expressed concerns since 2016 regarding the K2ARB section of Inland Rail and the catastrophic impacts on our city.

"This route was selected without consultation and residents did not get an opportunity to influence route selection or offer alternatives.

"The federal government's view is that the project is a fait accompli, but I will not sit idly by and allow the ARTC to bulldoze their way through our city without putting up a fight," he said.

Cr Power said the establishment of a Community Consultative Committee was a positive step even though the public was not barred from engaging.

Forestdale resident Suz Corbett, who is on the committee, said she was looking forward to the outcome from next week's Estimates and congratulated the Logan mayor for taking a hard line stance.

"There are 50,000 residents along this line who feel totally forgotten and neglected so it's nice that our frustrations are being heard by our mayor but it would be even better if the Deputy Prime Minister and state representatives listened as well."

TIMELINE OF DELAYS

September 17, 2019: The Senate moved that the management of the Inland Rail project by the ARTC be referred to the Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee for inquiry and report by September 30, 2020.

June 11, 2020: The Senate granted an extension of time to report until November 11, 2020.

September 30, 2020: The Senate granted a further extension of time to report until February 11, 2021.

[ozbob]

Rail Express --> Final approvals passed for Narrabri to North Star Inland Rail

The environmental impact statement (EIS) for the Narrabri to North Star leg of Inland Rail has been approved, paving the way for construction to begin before the end of 2020.

The EIS is one of the final approvals required for the project, with the section already approved by NSW planning authorities.

The leg from Narrabri to North Star involves upgrading 186km of existing rail corridor and 2.3km of new track construction.

Inland Rail was one of 15 projects fast tracked under federal government regulation in June this year. This enabled the project to pass state and federal approvals quickly and be ready for construction sooner.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said that by passing this latest stage in approval, more benefits could flow to the communities along the alignment.

"Inland Rail will play a key role in getting our economy back on track because it means more people in jobs and it means more productivity for so many industries and local businesses," he said.

"On the Parkes to Narromine section, 1,800 jobs were supported and more than $109 million was spent with 99 local businesses – we're looking forward to seeing Northern New South Wales enjoy similar benefits soon with construction on this section starting later this year."

Federal member for Parkes, Mark Coulton, said that the experience of the recently completed first stage, from Parkes to Narromine, would indicate how the next sections would play out.

"The first recently completed section – Parkes to Narromine – provided a significant boost to businesses across a range of industries, including concrete supply, transportation, fencing, earthmoving, accommodation, hospitality and security in what has been a difficult time for many rural businesses with drought, fires and now COVID-19," he said.

"Northern NSW has a proud history of agricultural excellence – the long term benefits of this transformational project will better connect our region to east coast ports and create new supply chains to better move the produce and products we are famous for."

Finance Minister Mathias Cormann highlighted that Inland Rail is one of the nationally significant infrastructure projects that hopes to restart the economy after COVID-19.

"Inland Rail will support more than 5,000 jobs in New South Wales during construction and as each section is completed, more fast and reliable rail services will become available to industry and regional producers across Australia," Minister Cormann said.

"Large scale infrastructure projects are a key driver of growth – driving investment, boosting economic development, creating many news jobs and opportunities for local businesses."

[ozbob]

Queensland Times --> INLAND RAIL: How the changes will impact Forest Hill town

THE multi-billion dollar Inland Rail project is anticipated to result in the construction of a new level crossing in Forest Hill.

The new level crossing will replace the existing one, which Inland Rail staff deemed to be unsafe to traffic.

Project Manager Chris Mathews told the Lockyer Valley Community Consultative Committee and members of the public on Tuesday night that the level crossing was the preferred option.

"It was always going to be a level crossing, but the existing level crossing is unsafe to traffic, so we have realigned it," he said.

During the consultation period, Mr Mathews said the local community found that an overpass was not desirable and were concerned it would cut off Forest Hill.

He said residents who lived outside the town wanted an overpass because they didn't want to be stopping when driving through Forest Hill.

Mr Mathews said a data analysis revealed the majority of people wanted a level crossing.

"Consultation with the local community found an overpass was not particularly desirable," he said.

At present, trains using the current rail network stretch about 600 metres long, and traffic comes to a standstill for about two to three minutes.

Mr Mathews said the network supports about 22 to 24 trains a day at present, and the target would allow up to 57 trains daily.

Some members of the committee were concerned they would be halted at crossings for a long period of time.

"There's mixed traffic, not all trains will be the 1600m long trains, there will be other trains that are much shorter," Mr Mathews said.

Its expected on opening day, about 30 trains will use the Inland Rail network.

Mr Mathews said sections of the Helidon to Calvert section was in discussion with the Lockyer Valley Regional Council – including the Gaul Street pedestrian crossing in Gatton.

"We are discussing project scope and technical requirements with LVRC where it impacts their roads," he said.

"We have been asked to look at alternatives around Golf Links Drive and Gaul St pedestrian crossing to look at a potential alternative for an overbridge."

[Jonno]

Couriermail Quest --> Logan fury over Inland Rail delay as ARTC prepares for grilling over costings

The developer of the controversial inland freight rail will face tough questioning about costings when a Senate Estimates committee convenes next week.

Australian Rail Track Corporation chief executive Richard Wankmuller and senior executives will be asked about a blowout in costs from $9 billion to $12 billion.

The questioning is also likely to focus on additional costs of an estimated $6 billion for the stretch of track from Gowrie to Kagaru, the most expensive part of the project which includes 9km of tunnels.

The line, which is designed to one day carry double-stacked freight trains and uncovered coal, will run through some of southeast Queensland's most populated areas.

Plans suggest 230,000 Logan residents will be living within a 3km zone of the track by 2041.

The Estimates hearings are unlikely to focus on concerns about technical studies or the lack of community consultation.

Those issues were raised this week by Logan mayor Darren Power who blasted the federal government for delaying the next Senate inquiry from November 11 to February next year.

Cr Power said the February postponement was despite an announcement in June by Prime Minister Scott Morrison to fast-track the project.

"It's 'not good enough' that Logan residents have been left in the dark due to yet another delay," he said.

"Council has expressed concerns since 2016 regarding the K2ARB section of Inland Rail and the catastrophic impacts on our city.

"This route was selected without consultation and residents did not get an opportunity to influence route selection or offer alternatives.

"The federal government's view is that the project is a fait accompli, but I will not sit idly by and allow the ARTC to bulldoze their way through our city without putting up a fight," he said.

Cr Power said the establishment of a Community Consultative Committee was a positive step even though the public was not barred from engaging.

Forestdale resident Suz Corbett, who is on the committee, said she was looking forward to the outcome from next week's Estimates and congratulated the Logan mayor for taking a hard line stance.

"There are 50,000 residents along this line who feel totally forgotten and neglected so it's nice that our frustrations are being heard by our mayor but it would be even better if the Deputy Prime Minister and state representatives listened as well."

TIMELINE OF DELAYS

September 17, 2019: The Senate moved that the management of the Inland Rail project by the ARTC be referred to the Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee for inquiry and report by September 30, 2020.

June 11, 2020: The Senate granted an extension of time to report until November 11, 2020.

September 30, 2020: The Senate granted a further extension of time to report until February 11, 2021.

You want to build a rail line?  Wooohhooo there We have to have a good ol think about that!

Freeway that is known to increase the health risk to anyone living within 500m?  Can I drive the bulldozer as it knocks the houses down!!!

[JimmyP]

^^ This one is even worse than that, the railway is already there and running!! They're only increasing services on that section, with some crossing loop extentions within the current corridor!

[ozbob]

Queensland Times --> Inland Rail to force closure of Gatton railway crossing

AUSTRALIA's Inland Rail project will temporarily close Gatton's Gaul Street railway crossing this week as assessments are made of possible alternative roads and routes.

The Lockyer Valley Regional Council will implement a temporary closure for one week from Friday, November 6 to Friday, November 13.

Councillor Janice Holstein said the temporary closure will "help determine the impact on the local road network" if Inland Rail permanently closes the crossing.

Drivers are being told to seek alternate routes from the north and south parts of Gatton while the closure is in place.

The Inland Rail project will connect Melbourne and Brisbane via a 1700 km freight network with 47 kilometres of new track proposed for the route connecting Helidon and Calvert, via Placid Hills, Gatton, Laidley and Grandchester.

For further information, contact council on 1300 005 872 or visit the council's website, www.lockyervalley.qld.gov.au

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Inland Rail cost blows out to $14.5b, 4600 more jobs for Qld

The cost of the 1700km Inland Rail has blown out by $5.5 billion, but "project enhancements" are set to create more than 4600 jobs in Queensland.

The blowout occurred because the Federal Government was forced to make significant changes to improve safety and overcome community objections.

The Government says the total cost will climb to $14.5 billion, but project enhancements will further stimulate regional communities, creating 5800 more jobs and billions of dollars of extra economic activity.

Queensland is expected to be the big winner from the new jobs, with an additional 4600 workers needed to implement the design changes across the five sections running through the state. ...

[Gazza]

New design features include 4500 additional culverts, nine new viaducts, an extra 6.8km of bridges, about 450km of additional fencing and removing 139 level crossings.

[verbatim9]

Acacia Ridge to the Port of Brisbane needs to be designed now with a series of tunnels and electrification to haul the freight to the Port. It should really be electrified from Lockyer to Acacia Ridge as stage 1 and stage 2 from Acacia Ridge to the Port of Brisbane along the new alignment.

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes  ---> Inland Rail will be 'devastating' for southside Brisbane, inquiry told

Southside Brisbane roads will be clogged with extra B-double trucks under the current route for Inland Rail, a Senate inquiry has been told.

Former Howard government minister Gary Hardgrave, who chairs a community consultation committee for Inland Rail, said there would be a tripling of trucks in Acacia Ridge, where the planned line would terminate, by 2050. ...

[ozbob]

Rail Express --> EIS for Border to Gowrie open to public comment, Cecil Plains route ruled out

The Queensland government has released the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Border to Gowrie section of Inland Rail for public exhibition.

The EIS follows the confirmation that the project will progress along the original route and that an alternative route, known as the forestry route and would take the project via Cecil Plains, is no longer under consideration.

The independent review of the proposed foresty route was released in November 2020. It found that a 25km longer, alternative route suggested by local groups would add 17 minutes to the travel time and increase costs by $472 million.

Communities along the 216km route are invited to give their feedback over the extended 12-week period.

The confirmed section includes 145km of new dual gauge track and upgrading 71km of track from the NSW/Queensland border to Gowrie Junction. ...

[ozbob]

Inland Rail - Border to Gowrie

Project overview

https://www.statedevelopment.qld.gov.au/coordinator-general/assessments-and-approvals/coordinated-projects/current-projects/inland-rail-border-to-gowrie

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Inland Rail dubbed 'dog of a project' by Labor senator $

... Because of the size of these double-stacked 1.8km long trains they are too big to get to the port meaning that the trains are due to terminate at Acacia Ridge which is still a long way from the Port of Brisbane.

Two weeks ago the Senate Committee looking at this issue heard evidence from the Mayor of Logan about how the ARTC and Federal Government have ignored the concerns of local residents who are going to be impacted by the increased frequency of trains heading through Logan into Acacia Ridge.

We heard alarming evidence from the trucking industry who estimate that there is going to be an extra 3000 truck movements per day between Acacia Ridge and the Port of Brisbane and surrounds. Not just any truck, but what is called an A-double, which is basically 3000 road trains a day through southern Brisbane suburbs. This is expected to grow to over 11,000 by 2040.

The Government have provided no plan on how this will be managed and have not engaged with the trucking industry.

It is frustrating that the Inland Rail project has been beset by so many problems in Queensland. Federal Labor are supportive of the project but it has been mismanaged in my home state. In separate evidence to the Senate Inquiry into Inland Rail Everald Compton and Jon Grayson were scathing of the project's management. ...

[achiruel]

Is anyone really thinking about options here? Short of having a suitable line to the port, there is equipment available that can unstack a restack containers from one train to another basically automatically (still need drivers available in both trains though).

Failing that, what about moving the intermodal terminal to Larapinta where trucks can directly access the Logan Mwy and travel to the port without using the BUC?

[verbatim9]

Best option would be Electric hauled (change locomotives) from Toowoomba Welcamp and have a tunnel from Acacia Ridge that meets the current freight line between Murarrie and Cannon Hill. It doesn't have to be a twin track tunnel but single one. It would cost less having a tunnel for only electrical hauled freight. Less ventilation shaft etc...

[ozbob]

Blast from the past

29 August 2013

Couriermail --> Rail tunnel to Port of Brisbane needed to ease increasing traffic congestion

The privately-owned Port of Brisbane Pty Ltd yesterday welcomed the Federal Coalition's commitment to building a tunnel from Acacia Ridge to the facility, as part of the Inland Rail project.

Deputy Coalition leader Warren Truss joined Queensland Transport Minister Scott Emerson to announce a Coalition Government in Canberra would spend $300 million over three years to get the decade-long project underway.

Port of Brisbane chief executive Russell Smith said they believed the delivery of a "sustainable, long-term rail freight transport solution was needed urgently to prevent worsening freight-induced traffic congestion".

He said without a dedicated freight rail solution, by 2025 more than seven million annual truck movements servicing the Port of Brisbane would be needed to sustain Queensland's population and economic growth.

"Key benefits stemming from the development of a dedicated rail freight line to service the Port of Brisbane include significant reduction in future truck related traffic congestion on southeast Queensland roads, improved road safety and community amenity, and reduced road infrastructure costs," said Mr Smith.

Australia's largest rail freight company Aurizon also backed the announcement, expressing particular interest in the proposed rail freight corridor from Rosewood west of Ipswich via Acacia Ridge to the Port of Brisbane. ...

[ozbob]

Well well, been here before  ...

Couriermail --> Two 16km tunnels could link Inland Rail with Brisbane Port

Cross River Rail's borers could be used to dig two tunnels stretching 16km and end the missing link between Brisbane's port and Inland Rail, generating a massive jobs, exports and congestion-busting boost to Queensland.

The mega tunnel is being investigated by government as a way to unlock billions in jobs and exports as well clear city roads of heavy trucks and backyards of coal trains.

The Sunday Mail can reveal the route from Acacia Ridge to Port of Brisbane is being investigated as well as a shorter 12km version as we launch our Queensland's Missing Link campaign to get the freight route built.

Just 2.5 per cent of containerised freight moving through Port of Brisbane is moved by rail, hampered by having to share the commuter system, choking both and forcing containers on to trucks.

A dedicated freight route could take as many as 2.4 million trucks a year off the road, cut the cost of transport for farmers and exporters and tap the massive economic, jobs and road safety benefits of taking rail freight direct all the way to the sea. ...

[ozbob]

Sunday Mail --> Missing Link: Brisbane needs rail tunnels to unlock potential

Building the missing link between the Port of Brisbane and the Inland Rail mega project is an essential part of the blueprint for unlocking Brisbane and Queensland's potential, an influential group of business powerbrokers say.

The Committee for Brisbane has backed The Sunday Mail's Missing Link campaign, saying getting a dedicated freight rail link to the port is the top of their list of what needs to be done.

The link would create a $5.4 billion boost for economy as well as take 2.4 million trucks a year off the road, and 1200 new jobs annually, the committee says.

"We call on the Federal and State governments to fast-track approval processes so the detailed design and construction of the Queensland sections of the Melbourne to Brisbane project can start sooner," the committee says in its manifesto. ...

[ozbob]

The Australian --> Missing port link makes mockery of $10bn Inland Rail project $

The $10bn Inland Rail project should be our proudest piece of nation building since the Snowy Mountains Scheme.

Instead, the planned 1700km line between Brisbane and Melbourne threatens to be a gigantic white elephant. The rail link, first proposed more than a century ago, has a fundamental flaw – the Brisbane end of the line doesn't go anywhere near the city's port, instead terminating in the middle of the southern suburbs.

That defeats its main purpose, to get trucks off our increasingly busy roads and make rail a viable alternative to move goods to global markets. Only 2 per cent of freight to the port currently goes by rail from 13 per cent in 2006, a failing Inland Rail was supposed to remedy.

A recent Senate inquiry into Inland Rail has revealed a litany of issues with the project, much of it focused on the bureaucratic buck passing over the failure to plan for a Brisbane Port link. ...

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Inland Rail 'missing link': Big plans for disused Brisbane quarry $

Launching tunnel boring machines from a disused quarry on Brisbane's southside could speed up its rehabilitation by decades and clamp down on any construction impacts while the Port of Brisbane is connected to Inland Rail, the owner has claimed.

BMI Group director Balfour Irvine said spoil from digging the 'Missing Link' freight tunnel could be used to fill his company's Pine Mountain Road Quarry in Mount Gravatt East.

At the current rate of rehabilitation, it could take 25 years for the land to be completely rehabilitated.

But plans revealed by Mr Irvine and National Trunk Rail show that by launching the tunnel boring machines from the disused quarry, excavated material could take up to 250,000 trucks off Brisbane's roads during construction and would speed the mine's rehabilitation up by years. ...

[#Metro]

I think we should look at taking a position on this.

Rail along the gateway motorway alignment will be billions cheaper and faster than a tunnel.

Acacia ridge termination and then truck makes no sense. It isn't the late 1800s anymore.

We can get a rail line from Adelaide to Darwin but not from Acacia Ridge to POB? That's ridiculous.

[timh]

Rail along the gateway motorway alignment will be billions cheaper and faster than a tunnel.

Financially and engineering-ly it is definitely a much easier route, but politically it would be incredibly difficult.


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[Jonno]

I love how building the Gateway Motorway was "progress" but a rail line alongside is "politically challenging". I smell double standard!

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Brisbane City Council rules out its own Inland Rail impact research

Brisbane City Council will not commission modelling of its own on the traffic or environmental impacts of a link between its port and the end of the proposed multibillion-dollar national Inland Rail route in the city's south.

The refusal, which infrastructure committee chair David McLachlan said was because such research would replicate the work tasked to the state and federal governments, comes amid escalating political rumblings and growing community concern about the project.

Overseen by the Australian Rail Track Corporation and the federal government, the 1715-kilometre freight line is slated to connect Melbourne to Brisbane via regional Victoria, NSW and Queensland, with upgraded and new tracks.

The line is planned to end at Acacia Ridge in Brisbane's suburban south, almost 40 kilometres from the Port of Brisbane. ...

[#Metro]

I would like to know what Logan council's issues are with the gateway option.

[ozbob]

Rail along the gateway motorway alignment will be billions cheaper and faster than a tunnel.

Financially and engineering-ly it is definitely a much easier route, but politically it would be incredibly difficult.


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On the money Tim ...

Long time NIMBYism  ....

Deputy mayor Adrian Schrinner rails against freight route  September 23, 2015

> https://www.smh.com.au/business/companies/deputy-mayor-adrian-schrinner-rails-against-freight-route-20150923-gjt9rt.html

[#Metro]

The opposition doesn't make sense really.

Freight has to get to the port, either way.

The question is whether that freight should be on the back of a truck or the back of a train.

If you don't have the train, then you will have chosen the to put the freight on hundreds of  trucks which will interact with residents on suburban streets. Is that what they want?

[timh]

The opposition doesn't make sense really.

Freight has to get to the port, either way.

The question is whether that freight should be on the back of a truck or the back of a train.

If you don't have the train, then you will have chosen the to put the freight on hundreds of  trucks which will interact with residents on suburban streets. Is that what they want?

No, they want a big tunnel.

When it comes to NIMBYs, logic doesn't dictate much of their thinking. As long as the freight is away from them, they don't care how it goes!
You could propose to bulldoze a straight line from Acacia ridge to the port and those opposed in Carindale who whinge about the Gateway route would probably be okay with it.

It's the same as the people in Logan who are whinging about the Inland rail route along the Interstate line, instead proposing that Inland Rail run to GLADSTONE, regardless of how ludicrously more expensive that would be

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[SurfRail]

^ That thinking is Everald Compton speaking.  He's a lovely fellow (I've done some work for him professionally), but he really needs to let it go that his own preferred operating model is not going ahead. 

Among other things, this is needed for intracapital freight, moreso than to spit coal and wheat onto ships.  The POB's accessibility by rail is ridiculously constrained compared to every other coastal capital.

[verbatim9]

Brisbanetimes --> Brisbane City Council rules out its own Inland Rail impact research

Brisbane City Council will not commission modelling of its own on the traffic or environmental impacts of a link between its port and the end of the proposed multibillion-dollar national Inland Rail route in the city's south.

The refusal, which infrastructure committee chair David McLachlan said was because such research would replicate the work tasked to the state and federal governments, comes amid escalating political rumblings and growing community concern about the project.

Overseen by the Australian Rail Track Corporation and the federal government, the 1715-kilometre freight line is slated to connect Melbourne to Brisbane via regional Victoria, NSW and Queensland, with upgraded and new tracks.

The line is planned to end at Acacia Ridge in Brisbane's suburban south, almost 40 kilometres from the Port of Brisbane. ...

^^I hope we get the electric tunnel version, its the way of the future.

[Gazza]

A tunnel is foam, just do a freight line along the gateway, no different to the freight lines which follow highways in Perth, eg:

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Perth+WA/@-32.0166261,115.9720244,1268m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m5!3m4!1s0x2a32966cdb47733d:0x304f0b535df55d0!8m2!3d-31.9523123!4d115.861309

Quote from Schrinner

"The proposed rail line would require a corridor of at least 35 to 40 metres wide next to the Gateway Motorway," he said.

"If you'd like to know what a 35-40 metre corridor looks like, it's roughly equivalent in size to the six-lane sections of the Gateway Motorway.

Why would you need a 40m corridor. The access Rd would be 6m wide, so are you telling me two tracks would be 36m wide. 

Didn't realise this was a Broooooaaaaaaaaaadddd gauge train.

[verbatim9]

A tunnel is foam, just do a freight line along the gateway, no different to the freight lines which follow highways in Perth, eg:

That is just archaic town planning and poor transport design for modern liveable cities. I think Brisbane can do better than that in preparation for a low carbon and zero emission future.

The electric tunnel option is also mentioned in the IA report and supported by credible evidence.