Queens Wharf Development

[verbatim9]

BrizCommuter has spoken, after facepalming (again).
http://brizcommuter.blogspot.com.au/2015/07/casino-kills-bat.html

Definitely have to agree with this opinion piece! A good idea to build a shell of the station @ George St, Woolloongabba etc... bore a tunnel and leave the station fit outs, electrification, track laying until later.

[Stillwater]

Seems to be that horse-trading continues over whether the winning consortium will fund a new Lyric Theatre for Brisbane.  Why not ditch the negotiations over a new theatre and, instead, negotiate with the developers to build the George Street station shell, or any station shell along a cross-river rail alignment that's proven feasible and compatible with network objectives.

[verbatim9]

Yet another fantastic opinion piece. Thanks to Rail express  http://www.railexpress.com.au/no-train-station-at-brisbane-casino-yet/

[James]

Seems to be that horse-trading continues over whether the winning consortium will fund a new Lyric Theatre for Brisbane.  Why not ditch the negotiations over a new theatre and, instead, negotiate with the developers to build the George Street station shell, or any station shell along a cross-river rail alignment that's proven feasible and compatible with network objectives.

Do you honestly think that will win any votes, Stillwater? To hell with a dark tunnel cavity! Cavities aren't sexy, cavities are things doctors stick things up to see if there's anything wrong with you.

A theatre though? That is sexy! A politician can stand in a theatre and praise themselves and have room to seat thousands of people who will tell them how wonderful they are. A theatre will take people's minds off the facts they live in a state where transit planning has totally failed. A theatre is a place for the fine arts and other culsharul events!

(Sadly this satirical piece is probably an accurate reflection of what the government really has in mind here).

[ozbob]

BrizCommuter has spoken, after facepalming (again).
http://brizcommuter.blogspot.com.au/2015/07/casino-kills-bat.html

Thanks!   

[Stillwater]

Let's get Mick Fanning in as el supremo of a cross-river rail tunnel construction authority.  He is good at punching heads.

[ozbob]

Yet another fantastic opinion piece. Thanks to Rail express  http://www.railexpress.com.au/no-train-station-at-brisbane-casino-yet/

Most of Brisbane and media are simply hoodwinked by Casino $$$ ...

Reality is still to grip most ...

Top little yarn!  Thanks for finding it 

[ozbob]

I have sent both http://www.railexpress.com.au/no-train-station-at-brisbane-casino-yet/ and http://brizcommuter.blogspot.com.au/2015/07/casino-kills-bat.html to all media.

It is a real sign of the entrenched failure that pervades the elite around George Street  that it is up to interstate writers and bloggers to point out the obvious failings with the grand plan hey?

[ozbob]

^ Fairfax radio news have followed up.  Thanks ..   

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

23rd July 2015

Insanity ...

Good Morning,

Interesting that the failure to secure an underground rail station as part of the Queens Wharf development goes largely unnoticed by most.

Thanks to Fairfax Radio News for highlighting this very significant failing.

One of the reasons that SEQ is headlong into transport failure is that the important issues are glossed over by most.

Doing the same thing over and over again, more roads and neglecting public transport, is not working.

Even very low cost solutions such as properly sorting out the Brisbane bus network is too hard because of politics trumping proper policy.  Appalling situation in reality.

It really is time to snap out of it and change the failing paradigm.  There is little time left.

Best wishes
Robert

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

I have sent both http://www.railexpress.com.au/no-train-station-at-brisbane-casino-yet/ and http://brizcommuter.blogspot.com.au/2015/07/casino-kills-bat.html to all media.

It is a real sign of the entrenched failure that pervades the elite around George Street  that it is up to interstate writers and bloggers to point out the obvious failings with the grand plan hey?

[Stillwater]

It is the faceless women and men of the bureaucracy who provide policy advice to government and administer the planning and day-to-day operations.  I wonder what their advice to government is on this issue?  It is absolutely appalling to leave this matter hanging -- resulting in a multi-million development with so many venues and attractions for people yet, in prospect, with a bus stop out the front!

Does the government intend that people use Southbank and South Brisbane stations to access the casino and walk across the new pedestrian bridge?

If it doesn't have the dollars, maybe the government could issue a 'statement of intent' about how it will handle PT access to a major new venue for the city.  Something that shows planning is underway.

[ozbob]

^ It's mind-numbing Mr Stillwater ..

[nathandavid88]

Having a look at the BaT plans, the footprint for the George Street station cavity sit almost exclusively under George Street itself and the buildings on the opposite side of the street. There is a tiny fraction of a corner that sits under the Queen's Wharf site, and about half of that fraction sits under the heritage-listed Government Printery which I imagine won't be excavated under. In my opinion, I don't see the Queen's Wharf development and the lack of a station cavern being included (not that anyone could possibly expect the Government to realistically ask the developers for one, given the current state of limbo CRR/BaT sits in) precluding the George Street option from eventuating at some point in the future.

[ozbob]

I have been advised by ' sources ' that not building the George St precinct station as Queens Wharf proceeds effectively rules it out.  There was an opportunity for value capture/commercialisation which is probably now lost as well.

Albert St will be the probable alignment if it is ever built. 

George St was the original proposed alignment.  It went to Albert St when further data etc. was taken into account.  BaT brought it back to George St.

The best PT can expect I think that will happen from here is brightly painted buses with flashing $ signs doing loops around town.   

Grouse hey?

[verbatim9]

Why did Dr Lynham aka pretend Minister for Infrastructure  and Liquor and Gambling say "We can still build the George St Station later"?

[ozbob]

Why did Dr Lynham aka pretend Minister for Infrastructure  and Liquor and Gambling say "We can still build the George St Station later"?

No idea ...

But he also mentioned other routes ..

[James]

Why did Dr Lynham aka pretend Minister for Infrastructure  and Liquor and Gambling say "We can still build the George St Station later"?

Because Dr Lynham is a maxillofacial surgeon, not a civil engineer. Wouldn't know how soil mechanics works even if the casino fell into a bored tunnel. Just more government spin.

[Stillwater]

We are governed by dellusionalists.  I want a university study done into the probability of an entire state Cabinet not having the fairytale 'The Emperor's New Clothes' read to them as children.   

[BrizCommuter]

Why did Dr Lynham aka pretend Minister for Infrastructure  and Liquor and Gambling say "We can still build the George St Station later"?

Because Dr Lynham is a maxillofacial surgeon, not a civil engineer. Wouldn't know how soil mechanics works even if the casino fell into a bored tunnel. Just more government spin.

Crikey, the station will probably be built under the zygomatic arch then.

[Stillwater]

Shades of Bligh and Beattie!  Brisbane's new casino developers are promoting the Queens Wharf complex as "The new Heart of Brisbane that is truly world class."  There's that phrase again .... world clarse.

Five and six-star hotels, 50 new eateries, an underground shopping centre, new public spaces and viewing decks etc -- all served by a 'word clarse' bus stop.  Who is kidding who?       

[ozbob]

Why did Dr Lynham aka pretend Minister for Infrastructure  and Liquor and Gambling say "We can still build the George St Station later"?

Because Dr Lynham is a maxillofacial surgeon, not a civil engineer. Wouldn't know how soil mechanics works even if the casino fell into a bored tunnel. Just more government spin.

Crikey, the station will probably be built under the zygomatic arch then.

Dr Lynham is a fine surgeon, and a motivated campaigner for sanity.  I sometimes wonder why he is not Minister for Health ...

But hey we are in Queensland ... 

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> 'Too much heritage' in Queens Wharf casino plans: Deen brother

[#Metro]

No train station! What an outrage! How did that happen?!?!

[ozbob]

^ 

[SurfRail]

Brisbanetimes --> 'Too much heritage' in Queens Wharf casino plans: Deen brother

[ozbob]

 

[ozbob]

Transport options for the $$$ palace is certainly in dire straights by the looks of things.  We might yet be surprised, you never know ..   

Meanwhile ..

[pandmaster]

Does Brisbane need all the additional hotels that are part of this project?

I have not read anything about housing as part of the redevelopment.

[ozbob]

News.com.au --> Cabbies see Brisbane River as a fare earner

A FLEET of luxury water taxis will ply the Brisbane River in a plan to bring a touch of Venice-style glamour to the city.
Proposals for the new multi­billion-dollar casino and integrated resort at Queen's Wharf include a boating base from where tourists can explore other local attractions.

And Yellow Cabs boss Neill Ford is in talks with Echo Entertainment chiefs about using the new CBD development as a hub for a water-taxi service.
"It's been a concept of mine for about 15 years, and Queen's Wharf provides the opportunity to make something happen," Mr Ford said. "We are a river city after all, so we should really promote it.

"It becomes a tourist attraction in its own right. You would be looking at really beautiful boats with polished timber and so on. Maybe not as expensive as those in Venice, but something really attractive."

Mr Ford said there was also interest from restaurant owners across the river at South Bank, where there is already a jetty that could be used.
In addition to tourists, the water taxis would appeal to locals looking for a special night out at the new resort precinct or other city venues, and to commuters from Brisbane's riverside suburbs looking to dodge road congestion ...

Luv ya BrisBANE !   

[ozbob]

Letter to the Editor Queensland Times 28th July 2015 page 11

Bus boarding failure another blunder in transport system

[pandmaster]

Does Brisbane need all the additional hotels that are part of this project?

I have not read anything about housing as part of the redevelopment.

Apparently three residential towers are being built: http://www.railexpress.com.au/no-train-station-at-brisbane-casino-yet/

[Stillwater]

Ahh, so the punters get to the Casino by catching a train to Sth Brisbane Station, walk to Southbank and hail a water taxi for the leg across the Brisbane River.  It all makes sense now.  And we have got to give it a name ...... Cross River Hail   

[SteelPan]

THE only exciting major transport initiative, that will greet anyone, in the next 10 YEARS in the "backward Brisbane" CBD, MAYBE [but I doubt it], an exciting new coloured bus stop sign!     Warning, don't get too excited when you see it however, there's likely some weird and unique Qld law you could get arrested under!

Seriously, do you REALLY believe Echo are going to build that multi-billion dollar thing - their hard pressed filling the tin-box of a casino they've got now!  Come 7pm on any weekday night, the vast "entertainment" and "dining" experiences their proposing, a canon could be safely fired through!

Needless to say, IF by some miracle it is built, it will kill a lot of the "restaurant" and "leisure" sectors outside of itself for years! That's many "mum and dad" type businesses - so who's this really going to benefit???

Brisbane is not a casino destination- the Gold Coast is perfect for it - a bit like LA doesn't do real casinos, with 'Vegas only a short drive away!

Multiple Gold coast casinos are doable, it's a dedicated "sin city" environment - it won't work in Brisbane and I personally suspect, over the next year or so, Echo will start back-peddling on what they've put out there as of now!

[ozbob]

http://statements.qld.gov.au/Statement/2015/8/7/public-consultation-now-open-for-queens-wharf-precinct

Media Statements
Deputy Premier, Minister for Transport, Minister for Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning and Minister for Trade
The Honourable Jackie Trad

Friday, August 07, 2015

Public consultation now open for Queen's Wharf precinct

Public consultation is now open around the proposed development scheme to transform Brisbane's riverfront and deliver the Queen's Wharf integrated resort development. 

Deputy Premier and Minister for Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning Jackie Trad said the community is invited to comment on the proposed land use planning for the Queen's Wharf Brisbane Priority Development Area (PDA) draft development scheme.

"Queen's Wharf is a premier heritage site for our city and this development will attract visitors and investment and open up the precinct for the people of Brisbane to enjoy," Ms Trad said.

"Destination Brisbane Consortium's overarching design to develop the site has been agreed to by the state, but it will still need to undergo a rigorous development assessment process.

"With public consultation now open, the community is invited to have their say around the planning provisions to shape design outcomes and reinvigorate areas of public space.

"The final development scheme will guide the approval of the detailed plans, while ensuring important matters such as heritage, public open space and the riverfront are respected and enhanced."

Ms Trad said the transformation of the Queen's Wharf precinct from an under-utilised government quarter into a world-class entertainment and leisure destination will provide massive economic development opportunities - creating up to 3,000 jobs during construction and 8,000 ongoing jobs.

"The community's views were translated into the vision for Queen's Wharf Brisbane agreed to by the state and now the next stage is to ensure the public can comment on important matters such as heritage, public open space and the use of the riverfront," Ms Trad said.

The Queens Wharf Brisbane PDA proposed development scheme will be on public notification for 30 business days from 7 August to 21 September 2015.

Interested parties are invited to comment on the draft development scheme proposed to manage the integrated resort development including, the conservation and adaptive re-use of all heritage places, access to and enjoyment of the Brisbane River, and the site's connection to South Bank.

Submissions can be made online, or via email or post:

Online: www.edq.qld.gov.au/qwb-pda
Post: Queen's Wharf Brisbane PDA, Economic Development Queensland, Reply Paid, PO Box 2202, Brisbane QLD 4001
Email: edq@dilgp.qld.gov.au
The proposed development scheme was prepared by Economic Development Queensland in consultation with Brisbane City Council and state agencies.

[Stillwater]

Ms Trad uttered the dreaded 'world clarse' words ... the new casino won't be 'world class' without mass transit public transport serving it, as well as serving the precinct where a significant number of public servants and uni students work and study every day.

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Destination Brisbane consortium promises heritage protection

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^

Twitter

Robert Dow ‏@Robert_Dow 38s

See Brisbane before after mega casino .. > http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/x/gjq6nq?stb=twt ... via @brisbanetimes #qldpol transport failure ..

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Queens Wharf: Brisbane 'gets nothing' from casino precinct, say architects


Not much hope for BrisBANE is there?   

[newbris]

Brisbanetimes --> Queens Wharf: Brisbane 'gets nothing' from casino precinct, say architects


Not much hope for BrisBANE is there?   

Some pretty weak points made by that architect again. He has been pushing against queens wharf for a while but I haven't yet read any convincing point made by him.

[colinw]

I seriously doubt Queen's wharf will get up in anything like the form being promoted, and doubt the business case for it is firm enough to get funding.  I also very much doubt Echo's credentials when it comes to pulling off something of this scope.

If, by some anti-miracle, the bloody thing does get built - well IMHO the CRR v3 should return to the original Albert St alignment.

Do we really want Brisbane's main city underground station plopped in the middle of a giant bogan temple of compulsive gambling?

[newbris]

I seriously doubt Queen's wharf will get up in anything like the form being promoted, and doubt the business case for it is firm enough to get funding.  I also very much doubt Echo's credentials when it comes to pulling off something of this scope. Construction begins next year.

If, by some anti-miracle, the bloody thing does get built - well IMHO the CRR v3 should return to the original Albert St alignment.

Do we really want Brisbane's main city underground station plopped in the middle of a giant bogan temple of compulsive gambling?

Echo says it is funding it's half from money in its existing businesses debt facilities and cash flow. The queensland govt has had a big look at both bids so you would expect them to have significant confidence in the one they have selected. It has also been scrutinised by multiple investment banks. Echo aren't delivering it alone, they also have the money from Far East Consortium and Chow Tai Fook Enterprises.

It is a big win that we are moving the existing casino rather than getting a second casino if crown had won. The govt has mandated some parts of the winners proposal as mandatory deliverables to prevent large scale wind back of the scope:

"The key deliverables for Queen's Wharf Brisbane will be closely managed by the Department of State Development to ensure that the preferred proponent delivers on what it has promised."

It is providing far more than simply moving the casino from the treasury to queens wharf so the station would be serving all sorts of visits to the area utilising a whole variety of public and private facilities.