Regional Fast Rail discussion

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/7NewsSC/status/1304333472174018560

[ozbob]

I was looking at the concept map again and had a thought...

Can someone explain to me why Withcott is on there as a major destination? It's currently not on the existing rail alignment, does not see like a particularly big town worthy of getting a major stop like this, and geographically wouldn't it be too steep to go straight up the range from Withcott to Toowoomba by rail anyway?? (obviously it can do it if it was super windy, but that defeats the purpose of being "Fast rail"?

I assumed that any new rail passenger rail project would either use the Inland rail tracks (which I think is incredibly unlikely considering how they've designed them, despite what some others here may think), or follow an alignment similar to the Toowoomba bypass, where the earthworks have made the gradients a little easier.

If someone knows more about why Withcott was included please fill me in coz right now I'm a bit baffled.

Withcott is a possible staging point.  The line could be built to there first.  Agree though it is a little confusing.

(I have checked this with SEQCoM).

This is interesting Tim.

https://twitter.com/SEQMayors/status/1305332817736286208

[timh]

I was looking at the concept map again and had a thought...

Can someone explain to me why Withcott is on there as a major destination? It's currently not on the existing rail alignment, does not see like a particularly big town worthy of getting a major stop like this, and geographically wouldn't it be too steep to go straight up the range from Withcott to Toowoomba by rail anyway?? (obviously it can do it if it was super windy, but that defeats the purpose of being "Fast rail"?

I assumed that any new rail passenger rail project would either use the Inland rail tracks (which I think is incredibly unlikely considering how they've designed them, despite what some others here may think), or follow an alignment similar to the Toowoomba bypass, where the earthworks have made the gradients a little easier.

If someone knows more about why Withcott was included please fill me in coz right now I'm a bit baffled.

This is interesting Tim.

https://twitter.com/SEQMayors/status/1305332817736286208

Thanks Bob. Gordon's proposal does make a lot of sense! I think you had similar ideas further up the thread where the project can be staged.

Stage 1 to Withcott with stops at Gatton and Laidley. Big park and ride at Withcott to serve Toowoomba catchment.
Stage 2 to Toowoomba (much further in the future). Alignment here would be interesting, and probably very expensive....
Stage 3 to WTB (probably the easiest leg of the journey as it's mostly greenfield, but not needed for another 20+ years I reckon)

[verbatim9]

I was looking at the concept map again and had a thought...

Can someone explain to me why Withcott is on there as a major destination? It's currently not on the existing rail alignment, does not see like a particularly big town worthy of getting a major stop like this, and geographically wouldn't it be too steep to go straight up the range from Withcott to Toowoomba by rail anyway?? (obviously it can do it if it was super windy, but that defeats the purpose of being "Fast rail"?

I assumed that any new rail passenger rail project would either use the Inland rail tracks (which I think is incredibly unlikely considering how they've designed them, despite what some others here may think), or follow an alignment similar to the Toowoomba bypass, where the earthworks have made the gradients a little easier.

If someone knows more about why Withcott was included please fill me in coz right now I'm a bit baffled.

Withcott is a possible staging point.  The line could be built to there first.  Agree though it is a little confusing.

(I have checked this with SEQCoM).

This is interesting Tim.

https://twitter.com/SEQMayors/status/1305332817736286208

A sensible staged 1 approach that could be completed by 2027.

Beerwah, OOL and Withcott could see Stage 1 Fast rail by 27/28 if fast tracked?

[SteelPan]

I was looking at the concept map again and had a thought...

Can someone explain to me why Withcott is on there as a major destination? It's currently not on the existing rail alignment, does not see like a particularly big town worthy of getting a major stop like this, and geographically wouldn't it be too steep to go straight up the range from Withcott to Toowoomba by rail anyway?? (obviously it can do it if it was super windy, but that defeats the purpose of being "Fast rail"?

I assumed that any new rail passenger rail project would either use the Inland rail tracks (which I think is incredibly unlikely considering how they've designed them, despite what some others here may think), or follow an alignment similar to the Toowoomba bypass, where the earthworks have made the gradients a little easier.

If someone knows more about why Withcott was included please fill me in coz right now I'm a bit baffled.

Withcott is a possible staging point.  The line could be built to there first.  Agree though it is a little confusing.

(I have checked this with SEQCoM).

This is interesting Tim.

https://twitter.com/SEQMayors/status/1305332817736286208

Stopping the line at the bottom of the range is a great idea! The savings found in doing this in "Quuueeeenssslannndddd", will certainly allow NSW and VIC to further advance their own end-to-end fastER [not fast] rail projects, those savings will come in nice and handy......for them!

where do they find these people.....answer, Sydney/Melbourne Property Councils!

[aldonius]

That's no reason not to stage it though.

Stage 1 of course should be to build/upgrade a sufficiently fast line from Ipswich to Withcott and start running services to Brisbane, using existing tracks east of Ipswich for now.

I note that no corridor has been pinned down yet for any of this, but it's going to be a lot easier to do the bit outside of the urban footprint, and getting the service established creates political incentives to finish the job.

[ozbob]

​Lockyer Valley Regional Council

https://www.lockyervalley.qld.gov.au/our-council/news/Pages/Council-committed-to-securing-passenger-rail.aspx

Council committed to securing passenger rail

Lockyer Valley Regional Council remains committed to advocating for a meaningful passenger rail link between Brisbane and Toowoomba.

Lockyer Valley Mayor, Councillor Tanya Milligan says Council is dedicated to playing a leading role in securing this vital connectivity for South East Queensland.

"For many years now, Council has backed the need for a passenger rail link for our residents of the Lockyer Valley.

"An integrated public transport network is vital and it's a crucial link that's missing here in South East Queensland," she said.

In 2018, the Commonwealth Government provided $15M in funding for a Passenger Rail Business Case. To make certain the Business Case progressed and to ensure regional input, Council joined forces with Toowoomba Regional Council and Ipswich City Council to form the Ipswich to Toowoomba Passenger Rail Alliance.

The three councils consulted with key industry representatives to form the Alliance, including participants the University of Queensland (Gatton Campus), the Lockyer Valley Chamber of Commerce and the Lockyer Valley Tourism Association.

"This Alliance is not only an additional stakeholder for the Business Case, but also a tool for us to advocate for a shared position on future passenger rail.

"Local government remains the closest level of government to the community and, as elected representatives, we know our communities and will also advocate for the very best outcomes.

"It's not only important to check in with the local community, but business and industry too. 

"Together we are stronger and this way we can advocate for the needs of the residents of South East Queensland.

"Faster, regular passenger rail between Brisbane and Toowoomba via Ipswich is crucial for the future of the wider region, especially in providing reliable access to employment, tertiary education, specialist health services and tourism opportunities.

"We need to improve accessibility of Lockyer Valley residents to employment opportunities in our nearby cities, as well as give others in surrounding regions the opportunity to work here.

"In almost all other parts of South East Queensland, people commute to work by train between cities and regions and right now it's an opportunity denied to both the Lockyer Valley and Australia's largest naturally established inland city, Toowoomba," Mayor Milligan said.

Council continues to liaise with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development, Michael McCormack MP.

"The Deputy Prime Minister has welcomed our involvement and advised the Queensland Government will deliver the Business Case.

"On behalf of the Alliance, I have sought a meeting for the Mayors of the Alliance with the Director-General of the Department of Transport and Main Roads (DTMR), who is organising a briefing for the Alliance with both levels of government and further meetings with the Director General of DTMR to ensure the scope of the Business Case is appropriate.

"COMSEQ has been vocal in their support of a 45-minute region and it is clear the community supports the concept of passenger rail and an integrated faster rail network.

"It is vital the Business Case and regional planning delivers a fast rail integrated network that will provide the Lockyer Valley and all residents of the South East with a sustainable, efficient, connected and prosperous region," Mayor Milligan said.

[Gazza]

I note that no corridor has been pinned down yet for any of this, but it's going to be a lot easier to do the bit outside of the urban footprint, and getting the service established creates political incentives to finish the job.

Would you not follow inland rail? It's pretty much going to be a fairly nice alignment apart from a couple of curves coming out of Gatton (Which isn't really a dealbreaker IMO since the train would be slowing to stop there anyway)
https://maps.inlandrail.com.au/h2c#/

[aldonius]

The IR corridor makes sense for the Lockyer section, sure.

[verbatim9]

I guess it would be wider enough for three tracks and electrification.

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/SEQMayors/status/1308916791163473921

[ozbob]

Gold Coast Bulletin --> Gold Coast fast rail: Brisbane-Gold Coast railways study fast-tracked in budget boost

A SUPER-fast train line between the Gold Coast and Brisbane is on a fast-track to be delivered years earlier after receiving a surprise funding boost in the federal budget.

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg announced more than $14 million would be committed to accelerating existing transport infrastructure projects in Queensland, including - in a surprise move – $4.2 million for a business case on the forecast fast rail between Brisbane and the Gold Coast.

The business case, announced in March 2019 before that year's election, will also look at the need for extending the existing rail line – or a new fast rail track – from Varsity Lakes to Gold Coast Airport.

Gold Coast-based Human Services Minister Stuart Robert said bringing the project forward would boost the city's economy post-COVID-19.

"I am delighted the Morrison Government is investing in our post-COVID future by delivering $4.2 million for the Brisbane-Gold Coast Faster Rail business case," he said.

"Just like we are building the Coomera Connector, a potential Brisbane-Gold Coast fast rail link will help drive our economic recovery through better connectivity between Queensland's two biggest cities."

The existing train connection between the two cities takes 74 minutes at an average speed of 69km/h, but the fast rail being envisaged would race along at a striking 160km/h more than halving the trip to 32 minutes.

The study will look at how many people would be projected to use the train line to travel north and south. Mayor Tom Tate welcomed the funding and said it was critical to solving congestion and population issues facing the Gold Coast.

"South East Queensland is one of the highest growth areas in Australia and our population makes up about one in seven voters," he said.

"Connecting our transport is key to keeping Queensland moving and important for the economic recovery of our state and nation.

"I have been saying for some time fast rail is key to completing the full transport picture for our city. Being able to get to Brisbane from the Gold Coast in (under) 45 minutes is a game changer for those who want to balance their career with our amazing lifestyle.

"Bringing this project forward as well as delivering on Coomera Connector in this budget makes sense and is the right outcome."

Gold Coast Central Chamber of Commerce president Martin Hall praised the move saying it would put the city "back on the frontier of innovation."

The rail funding came on top of pre-announced $750 million for the Coomera Connector's 16.6km first stage, matching $755m in state funds.

Construction of the $2.4 billion road will begin in mid-2021.

Delusional  ...  more $$$ for consultants to do yet another study ....  Compare the quantum for road vs. rail.

The state cannot even sort out the existing network.

[ozbob]

Gold Coast Bulletin --> Fast rail Gold Coast: How line can be paid for

While it's fantastic to see the powers that be finally taking fast rail seriously, there's one little detail that needs to be sorted out, writes Keith Woods.

IT is the final missing link in the Gold Coast's transport debate.

Both sides of politics and the council of mayors agree that it is a good idea. A recent survey also showed it's backed by 80 per cent of voters.

And now, finally, the Federal Government appears to be taking very seriously the prospect of fast rail for the Gold Coast.

The necessity is going to become increasingly obvious in coming years. Once the Coomera Connector is constructed, the options to improve our road network look increasingly limited. The 'second M1' is only possible because the land corridor has been reserved for many years. But there are no more such corridors left.

The population of our city, however, will continue to grow. When the Coomera Connector itself becomes clogged with traffic, then what? An efficient and affordable public transport system looks like the only answer.



Currently, it takes an hour and a quarter to travel to Brisbane by train. It can take as long to go by car from Gold Coast Airport to northern suburbs. Fast rail, with trains travelling at up to 160km per hour, would slash those times.

The city also needs major stimulus as it copes with alarmingly high unemployment in the wake of COVID-19 restrictions.

It was shocking to read last week, that of the 10 regions in Australia with most mortgage deferrals, six are located on the Gold Coast.

Major infrastructure investment is one of the best ways government can tackle the problem. For every job created directly, many more come as the money earned gets spent in the community. Almost every dollar ultimately makes its way back to the government in taxes. And the Gold Coast gets badly needed infrastructure. It is a virtuous circle.

The big obstacle holding back fast rail – and the extension of heavy rail to the airport – has always been the cost involved. The $4 million committed by Treasurer Josh Frydenberg last night to accelerate the existing business case for the project is but a tiny drop in the ocean. This will cost many billions.

Queensland Senator Gerard Rennick, among those pushing hardest for nation-building infrastructure projects including a Gold Coast fast rail line, has put forward an eye-catching proposal on how the funding could be arranged.

On a visit to the Gold Coast last week, he outlined to your columnist his vision of a national Infrastructure Bank funded by quantitative easing – a monetary tool used extensively overseas.

It's quite complicated monetary policy, but put simply, Senator Rennick wants to see nation-building infrastructure delivered, and jobs created, without resorting to borrowing yet more billions from overseas.

"Funding infrastructure via quantitative easing provides 'free' capital to unlock the nation's untapped wealth," he said.

"Infrastructure bonds can be issued for long periods of up to 30 years."

Although quantitative easing is in many ways a fancy term for printing money, Senator Rennick said it does not risk inflation if used to "invest" rather than contributing towards regular spending.

"The infrastructure Bank could lend to states based on the merits of the proposal," he said. "It can wedge them into doing something."

Mr Frydenberg made a similar point about the states in his Budget speech last night.

"Funding will be provided on a use it or lose it basis," he said. "If a state drags its feet, another state will get the money. We need works to start, not stall."

Work on extending heavy rail to Gold Coast Airport has been stalled for years. Fast rail has been spoken about, with no real urgency, for almost as long.

Finally, this may be about to change.

With Cross River Rail soon to boost capacity here and the rail corridor to the airport already available, the Gold Coast looks like the ideal place for fast rail to debut in Australia.

The urgency now finally appears to be there in Canberra. Hopefully, no matter who wins the state election, it will be found in Brisbane too.

[ozbob]

Sunshine Coast Daily --> Fears Nambour's fast rail dream has become ghost train

Nambour's fast rail dreams might've already run out of steam, with fears the former economic hub of the Coast has been left off high-speed rail plans.

Mapping published in September as part of the SEQ Council of Mayors' push for a connected fast rail network in southeast Queensland showed Nambour left off the proposed fast rail corridor.

Adding further concern is the inability of North Coast Connect representatives to confirm whether Nambour was even included in the group's fast rail proposal which is currently at a business case assessment stage with Infrastructure Australia.

North Coast Connect was first floated in 2018 as a fast rail project set to slash travel times to 45 minutes from the Sunshine Coast to Brisbane.

The project was being driven by a corporate consortium of Stockland, KPMG, Urbis and Smec, and backed by a group of Queensland MPs including Member for Fairfax Ted O'Brien.

It was initially pitched as a plan to deliver fast rail services to Nambour and Maroochydore to Brisbane, with a connection to Nambour in five years and Maroochydore in 10 years.

It was envisaged a possible 2032 Olympic bid could fast-track federal and state investment in the project, which was seen as a critical element of the SEQ Council of Mayors' vision for a fast rail-connected southeast, with links from Brisbane to the Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast and Toowoomba.

The council of mayors pitched their vision, ConnectedSEQ, with two pricing options, $16.9 billion for a 60-minute region and $28.8 billion for a 45-minute region model.

The State Government had already contributed to a fast rail business case currently with Infratructure Australia for high speed services between Nambour and Brisbane, with a spur line to Maroochydore.

But it was understood the numbers were not stacking up to justify a fast train to Nambour, and the omission from recent mapping, which showed a fast rail link diverting at Beerwah and running from Caloundra to Maroochydore, was cause for concern for long-time rail advocate Jeff Addison.

Mr Addison said he understood why the large population centres would be serviced, but he was disappointed if what had initially been touted as a fast rail service to Nambour would now ignore the former mill town.

"There's a lot of disadvantage heading Nambour's way," Mr Addison said.

He said in "20-50 years" Nambour would be in the centre of the Coast's major population hubs, and it needed improved rail services for freight and passenger needs.

A North Coast Connect group spokeswoman was unable to confirm if Nambour was being considered by Infrastructure Australia as part of the proposal, or if it had been removed, or only included as an option.

"The business case is subject to a rigorous and independent assessment by Infrastructure Australia and at this stage we cannot comment further while this process is under way," the spokeswoman said.

Fast rail: Travel from Brisbane to Coast in 45 minutes

The spokeswoman had earlier pointed out the North Coast Connect business case had been prepared "independent of the ConnectedSEQ plans" which had been prepared by the Council of Mayors, and it "therefore is not a matter we can comment on".

The North Coast Connect business case was accepted for Infrastructure Australia evaluation in mid-August.

"Why can't they confirm it (Nambour is still included in the proposal)," Mr Addison said.

He questioned the impartiality of the business case if Nambour had been overlooked, given Stockland was involved in the consortium, and had a "clearly vested interest" in ensuring its major residential development at Caloundra South was serviced by fast rail.

Fairfax MP Ted O'Brien said the business case was currently before Infrastructure Australia and he understood it had been presented to the assessment body with options including Nambour.

Meanwhile early works were set to begin on the $550 million Beerburrum to Nambour rail duplication upgrade project next year, with first-stage tenders being assessed by the State Government in September.

Last week the Council of Mayors said their fast rail network plans were on track, after pre-election commitments from Labor, LNP and the Greens to commit to further exploration of the project, although questions still surrounded the ALP's intention regarding the western corridor.

[timh]

Personally I think Maroochydore makes far more sense as the terminus of the SC Fast Rail line. The population of the sunshine coast is definitely far more concentrated along the coastline, and with the new CBD development at Maroochydore it's only logical for it to be the focus.

I would be happy with an outcome of fast rail to Maroochydore, provided that the new alignment and duplication to Nambour is also completed to improve speeds and times. It may not get it up to "fast rail" standard but it would be a darn side better than it is now and still provide an adequate transport link

Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk

[Gazza]

Yes, it would be weird to have 2 fast rail branches to the SC, when everyone else has one.

Especially when Nambour is really just a medium size regional town.

[verbatim9]

I say stick with the current plan and make it happen to the proposed destinations of Toowoomba Wellcamp, (WTB), MCY and OOL

[Gazza]

I say stick with the current plan and make it happen to the proposed destinations of Toowoomba Wellcamp, (WTB), MCY and OOL

I think Wellcamp was added for political reasons (So they dont feel "left out") In reality I cant see it happening because there isn't enough out there so would not meet any sort of cost benefit analysis.

OOL makes sense because the station will be used by people living in Coolangatta / Tweed Heads

MCY is a bit more marginal because of how quiet MCY is but at least you have Bli Bli, Mudjimba and Twin Waters residents, plus feeder bus from Coolum.

But WTB is in the middle of nowhere and would require a 18km extension (In other words over a billion to build) to get there, and is a very quiet airport, with no additional residential passengers to support it. It is a waste of taxpayers money to build and run all that....

Like, would you run an hourly train that carries air, except for maybe a couple of trains per day that match the flights, and those trains might have 50 people onboard?

[timh]

I say stick with the current plan and make it happen to the proposed destinations of Toowoomba Wellcamp, (WTB), MCY and OOL

Like, would you run an hourly train that carries air, except for maybe a couple of trains per day that match the flights, and those trains might have 50 people onboard?

I would build Wellcamp as an extension in the distant future once the demand becomes feasible. 20-30 years.

[SurfRail]

I don't see a case for Wellcamp at all.  Who's flying to or from Wellcamp to visit anywhere east of Toowoomba? 

Nobody's pushing for Bendigo to have airport rail access, and that would be a cinch in comparison.

[Arnz]

MCY (borderline) and OOL are the only feasible extensions in the medium term IMO. 

Letting out my foamy "maglev bus to Caboolture" side, the existing Brisbane Airport line should be extended to reconnect to the North Coast Line around Bald Hills with an interchange on the Shorncliffe line.   Gold Coast Airport to Sunshine Coast Airport via Brisbane Airport in the one route. 

Seriously though, HSR to Caloundra/Maroochydore would be more suited with the Trouts Road corridor in use.

[ozbob]

Sunshine Coast Daily --> Don't dupe on rail: Business head calls for upgrades

Nambour Chamber of Commerce president Tim Smith says it would be a disappointing blow if rail duplication doesn't happen as the former mill town undergoes an economic resurgence.

Last week the Daily reported there were growing concerns a fast rail plan initially touted as linking to Nambour was set to overlook the former business hub of the Coast in favour of links from Beerwah to Caloundra and Maroochydore.

Mr Smith said he wasn't aware of that being the case, as he understood a fast rail link would be separate to any rail duplication or light rail connector plans.

He said he understood the North Coast Line would be duplicated through to Nambour, with a connector link from Beerwah to Caloundra South and on to Maroochydore, likely to be a light rail.

He said he understood the cost of land resumptions to make a fast rail project stack up in the southeast, from Nambour to Ipswich, Brisbane and further south, were too prohibitive to see it come to fruition.

Mr Smith said he understood once carparking capacity had increased in Nambour and overpasses or underpasses had been constructed to remove level crossings on the line, that rail duplication would proceed.

He said he would be "very disappointed" if the duplication wasn't to come all the way to Nambour.

Mr Smith said Nambour was the main transit centre in the region and he thought duplication to Nambour supported by increased bus services to all parts of the region would be the most logical way forward.

He said all the planning had been done for duplication to Nambour and resumptions undertaken and the business community was travelling quite strongly despite the pandemic, as it was a less tourist-reliant economy than the coastal fringe.

Mr Smith said median house prices had lifted over the past 18 months and there was a resurgence underway within the business district.

It was understood the numbers weren't stacking up on a fast rail connection to Nambour, sparking concern from rail advocate Jeff Addison last week, as Infrastructure Australia evaluates the North Coast Connect proposal.

Recent mapping from the SEQ Council of Mayors showed no fast rail corridor being continued through to Nambour, further fuelling fears the town may miss out.

[achiruel]

I can't see any realistic reason to have regional fast rail to both Maroochydore and Nambour; of the two, Maroochydore would have a far bigger passenger catchment, so it seems nonsensical to build RFR to Nambour IMO.

That's not to say the line between Beerwah and Nambour shouldn't be upgraded for other reasons, such as improving freight efficiency. If passenger rail benefits from that, nice; but I think the main focus for passenger rail should be Maroochydore.

[kram0]

This part of his statement does not give me bucket loads of confidence ........

'He said he understood the cost of land resumptions to make a fast rail project stack up in the southeast, from Nambour to Ipswich, Brisbane and further south, were too prohibitive to see it come to fruition.'

[Gazza]

This part of his statement does not give me bucket loads of confidence ........

'He said he understood the cost of land resumptions to make a fast rail project stack up in the southeast, from Nambour to Ipswich, Brisbane and further south, were too prohibitive to see it come to fruition.'

What does a random businessman from Nambour know though?

Anyhow, I'll leave this here:

[SteelPan]

Does anyone know please, if any funds were allocated in this week's Qld State Budget to keep planning moving forward at a state level? Or, is this another "we can't do anything til Canberra stumps up most of the funding" lack-of-inititive?

Meanwhile.....in a place where they DON'T say, "we can't justify it....."

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-11-29/budget-funding-geelong-fast-rail-waurn-ponds-duplication/12736462

https://www.bay939.com.au/news/local-news/122746-fast-rail-funding-for-geelong-train-route

Remember: If you don't aim for Pluto....you might not even get to the Moon!   

[BrizCommuter]

Seriously though, HSR to Caloundra/Maroochydore would be more suited with the Trouts Road corridor in use.

Unless BCC turn Trout's Rd into a road first or something else daft.

[Cazza]

Judging by the latest round of consultation that's just been released and the manner in which rail/public transport has been projected, I am quietly optimistic this is the preferred option by BCC. Although, I'm not holding my breath because we just don't know what curve balls will be thrown our way...

[verbatim9]

Fast rail--->North Coast Connect

^^This is the info based on the business case that was submitted to infrastructure Australia.

[ozbob]

Fast rail--->North Coast Connect

^^This is the info based on the business case that was submitted to infrastructure Australia.

That is an old website from March 2019.  I don't think it is even being maintained now.

[verbatim9]

Fast rail--->North Coast Connect

^^This is the info based on the business case that was submitted to infrastructure Australia.

That is an old website from March 2019.  I don't think it is even being maintained now.

^^Ah thanks. It seemed lacking on current info.

[verbatim9]

Media Release --> Investment needed for SEQ fast rail network

Fact Sheet --> Faster Rail in Queensland

Full Report --> Faster Rail

Faster Rail --> ARA

[ozbob]

International Rail Journal --> ARA releases Australian Faster Rail report

... The report defines three speed categories: 

Faster Rail, which encompasses track capable of providing services between 160km/h and 200km/h, which can be achieved by upgrading existing lines with improvements such as electrification and curve easing

Fast Rail, which offers services of between 200km/h and 250km/h, which can be achieved through targeted improvements and new dedicated tracks built to modern standards, as well as new rolling stock, and 

High Speed Rail, which offers speeds greater than 250km/h, for which new dedicated tracks must be built to modern standards and separated from the existing rail network. 

[verbatim9]

Couriermail-----> Faster rail in SEQ would slash commute times, congestion, grow regional populations $

The Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and Toowoomba would be the biggest winners from a faster rail network, a survey has found.

Regional communities would see a population boom and congestion levels would be slashed if faster rail were rolled out across southeast Queensland, a survey has found.

The Australasian Railway Association surveyed 600 people from across Australia, finding that 20 per cent of Brisbane residents would move to Toowoomba, the Gold Coast or Sunshine Coast if the commute via train was made faster.

The report also found that 75 per cent of Gold Coast and 68 per cent of Sunshine Coast residents would ditch the car for a faster train. ...

[kram0]

Now Queensland has been named as favourite to host the 2032 Olympics, regional rapid rail is a must. All levels of government must work together to achieve it.

[verbatim9]

Once duplication is open to Beerwah in 2024/25. Work can start on the the next leg to Caloundra and Maroochydore.

The line needs to be completed to OOL as well as stage 1 to Withcott.

It would be good if they choose to construct a new tunnel under Toowoomba with it surfacing again near Wellcamp. It would be an opportunity to build a new interchange and Station in Toowoomba at the current Toowoomba bus interchange with a new public realm to provide retail and hospitality opportunities.

Merle and Else will be busy

[verbatim9]

Train animation and Map

https://photos.app.goo.gl/EM5u2vkN5AHRjDRPA

[ozbob]

Now Queensland has been named as favourite to host the 2032 Olympics, regional rapid rail is a must. All levels of government must work together to achieve it.

Be good if they do.  I hope they manage to do some track amplification north of Beerburrum by 2032,  hey ho ...

[verbatim9]

In Qld---> Infrastructure goodies: Regions set to move ahead of the pack


^^Regional faster rail on the agenda

[verbatim9]

https://twitter.com/verbatim18/status/1364817203527229444