Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line (was CAMCOS, North Coast Connect)

[Fares_Fair]

Federal opposition leader, Hon Anthony Albanese is silent on whether they will match the $1.6 billion funding.

Also he is silent on changing the 80/20 Federal/State infrastructure funding split back to 50/50 - which is what they did the last time they were in power.

[ozbob]

I have submitted an inquiry via the Federal Labor website ( https://www.alp.org.au ),

if they will match the $1.6 billion for CAMCOS.

[Fares_Fair]

^
 I have done the same re: the infrastructure funding split.

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/ozbob13/status/1521972147048316928

====

September 3, 2007

Couriermail --> Transport gridlock fix: on your bike? $

Sunshine Coast residents are being urged to get out of their cars and take a ride on a bus, train or bike to end the gridlock on our roads.

The State government and the region's three local Councils today launched SunTRAN, a joint initiative to cater for the region's continued rapid population growth.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Paul Lucas said people must work together to reduce car trips, switch to public transport and choose alternative modes of transport that are environmentally sound and benefit the community, such as walking and cycling.

"People have to reconsider travel habits and options to ensure the Sunshine Coast continues to be economically, environmentally and socially viable," Mr Lucas said.

"Ultimately, residents of the Sunshine Coast should adapt and utilise alternative methods of transport more frequently, instead of relying on the car, especially vehicles with only one person - the driver," he said.

Mr Lucas said the State Government was delivering a range of significant transport projects and services on the Sunshine Coast, including $6.4 billion for the region from the South East Queensland Infrastructure Program and Plan (2007-26).

The projects include:

$1.66 billion on Sunshine Coast major road networks
$1.2 billion for the CAMCOS rail project
$1.2 billion on the North Coast rail line (Caboolture to Beerburrum to Landsborough, and Landsborough to Nambour)
$856 million on Sunshine Coast Motorway works
$160 million on the Caloundra to Maroochydore quality bus corridor and public transport stations
$60 million on cycle networks
$12 million on transport infrastructure investigations, including $6 million on the Nautilus Project, and
$12 million on TransLink station upgrades.

"We're also spending $18.4 million this financial year on school transport services for Sunshine Coast students," Mr Lucas said. ...

[ozbob]

Couriermail Sunshine Coast --> Sunshine Coast Council mayor speaks out on $1.6bn Maroochydore rail cash $

Sunshine Coast's Mayor has hit back at criticisms the council has been silent amid fresh debate on the cost and need for Maroochydore to Brisbane rail.

Mayor Mark Jamieson said no one had been more vocal than him over the past decade about the needs for infrastructure investment.

After recently declining to respond to the Daily's questions about the Maroochydore rail extension cost dispute, Mr Jamieson has now revealed his views on the Federal LNP's funding commitment.

The LNP included $1.6bn in its budget to extend rail from Beerwah to Maroochydore but it would require the state government to match the funding.

Mr Jamieson said in a statement provided to the Daily last week that he wrote to federal Labor shadow treasurer Jim Chalmers and Senator Murray Watt, to request they keep the $1.6bn commitment in the budget if they were elected. ...

[ozbob]

Sunshine Valley Gazette 18 May 2022

Reminiscing, if only we got what we were promised

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/ozbob13/status/1527662256779309057

https://twitter.com/ozbob13/status/1527662433044951040

[ozbob]

Sunshine Valley Gazette 1st June 2022 page 26

Federal Labor honours $1.6 billion for CAMCOS

[ozbob]

Couriermail Sunshine Coast --> Sunshine Coast transport: Upgrades 'vital' for 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games $

The rise of e-scooters in China and a new Prime Minister with a "fixation" on high-speed rail have been spruiked as key things to consider in the lead up to the 2032 Games.

From e-scooters to road upgrades and high-speed rail, experts have warned improving public transport was vital in the lead up to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Business and tourism leaders met on the Sunshine Coast last week to discuss what the region needed in the lead up to the historic event – with transport identified as being key.

It comes as the state government looks unlikely to include funding for the long-awaited Maroochydore heavy rail connection in its 2022-23 budget.

However its $3.5bn investment in rail infrastructure would include $489m for the Beerburrum to Nambour rail upgrade, Queensland Treasurer Cameron Dick said.

Tourism and Transport Forum chief executive Margy Osmond and Urbis director Kate Meyrick said while speaking on the Sunshine Coast last week that the region needed viable transport links. ...

[Fares_Fair]

https://twitter.com/Jeffrey_Addison/status/1539803193341022208

^

[verbatim9]

Wow, that's great 👍

[Fares_Fair]

It is indeed.
Come 31 October 2024, should they win the election, the race will be on for 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games infrastructure.

Current B2N project is on a deliberate go-slow by the state government. As they even pointed out (foot shooting by Minister Bailey) that they have not yet laid one sleeper for this project despite it being announced over 4 years ago (9 June 2018 at Nambour station).

To date they have under-spent on it massively compared to Budget.
Just 46.7% of the budgeted money has been spent over the past 4 years.
They are a disgrace and clearly inept.

Wow, that's great 👍

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

RAIL Back On Track  Welcomes LNP's Funding Commitment to Sunshine Coast CAMCOS Rail

24th June 2022

RAIL Back On Track has welcomed LNP Opposition leader David Crisafulli's election policy announcement committing 50% share of the funding for the $3.2 billion Sunshine Coast Rail Line to Maroochydore (1).

RAIL Back On Track members are pleased with the announcement that a double-track heavy rail line Beerwah <> Maroochydore is now official opposition party policy. This is a great move and a step towards a credible and comprehensive alternative transport policy for Queensland.

To put it bluntly, rail projects win votes. Victoria has had a comprehensive rail upgrade program removing level crossings, constructing new tunnels under the Melbourne CBD, and starting on a cross-town Suburban Rail loop. Regional Rail projects have also been a major factor in deciding Victorian elections.

Over in Western Australia, Transperth trains offer services that are far better in terms of all-day frequency than the service that Queensland Rail offers (2). They are running trains every 15 minutes to virtually all stations, even on Sunday. They are so far ahead with their train operations than Queensland. A number of new lines are being constructed as part of Perth's METRONET program. Well done Perth.

Over in New South Wales, commuter rail lines across Sydney are being converted to driverless metro services with trains running every 10 minutes or better. In contrast, Queensland struggles to modernise the bus network in Brisbane and doesn't even have a dedicated public transport authority.

What we need here in Queensland is a strong refocusing on operations and actual services. Spending money on infrastructure is not enough. The actual service frequency must be top-class, and in Queensland, sadly, it is not. Relatively simple and low-cost opportunities remain by the wayside.

These are things like:
Trains every 15 minutes on the Kippa Ring Line, all day
Trains every 15 minutes on the Springfield Line, all day
Express trains to Ipswich, all day
Duplicating single track sections on the Cleveland and Shorncliffe lines to enable frequency and reliability

RAIL Back On Track  again welcomes the LNP opposition's commitment to Sunshine Coast rail, and hopes that a comprehensive public transport policy is in production, drawing from other proactive jurisdictions such as Western Australia.

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

References

1.

Code Select Expand

https://twitter.com/Jeffrey_Addison/status/1539803193341022208
2. Train Upgrade Zones: Adopt Perth Service Frequencies Across Greater Brisbane https://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=14671.0

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/JarrodBleijieMP/status/1539804496561262592

https://twitter.com/JarrodBleijieMP/status/1539804502907359232

[ozbob]

Facebook ...

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/railbotforum/status/1540075772752277504

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/7NewsSC/status/1540250211955937281

[ozbob]

Media Release

Minister for Transport and Main Roads
The Honourable Mark Bailey

2nd August 2022

Milestone for Direct Sunshine Coast Line planning study

Surveyors and inspectors have been on the ground between Caloundra and Beerwah over the last week as part of the Direct Sunshine Coast Line planning study.

The project, formerly known as the Caboolture to Maroochydore Corridor Study (CAMCOS), is looking at a possible expansion of the South East Queensland rail network through the proposed spur line between Beerwah and the Sunshine Coast beaches.

This spur line would provide access and connectivity between the hinterland and coastal communities, and to the broader SEQ rail network, with opportunities for new stations, park 'n' rides and active transport facilities to be explored.

Preliminary evaluation of the project is underway which will review the existing preserved corridor and consider refinements to the alignment, station locations and potential staging plans to meet passenger demand and land use in the region.

As part of planning for this important rail link, a series of environmental surveys will be undertaken on selected properties, most of which are government owned, in the preserved corridor in the coming weeks.

The purpose of undertaking non-invasive environmental surveys along the corridor is to better understand the broader ecosystem and environmental factors within the previously preserved transport corridor, including the identification of flora and fauna, water sources and native and endangered species.

This early survey work is critical so that potential environmental impacts from the rail extension are identified and can be minimised through the planning process.

The $6 million planning project is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland governments, each contributing $3 million.

For more information about the project, visit www.tmr.qld.gov.au and search 'Beerwah to Maroochydore Rail extension'.

Quotes attributable to Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey:

"The Palaszczuk Government has a strong vision for the Sunshine Coast, and we're doing the groundwork for that future right now.

"We know how much the Sunshine Coast needs a holistic road and transport system, which is why more than $3 billion is dedicated to the region in our record road and transport plan.

"The outcomes of this planning phase will put the Direct Sunshine Coast Line project in good stead for future delivery.

"Unlike the Queensland LNP who blindly committed to this project, we need to make an informed decision on investments of this magnitude.

"I'm please the Federal Government has the same foresight which is why this $6 million planning project is now underway."

Quotes attributable to State Member for Caloundra Jason Hunt:

"More than 80,000 people have moved to Queensland in the last two years, many of them to the Sunshine Coast.

"And our population is forecast to grow to 500,000 before 2041.

"so it's important that we have the transport and road infrastructure to deal with this growth.

"I'm proud of the investments being made on the rails, including stage one of the Beerburrum to Nambour rail duplication, as well as on major roads like the Bruce Highway.

"It's through all of these corridors working in unison that we'll see Sunshine Coasters get home safer and sooner than ever before."

Quotes attributable to State Member for Nicklin Rob Skelton:

"As we look towards the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, we're setting a course towards legacy infrastructure on the Sunshine Coast.

"The environment is always a key consideration for any project delivered, especially in an undeveloped corridor, so this survey work will help understand changes to the landscape since initial planning for the project was completed more than 20 years ago.

"It will also provide opportunities to commence the important process of obtaining environmental approvals and assessments, which may enable acceleration of a future business case for the project."

Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Train Manufacturing Bruce Saunders:

"It's fantastic to see more future planning well underway for Queensland rail network.

"Improving the rail network delivers better transport options for Queenslanders as well as more opportunities for good jobs.

"We've committed to building 65 new trains in Maryborough, supporting more than 3,000 jobs across the state, so this is another vote of confidence for train in Queensland."

Images --> https://www.dropbox.com/sh/jv2f6g25h9zpgtu/AACFrYz6oHnqchilruK5ioBHa?dl=0

ENDS

[ozbob]

Sunshine Coast News --> Environmental surveys begin for long-awaited railway to Sunshine Coast beach towns

Environmental surveys — identifying plants, animals and water sources — are being undertaken in coming weeks on the land preserved for the rail corridor.

The project, formerly known as the Caboolture to Maroochydore Corridor Study (CAMCOS), is now being called the Direct Sunshine Coast Line.

It would expand the South East Queensland rail network through the proposed spur line between Beerwah and the Sunshine Coast beach towns, including Caloundra, Kawana and Maroochydore. ...

[Gazza]

I like the name "Direct Sunshine Coast line", emphasises the fact this will take people into the Sunshine coast far quicker and more directly than the buses from Landsborough or Nambour.

[RowBro]

I like the name "Direct Sunshine Coast line", emphasises the fact this will take people into the Sunshine coast far quicker and more directly than the buses from Landsborough or Nambour.

Whilst it's a good name to explain the aims of the project, they'll have to have a more unique name to distinguish it from the NCL (which is often just referred to as the sunshine coast line) once (if) it does get built.

[Fares_Fair]

"Unlike the Queensland LNP who blindly committed to this project, we need to make an informed decision on investments of this magnitude."
- another Transport Minister furphy.

His party were blindly committed to this project in 2005, and started its construction in 2007 - then cut it !
It was only $1.2 billion when it was cut in 2007.

That said I heartily welcome the news on the works preparing for this 37km rail extension.
Great stuff.
Maroochydore here we come.

[ozbob]

The 2032 games will transform all of our state in the next 10 years, and the decade that follows. I'm on the Sunshine Coast, where a number of venues will be built.

Posted by Annastacia Palaszczuk MP on Thursday, 6 October 2022

^

https://twitter.com/ozbob13/status/1578227180416700417

[Gazza]

Where in the video do they mention it is dead?

[Fares_Fair]

They don't.
They don't have to.
It's not hard to read between the lack of lines.

The Premier when asked about this specific project talked about schools (nothing to do with it), the Bruce Highway massive expenditure (which is 80% federal money) and the liaison with Council - which has only ever been on the light rail proposal.
She explicitly did not answer the question.

[ozbob]

We will be lucky if the half-baked duplication to ' Beerwah ' is done by 2032.

In view of latest developments we should push hard for the duplication to go through to Landsborough,
as was always the plan until the fools in TMR destroyed it.

They don't.
They don't have to.
It's not hard to read between the lack of lines.

Yes, exactly.  Premier Palaszczuk  has never been that supportive of improved rail out in the regions in the Olympic context.  We can all recall that Olympic presser where in the background she commented ' no, fast rail is not part of the bid '.  Her evasive response when asked about the heavy rail to Maroochydore yesterday just means it is not really on the radar.  They will try to buy off Mayor Jamieson et al with other trinkets.

I think this Labor Government is on the way out, health is a massive cluster-fuk, just like transport.

[ozbob]

Labor Transport Minister, Mark Bailey, and the Labor Mayor for the Sunshine Coast, Mark Jamieson, are wrong to say the...

Posted by Ted O'Brien MP - Federal Member for Fairfax on Wednesday, 5 October 2022

[ozbob]

ABC --> Name calling, accusations, as politicians explode on social media over Sunshine Coast rail line proposal

Name-calling has broken out among elected leaders debating the future of a rail line to service the Sunshine Coast's population of more than 350,000 people.

Key points:

Politicians are arguing over whether a major rail line for the Sunshine Coast is going ahead

The multi-billion-dollar rail line has been in planning for more than a decade

Local federal MPs announced funding for the project in March

At the centre of an online spat is the future of a rail line that would support beachside communities, about an hour's drive north of Brisbane.

The skirmishes began after the region's mayor Mark Jamieson and Transport Minister Mark Bailey said the multi-billion-dollar rail plan did not have federal funding.

Mr O'Brien uploaded images of the March Budget papers from earlier this year, highlighting the project's position under "infrastructure investment". ...

 

[ozbob]

Couriermail Sunshine Coast --> Brisbane 2032: Sunshine Coast mayor sounds warning over rail, mass transit $

The Sunshine Coast mayor has warned that construction for a heavy rail connection between Maroochydore and Brisbane must begin in the next five years for it to be Brisbane Olympics and Paralympics ready.

Mark Jamieson said the objective was to have a rail connection completed by the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Funding for it would be split between the state and federal governments, and the former Coalition government had promised $1.6bn towards the $3.2bn project.

Mr Jamieson said "only time would tell" if the promise made by the former government was enough to fund the expensive infrastructure project.

"The next budget to be brought down by the new Labor federal government on October 25 may shed some light on that or it may not," he said. ...

Errr, there is a wee problem north of Beerburrum too Mark. 

[ozbob]

Not much hope is there?
From the FB page I posted above

Mark Bailey MP
You didn't pass the budget you nong! You had the numbers to pass it but LNP & Morrison went straight to the election first and no vote was taken on it!
You're lying again to Sunshine Coast residents Mr O'Brien. How do you sleep at night?

Ted O'Brien MP - Federal Member for Fairfax
Mark Bailey MP – your response sadly demonstrates that you have no interest in delivering for the Sunshine Coast, and you are clearly not advocating for our community with your Labor colleagues in Canberra.
As per my post, the $1.6 billion commitment was fully costed and budgeted and now, due to the change in government, it's up to Federal Labor to decide if this commitment will be honoured.
At least you have revealed today where you stand on the issue and my community knows it does not have your support.

[ozbob]

I don't think there is a snowflakes chance in hell of heavy rail to Maroochydore being done prior to 2032 or perhaps 2050.

I am working up a campaign to get the section Beerburrum to Beerwah, back out to Landsborough North.
This is all we can reasonably expect IMHO.

[Gazza]

I don't think there is a snowflakes chance in hell of heavy rail to Maroochydore being done prior to 2032 or perhaps 2050.

I am working up a campaign to get the section Beerburrum to Beerwah, back out to Landsborough North.
This is all we can reasonably expect IMHO.

Why though?

The 7.5km Beerwah to Beerburrm North probably adds a smidge of operational flexibility.

If those funds are around, you could at least do a Richlands style short spur from Beerwah to Caloundra South at least and get that line started and bring rail to that booming area before it becomes car dependent.

[ozbob]

Queensland Rail have long suggested that Beerburrum duplication go to Landsborough North.  It is to allow for less congested running and provides a way of holding freight trains north of Landsborough. Landsborough is a key interchange station as well and will remain so for the foreseeable future. The cost will not be great, corridor is clean and construction straightforward as part of stage one.  It was always the intention to go through to Landsborough. Only changed the last few years.

I remember a conservation I had with a PN freight train driver a few years back at Darra and he was adamant that the duplication really needs to through to Landsborough North for operational reasons.

When rail people point out it is needed, I tend to agree. This is no-brainer stuff. 

[Stillwater]

So long as the politicians continue to regard the Sunshine Coast Direct Line (CAMCOS corridor) as an opportunity for name-calling and one-upmanship, the logistical benefit of the future line from Beerwah to anywhere further east (Aura, Caloundra etc) is stalled, making Landsborough Station even more critical to the network. Construction is under way on a new carpark and bus interchange on the eastern side of the station (to avoid delays caused by the level crossing). It is the station with the largest number of passenger movements north of Caboolture. Buses from Maleny, Caloundra and Sippy Downs/Maroochydore interchange there.

Rail planners specifically have considered duplication to Landsborough North (not just Landsborough) as important, for reasons stated above, but also because it allows a passenger train to make the run north on single track to Nambour and then return to cross over another train heading north at a point just north of Landsborough, thus reducing or eliminating the number of buses disguised as trains in the Sunshine Coast rail timetable.

Of course, continuous duplication to Nambour is needed (i.e. not just passing loops), but that is different squabble for the political nongs of this world.

[Arnz]

Taking into consideration that 'Politics', YET AGAIN will delay the 'Direct Sunshine Coast' lines, surely the spare funds can also be argued to replace the Maleny Street level crossing at Landsborough with a nearby overpass.

Taking into consideration the new Landsborough station car park on the other side (Platform 2) as part of the Stage 1 Beerburrum to Beerwah project, along with moving the bus interchange to the other side in front of Platform 2 as part of the new car park.

This proposal to replace the Maleny Street level crossing is one example
Source: http://landsoverpass.com.au/overpass-committee-proposal/

[Fares_Fair]

Taking into consideration that 'Politics', YET AGAIN will delay the 'Direct Sunshine Coast' lines, surely the spare funds can also be argued to replace the Maleny Street level crossing at Landsborough with a nearby overpass.

Taking into consideration the new Landsborough station car park on the other side (Platform 2) as part of the Stage 1 Beerburrum to Beerwah project, along with moving the bus interchange to the other side in front of Platform 2 as part of the new car park.

This proposal to replace the Maleny Street level crossing is one example
Source: http://landsoverpass.com.au/overpass-committee-proposal/

Unfortunately for us Arnz, that is part of the stage 2 works which are 100% unfunded.
That said, they haven't even started stage 1 heavy rail works yet after over 4 years.

[SteelPan]

I don't see any inter-party "politics" in this, only "intra", it's just classic Queensland always dragging the chain.  Bailey IS State Transport Minister and the ALP ARE in power Federally...so they should just get on with it, or just be honest and admit they don't care!  They don't!     Shambles Junction next stop.....

[verbatim9]

Not sure if this has been posted but it's an overview of where the stations are likely to be

https://youtu.be/i_cqh8_1hNs

[Fares_Fair]

Queensland Rail have long suggested that Beerburrum duplication go to Landsborough North.  It is to allow for less congested running and provides a way of holding freight trains north of Landsborough. Landsborough is a key interchange station as well and will remain so for the foreseeable future. The cost will not be great, corridor is clean and construction straightforward as part of stage one.  It was always the intention to go through to Landsborough. Only changed the last few years.

I remember a conservation I had with a PN freight train driver a few years back at Darra and he was adamant that the duplication really needs to through to Landsborough North for operational reasons.

When rail people point out it is needed, I tend to agree. This is no-brainer stuff. 

Concur. I have been told the same.

[ozbob]

Sunshine Valley Gazette 19th October 2022 page 26

https://www.sunshinevalleygazette.com.au/read-paper-online