SEQ People Mass Movement Study - Council of Mayors (SEQ)

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Fast rail, road tunnels to be built under $60bn infrastructure plan

FAST rail and new road tunnels would be built in southeast Queensland under an ambitious $60 billion infrastructure and transport plan to reshape the region.

The plan, to be launched by the South East Queensland Council of Mayors today, comes off the back of The Courier-Mail's Future SEQ campaign – which highlighted the massive population challenges facing the region.

The Courier-Mail can reveal the Council of Mayors have their sights set on 47 critical projects to bust congestion and address the traffic gridlock that is set to grip the region by 2041.

They include new tunnels, fast rail networks, river crossings, major highway upgrades and new bypasses - all aimed at making southeast Queensland a 45-minute region within the next two decades.

The projects come in at about $60 billion, with a proposal to spend $3.5 billion every year through to 2031 to ensure strong regional connectivity.

Council of Mayors Chair and Brisbane Lord Mayor Graham Quirk said the proposal, officially called the SEQ People Mass Movement Study, brought together existing plans and new ones into a complete regional strategy.

"The region has never had a shortage of plans or strategies from federal, state and local governments, but this is the first time we've had a consolidated view of transport in SEQ," he said.

"As the population continues to grow, this plan is an important step towards protecting the quality of life we currently enjoy in SEQ as well as ensuring that we can safely and efficiently move residents, tourists and freight throughout our region."

Among the new projects are plans to build faster rail lines, linking Brisbane to Ipswich, the Sunshine Coast and the Gold Coast, while a corridor would connect Ipswich to Toowoomba.

The faster rail projects would collectively cost more than $13 billion, with plans to have the first line to the Sunshine Coast completed by 2030 and the final line to Toowoomba finished by 2039.

"An SEQ faster rail network will slash commute times from the Sunshine Coast to 45 minutes, from the Gold Coast to 35 minutes and from Ipswich to just 20 minutes," Cr Quirk said.

"This will take immense pressure off the Bruce and Pacific ­highways and support the fast-growing communities of Ipswich, Logan and Moreton Bay," he said.

Also on the agenda is a proposal to build a bypass of the notoriously choked Centenary Motorway. It would involve a four-lane tunnel that would link the Sumners Rd interchange to Toowong, running parallel to the motorway and bypassing the Centenary bridge at Jindalee.

Another tunnel, called the East West Link, has also been proposed to run under the Brisbane River between Toowong and Buranda, allowing motorists to bypass the city.

A north-south tunnel corridor linking Toowong from the Centenary Motorway to ­Everton Park has been proposed as well.

The strategy also points to plans to develop a $6.35 billion north-west transport corridor, that would include an urban rail line and a four-lane motorway between Bald Hills to ­Alderley.

There is also a suggestion to consider new Brisbane River crossings, such as green bridges, for active and public transport.

The projects have all been costed by the Council of Mayors, but would require state and federal government support to get off the ground. Business case studies would also have to be completed.

Cr Quirk insisted the proposed spend was comparable to previous years, averaging out to about $2.7 billion per annum - with recent transport spends in the region averaging out between $2 billion and $3 billion every year. He stressed the importance of the plan, saying the region's roads would be over capacity by 2031 if only currently proposed projects are finalised.

"By 2041, the region will be in gridlock," he said. "The SEQ People Mass Movement Study highlights our region's dependence on private vehicle use, now and in the future.

"Without access to efficient and reliable public transport options, many commuters have no choice but to use the car as their primary mode of transport," he said.

Among the existing projects included in the study is the ­almost $1 billion Brisbane Metro project, which is funded by the Brisbane City Council and Federal Government.

The State Government's $5.4 billion Cross River Rail project also forms an important part of the plan.

Zoe McSweeney, 17, from Brisbane, said she would love to see a faster rail system because she liked getting out of the city and going to the beach on the weekend.

Yet she said the long commute and multiple transport changes were "really annoying".

The university student said she had to take two buses and a train just to get to the Gold Coast from her home in Newmarket.

"I have to take a bus, train, (and another) bus. It usually takes me two hours," she said.

She goes to the Gold Coast once a month because of the travel time.

While she said she pays about $15 for a round trip to the Gold Coast, she said she would happily pay the same price for a high-speed rail to get her there quicker.

TOP 20 INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS PROPOSED FOR SEQ

Project | Cost | Proposed completion

- North-West Transport Corridor (Urban passenger rail and four-lane motorway from Bald Hills to Stafford Rd and Alderley Station) | $6.35b | 2028

- Cross River Rail | $5.4b | 2022

- Faster Rail (Brisbane to Sunshine Coast) | $4.57b | 2030

- Faster Rail (Brisbane to the Gold Coast) | $3.4b | 2031

- Faster Rail (Ipswich to Toowoomba | $3.4b | 2039

- Centenary Motorway Bypass (Sumners Rd interchange to Legacy Way at Toowong, and linking to N-S ink at Everton Park) | $3b | 2040

- Pacific Motorway upgrade (includes 8 lanes Gateway Motorway to Logan Motorway) | $2.8b | 2028

- Brisbane Metro $2.7b | Stage 1 | 2021 | Stage2 2029

- Mass Transit Corridor Extensions | $1.95b | 2036

- Ipswich Motorway upgrade (Darra to Rocklea) | $1.9b | 2027

- Warrego Highway (includes six lanes Dinmore to Brisbane Valley) | $1.88b | 2028

- East-West Link (Legacy Way at Toowong to South East Freeway Tunnel) | $1.8b | 2035

- North-South Link (Inner Western Bypass) | $1.8b | 2031

- Faster Rail (Brisbane to Ipswich Central) | $1.7b | 2031

- Gold Coast Light Rail extension (Broadbeach to Cooloongatta Airport) | $1.68b | 2027

- Logan Motorway upgrade (Ipswich Motorway to Mt Lindesay Highway and Wembley Rd to Pacific Mwy) | $1.2b | 2028

- Caboolture to Maroochydore urban passenger rail | $1.2b | 2029

- Centenary Motorway Upgrade Projects (includes Sumners Rd interchange 6 lanes) | $1.1b | 2025

- Inter-Regional Transport Corridor (4 lanes Coomera to Nerang-Broadbeach Rd) | $1.1b | 2024

- Sunshine Coast Light Rail (Kawana to Marrochydore via Mooloolaba) | $1.1b | 2026

Total proposed infrastructure plan: 47 projects, costing $62b, over 23 years

[ozbob]

Understand documents will be made available later today at

>> https://seqmayors.qld.gov.au/

https://twitter.com/railbotforum/status/1088097866038444032

[ozbob]

Logan and Moreton Bay councils back People Mass Movement Study

>  https://seqmayors.qld.gov.au/news/edTLS63HMWoKwKtj6RnL

[ozbob]

SEQ People Mass Movement Study

>> https://seqmayors.qld.gov.au/initiatives/kyeAXx7NnEvTNx1e7G8x

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/railbotforum/status/1088179576855945217

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/SEQMayors/status/1088175258459242496

[kram0]

Let's hope this is finally the government teamwork we need to deliver these major infrastructure projects without the political BS that normally goes along with such projects leading to delays.

[SurfRail]

Far too much capital locked up in unnecessary urban road tunnels.  The western suburbs one is obscene.

[Stillwater]

Just another plan.  They are more ambitious when prepared by one level of government on the basis that the other two levels of government will pay for it.  The redeeming aspect of this plan is that it is an integrated plan, with a strategic focus.  Let's hope it becomes the basis of fruitful discussion involving state and local government and, ultimately, the federal government, which manages the City Deal process.  Very timely with the federal election due in May.

[ozbob]

Facebook ..

[ozbob]

Council of Mayors SEQ PMMS Media release --> here! PDF 0.2 MB

Key Points PMMS -->  here! PDF 0.3 MB

PMMS Projects - table  -->  here! PDF 0.3 MB

[kram0]

It is pleasing that they seem to have taken a Perth style approach of road and rail together for the North West Transport Corridor. Let's hope they can deliver a project to the same standard.

What is the difference between Sunshine Coast fast rail and CAMCOS as they are listed as two separate projects.

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

24th January 2019

Council of Mayors (SEQ) People Mass Movement Study (PMMS) welcomed!

Greetings,

RAIL Back On Track welcomes the launch of the Council of Mayors (SEQ) SEQ People Mass Movement Study (PMMS)
[ https://seqmayors.qld.gov.au/initiatives/kyeAXx7NnEvTNx1e7G8x ]

For far too long in SEQ transport planning has been mainly aspirational and fragmented.  This study is an excellent framework for an integrated transport network for SEQ and the basis for subsequent feasibility studies and then business cases and so forth.

It is strong in rail and public and active transport generally.  We agree with most of the proposals, it is a genuine effort to turn from the car dependency endemic in SEQ that is fraught with future transport problems.  With respect to roads and road tunnels, unless there is a break from induced road traffic by having first rate mass transit available first, then we are not confident that road traffic and congestion will be managed.  Any new road should have provision for bus priority as associated transitways, or as circumstances dictate bus lanes.

Overall though we are pleased and grateful to the Council of Mayors (SEQ) for this very worthwhile study.  We hope that State and Federal Governments will give it the consideration and support it warrants free from any overriding partisan political priorities.

Best wishes,

Robert

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

[aldonius]

Things that popped out at me:

- 1.8 B each for the Buranda-Toowong and NW-Toowong tunnels is a likely underestimate. Obviously modelled on Legacy Way which is a roughly equivalent length... but these interchanges will be more complex, especially for the western bypass (and that has a lot more opportunity for scope creep too).

- Metro stage 2 to cost another billion - presumably that must be BRTing Gympie, OC and Mains Rds?

- Centenary bypass. 3 bil. No bus improvements mentioned. Get out of my state.

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> The $62 billion plan to keep SEQ's commute under 45 minutes

Designed to bring together federal, state and local plans for transport and roads into a single unified vision, the study was commissioned in 2017.

Council of Mayors (SEQ) chairman and Brisbane lord mayor Graham Quirk said a "significant shift in thinking" was required to prevent Brisbane experiencing Sydney and Melbourne's traffic congestion woes in years to come.

Brisbane, Ipswich, Lockyer Valley, Logan, Moreton Bay, Redland, Scenic Rim, Somerset, Sunshine Coast and Toowoomba councils all participated in the study, wishing to see all urban commutes under half-an-hour and all city-to-city public transport commutes under 45 minutes.

"This total investment rate achieves the vision of 45-minute regional connectivity and 30-minute smart cities," Cr Quirk said.

"The region has never had a shortage of plans or strategies from federal, state and local governments, but this is the first time we've had a consolidated view of transport in SEQ.

"Forty-seven major projects are prioritised in the SEQ People Mass Movement Study for delivery over the next 23 years.

"This includes the introduction of a faster rail network running from the Sunshine Coast to the Gold Coast via Brisbane, and to Ipswich and then Toowoomba."

A faster rail network is required to better connect the Sunshine Coast, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Toowoomba and Ipswich, the research found, and would take pressure off the Bruce and Pacific highways.

Other key projects included in the list of future projects include Brisbane Metro, Cross River Rail, Faster Rail, and upgrades projects to the Pacific, Ipswich, Centenary, Mt Lindesay motorways and the Bruce Highway.

Fast Rail, Cr Quirk said, was not quite a bullet-train but was close to it. The concept of having 150 to 180km/h trains from Toowoomba to Ipswich and Brisbane, and up and down the coastline, would allow residents to live in regional areas and work in the central cities.

"The decision for the federal and state governments isn't whether they can afford to deliver these projects, it's whether they can afford not to," Cr Quirk said.

The study was co-funded with the federal government but Cr Quirk said it had been conducted with "full autonomy" and the Council of Mayors SEQ was grateful for the partnership.

Cr Quirk said the Council had provided some preliminary briefings to state and federal governments on the plan but would lobby Canberra later next month with a trip to meet with federal ministers.

[ozbob]

Sunshine Coast Daily --> 10 Coast transport projects make SEQ infrastructure plan

TEN major transport projects which would transform life for Coast residents have been included on a 47-project blueprint to re-invent southeast Queensland.

The South East Queensland Council of Mayors released its list of 47 critical projects needed to bust congestion and traffic gridlock set to become the norm by 2041.

The $62 billion plan endorsed by 10 councils listed the priority order of the projects to be rolled out, at a cost of $2.7 billion a year from 2019-2041.

The spend required would balloon to $3.5 billion a year up to 2031 in order to deliver faster rail between Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast and Ipswich.

"This total investment rate achieves the vision of 45 minute regional connectivity and 30 minute Smart Cities," Council of Mayors (SEQ) Chair and Brisbane Lord Mayor Cr Graham Quirk said.

For the Sunshine Coast, North Coast Rail Line duplication from Beerburrum to Landsborough was listed as priority project number six of 47.

A multi-modal transport corridor from Kawana Town Centre to the Mooloolah River Interchange and a Bells Creek Connection from Caloundra South to the Bruce Highway was ranked ninth.

Six-laning of the Bruce Highway from Bribie Island Rd to Caloundra Rd (11th), and Sunshine Motorway upgrades to four lanes from Kawana Way to the MRI and six lanes from Mooloolaba Road to the MRI were the 14th-highest priority for the southeast.

Light rail from Kawana to Maroochydore CBD via Mooloolaba (22nd), fast rail from Brisbane to the Sunshine Coast via Moreton Bay (23rd) and the Camcos corridor from Beerwah to Kawana (29th) and Kawana to Maroochydore (33rd) were also highly-rated.

Light rail from Kawana to Caloundra was ranked 36th of 47 projects while a rapid bus system from Nambour to Maroochydore was ranked 47th.

Sunshine Coast Rail Back on Track spokesman Jeff Addison said he believed the plan carried plenty of political weight given all councils had endorsed it.

"I think it's a fantastic idea," Mr Addison said.

"It's 10 councils all together working towards one infrastructure plan.

"It takes the politics out of it."

The study was undertaken as part of consideration of an Olympic bid, which would fast track infrastructure investment in the southeast, but was not reliant on an Olympic bid, as it was based on population growth and transport demand regardless.

The aim of the plan was to slash travel times between major regions, like Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast, which could be reduced to just 45 minutes.

The plan also aimed to deliver 30-minute Smart Cities, which enabled people to move around them with ease via multiple transport modes.

RACQ spokesman Paul Turner applauded the planning, which he said would need all tiers of government and bipartisan support to come to fruition.

"Building infrastructure isn't going to get cheaper, so it's crucial we plug these projects into the pipeline now, so we can meet future transport needs," Mr Turner said.

[ozbob]

Ipswich First --> IPSWICH PRIORITIES INCLUDED IN 47 PROJECTS THAT WILL UNLOCK SEQ TRANSPORT CONGESTION

The Council of Mayors' (SEQ) People Mass Movement Study, with a comprehensive road map of 47 priority projects aimed at reducing gridlock in the region, has identified several key points to address population growth and transport demand in Ipswich.

A snapshot of some of the big ticket items in the road map include faster rail in the Western Corridor and major upgrades to the Ipswich Motorway and Centenary Highway.

The study, released today by the Council of Mayors (SEQ), which includes Ipswich Interim Administrator Greg Chemello, is an in-depth view of the growth and transport challenges facing the region, ultimately delivering a roadmap to reduce congestion and drive stronger regional connectivity in the coming decades.

Chair and Brisbane Lord Mayor Graham Quirk said 47 major projects are prioritised in the SEQ People Mass Movement Study for delivery over the next 23 years. This includes the introduction of a faster rail network running from the Sunshine Coast to the Gold Coast via Brisbane, and to Ipswich and then Toowoomba.

Currently, SEQ's rail system is unable to meet the needs of the region in a satisfactory manner, largely because an essentially urban rail system servicing the Greater Brisbane area is being used to service the wider geographical SEQ region, Cr Quirk said.

To address this, SEQ should consider the creation of a two-tier system, consisting of urban passenger rail (existing QR Citytrain) and faster rail (new system).

Faster rail will provide a higher speed mass transit service connecting the major centres with limited stops at major activity centres only. The maximum operating speed is anticipated to be between 200 to 250km/h with an average running speed up to about 150-160km/h.

An SEQ faster rail network delivered by 2031 would reduce travel time from Brisbane to the Sunshine Coast by 48 per cent, to the Gold Coast by 52 per cent and to Ipswich by 66 per cent.

Currently, it takes 58 minutes to travel by train from Ipswich Central to Brisbane Central. The proposed faster rail program would see a reduction in travel time of 66 per cent to just 20 minutes. The cost was estimated at $1.7 billion.

A faster rail network from Ipswich to Toowoomba is also proposed at a cost of $3.4 billion.

Another of the 47 projects included the extension of the Springfield railway line, with $1 billion needed from an "urban passenger rail service for Ripley to Ipswich (via Yamanto), and thus providing the Brisbane-Springfield-Ipswich connection.

Mr Chemello said the faster rail program would be crucial for the region as population soared at an unprecedented rate and welcomed a trip of 20 minutes between the two cities.

"We recently passed the 215,000 population point and we are heading towards 500,000 within 20 years," Mr Chemello said.

"It is absolutely vital that public transport is significantly improved to cater for that growth. That means rail, buses and a better transport and road network."

The Springfield railway line opened in December 2013, but commuters have to change trains at Darra to get to Ipswich. The State Government's Connecting SEQ 2031 Plan includes an extension of the Springfield line to Redbank Plains and Ripley – two of the region's fastest growing suburbs – and through to Ipswich.

Council has been pleading with the government to introduce that link sooner, with land available now to build the extension to Redbank Plains and Ripley.

"We can't stress enough the importance of this rail link. Ipswich is growing rapidly and we need the transport infrastructure urgently to cope with the population explosion," Mr Chemello said.

The overarching message from the study's transport work to-date was that infrastructure delivery in South East Queensland was no longer keeping pace with the region's projected population growth.

"Traffic congestion will continue to worsen on all of South East Queensland's major corridors as we head towards 2031, and by 2041, all major corridors will be over capacity in peak hours conditions," it said.

Mr Chemello noted that the study found the Ipswich Motorway and Centenary Highway had "very high" anticipated growth and by 2041 would be "over capacity".

"It is essential to undertake the appropriate transport and infrastructure planning needed to cater for the future growth of the region," he said.

Mr Chemello said he looked forward to the council working with State and Federal Governments in the future to help address Ipswich's future transport needs.

SEQ PEOPLE MASS MOVEMENT STUDY
Ipswich projects in order of priority

Centenary Motorway Upgrade Projects: Moggill Road to Sumners Road Interchange 6 lanes; Logan Motorway to Springfield and Springfield to Yamanto (4 lane upgrade); $1.1 billion

Ipswich Motorway Upgrade Projects: Darra to Rocklea (Centenary Motorway to Sherwood Road); $1.9 billion

Norman Street Bridge: additional crossing of the Bremer River to remove traffic from CBD; 4 lane bridge with bicycle lanes and pedestrian pathway; $200 million

Warrego Highway Upgrade Projects: Ipswich (Dinmore to Toowoomba; 6 lanes Dinmore to Brisbane Valley Highway and 4 lane upgrades and interchanges to Toowoomba; $1.88 billion

Ipswich to Springfield Rail Line (Springfield to Ripley section): Urban passenger rail Springfield to Ripley section; $500 million

Bus Rapid Transit (BRT): faster bus network from Toowoomba to Ipswich; $100 milion

Logan Motorway Upgrade project: Ipswich Motorway to Mt Lindsay Highway and Wembley Road to the Pacific Motorway; $1.2 billion

Faster Rail Network: Brisbane to Ipswich Central, travel times reduced by 66 per cent; $1.7 billion

Western Ipswich Bypass and Cunningham Highway Upgrades: Connecting the Warrego Highway and Cunningham Highway and upgrades to the Cunningham Highway from Yamanto to Amberley (including the Amberley interchange); $700 million

Ipswich to Springfield Rail Line (Ripley to Ipswich section): Urban passenger rail Ripley to Ipswich via Yamanto section; $900 million

Faster Rail Network: Ipswich to Toowoomba; $3.4 billion

[verbatim9]

https://twitter.com/railbotforum/status/1088179576855945217

The East West Tunnel from Buranda to Toowong is needed. To demolish the Riverside Expressway which will revive city CBD streets and the North bank of the river on North Quay. #urbanrenewal #Brisbane
2039 For a Toowoomba fast train? Will it be operational to Helidon by 2031?
Does a faster Train to the Gold Coast by 2031 also mean extended Coolangatta Airport?
A proper underground and grade seperated Driverless Metro should be the aim in Brisbane. (All weather, driveless tech, no worries!)
Rolling stock for faster rail? Current NGRs or New to suit Seimens Alstom or Bombardier electric sets.....? Rail guage? Standard or Narrow?

[verbatim9]

Far too much capital locked up in unnecessary urban road tunnels.  The western suburbs one is obscene.

I am not keen on the Western one either just the East West link Tunnel from Buranda to Toowoong to allow the demolition of the Riverside Expressway. This will alleviate  traffic on Coronation Drive while allowing urban renewal in the CBD and North Quay. This will return the River bank back to the people similar to South bank and Eagle street pier.

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/7NewsBrisbane/status/1088273041077850112

[verbatim9]

Brisbanetimes --> The $62 billion plan to keep SEQ's commute under 45 minutes

Designed to bring together federal, state and local plans for transport and roads into a single unified vision, the study was commissioned in 2017.

Council of Mayors (SEQ) chairman and Brisbane lord mayor Graham Quirk said a "significant shift in thinking" was required to prevent Brisbane experiencing Sydney and Melbourne's traffic congestion woes in years to come.

Brisbane, Ipswich, Lockyer Valley, Logan, Moreton Bay, Redland, Scenic Rim, Somerset, Sunshine Coast and Toowoomba councils all participated in the study, wishing to see all urban commutes under half-an-hour and all city-to-city public transport commutes under 45 minutes.

"This total investment rate achieves the vision of 45-minute regional connectivity and 30-minute smart cities," Cr Quirk said.

"The region has never had a shortage of plans or strategies from federal, state and local governments, but this is the first time we've had a consolidated view of transport in SEQ.

"Forty-seven major projects are prioritised in the SEQ People Mass Movement Study for delivery over the next 23 years.

"This includes the introduction of a faster rail network running from the Sunshine Coast to the Gold Coast via Brisbane, and to Ipswich and then Toowoomba."

A faster rail network is required to better connect the Sunshine Coast, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Toowoomba and Ipswich, the research found, and would take pressure off the Bruce and Pacific highways.

Other key projects included in the list of future projects include Brisbane Metro, Cross River Rail, Faster Rail, and upgrades projects to the Pacific, Ipswich, Centenary, Mt Lindesay motorways and the Bruce Highway.

Fast Rail, Cr Quirk said, was not quite a bullet-train but was close to it. The concept of having 150 to 180km/h trains from Toowoomba to Ipswich and Brisbane, and up and down the coastline, would allow residents to live in regional areas and work in the central cities.

"The decision for the federal and state governments isn't whether they can afford to deliver these projects, it's whether they can afford not to," Cr Quirk said.

The study was co-funded with the federal government but Cr Quirk said it had been conducted with "full autonomy" and the Council of Mayors SEQ was grateful for the partnership.

Cr Quirk said the Council had provided some preliminary briefings to state and federal governments on the plan but would lobby Canberra later next month with a trip to meet with federal ministers.

This is Good!

The East-West Link tunnel is listed on the SEQ People Mass Movement plan as an advanced project hypothetically scheduled for 2032-2041.
More immediate projects between 2019 and 2031 include Sunshine Coast Light Rail, Cleveland Rail Line Duplication, and Ipswich to Springfield rail works.

[#Metro]

Fast rail to Ipswich is possible, just run the express pattern all day.
Double the trains to every 15 min until 9 pm.

Further upgrades can happen after that, such as getting tilt train rolling stock.

[verbatim9]

Fast rail to Ipswich is possible, just run the express pattern all day.
Double the trains to every 15 min until 9 pm.

Further upgrades can happen after that, such as getting tilt train rolling stock.

No doubt that will be done? Quad tracks to Redbank will be needed.
Why Tilt train sets? Surely the new line to Toowoomba and to the Sunshine Coast will have good alignment for regular Electric trains to run up to 160kph.  I guess HSR does have a leaning feature though? But it's not going to be HSR in the short term. It will be regional rapid rail. All indicators point to this.

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/9NewsQueensland/status/1088347737043591168

[achiruel]

Seriously, if you're gonna build a multi-billion $ centenary tunnel, why not make it a railway? 

[Arnz]

Fast rail to Ipswich is possible, just run the express pattern all day.
Double the trains to every 15 min until 9 pm.

Further upgrades can happen after that, such as getting tilt train rolling stock.

On the re-aligned Beerburrum-Landsborough track, you could probably extend all existing daytime (and early evening counter-peak) CAB terminators/originators to/from LSH (Landsborough),  with continuing service every 90 minutes to/from Nambour. 

Combine the CAB/NBR express pattern with operating the express pattern on the Ipswich line all-day and an extended LSH-IPS service would basically almost be the same travel time as the existing CAB to IPS service (inc the existing all-day CAB/NBR express patterns)

[#Metro]

Ideally you want to get the train around 200 km/hr. That seems to be the sweet spot.
Actual average speed will be lower than this.

[verbatim9]

Ideally you want to get the train around 200 km/hr. That seems to be the sweet spot.
Actual average speed will be lower than this.

Wouldn't one want the current rolling stock be able to make the journey to Toowoomba and new rolling stock able to be used and integrated into the current network for best value for the tax payer and the commuter? Toowoomba is not that far, similar distance as to Nambour.

Fast rail to Ipswich is possible, just run the express pattern all day.
Double the trains to every 15 min until 9 pm.

Further upgrades can happen after that, such as getting tilt train rolling stock.

On the re-aligned Beerburrum-Landsborough track, you could probably extend all existing daytime (and early evening counter-peak) CAB terminators/originators to/from LSH (Landsborough),  with continuing service every 90 minutes to/from Nambour. 

Combine the CAB/NBR express pattern with operating the express pattern on the Ipswich line all-day and an extended LSH-IPS service would basically almost be the same travel time as the existing CAB to IPS service (inc the existing all-day CAB/NBR express patterns)

Most likely occuramce when the Landsborough duplication is finished we will see at least runs every 30 mins to Landsborough from Ipswich or Rosewood? Not sure what will happen once CRR is operational. Wasn't there suggestion of line changes. Airport line running as a spur and Gold Coast line continuing up North to Caboolture or Landsborough? Connecting coast to coast?

[#Metro]

Wouldn't one want the current rolling stock be able to make the journey to Toowoomba and new rolling stock able to be used and integrated into the current network for best value for the tax payer and the commuter? Toowoomba is not that far, similar distance as too Nambour.

New tilts would save time, something they are unable to do if they are stopping all stations, or eve most,  on the suburban network.

[verbatim9]

Wouldn't one want the current rolling stock be able to make the journey to Toowoomba and new rolling stock able to be used and integrated into the current network for best value for the tax payer and the commuter? Toowoomba is not that far, similar distance as too Nambour.

New tilts would save time, something they are unable to do if they are stopping all stations, or eve most,  on the suburban network.

It would be limited stops though Indooroopilly, Darra, Redbank, Ipswich Rosewood, Gatton, Helidon Toowoomba. A NGR can do that at 140kph. You would want people to use the service in the metropolitan zone to get the most out of the rolling stock.

[verbatim9]

https://twitter.com/9NewsQueensland/status/1088347737043591168

Well that's interesting what Mark Bailey MP had to say today. It must be purely political? (Must be an election coming up LOL!) Hasn't the Federal Government chipped in into many projects already Redcliffe line, Landsborough  realignment and duplication, M1 upgrades North and South, Caloundra interchange, Gold Coast LRT, Business case for Bne Toowoomba Bne fast rail, Toowoomba bypass and much more.........

Didn't Council also get money from the Federal Budget for Bne Metro?

[James]

Far too much capital locked up in unnecessary urban road tunnels.  The western suburbs one is obscene.

I like the orbital/ring-road between Toowong and Bald Hills - I think it'd be beneficial for Brisbane to have a complete ring-road rather than the current situation where traffic going from western Brisbane to northern Brisbane either ends up on Metroad 5 or going through the city - both terrible options. However, there is no reason why the Centenary Mwy can't perform both an orbital and radial function (with extra lanes). Tunnels are incredibly expensive and should only really be used if a surface road is grossly unpalatable for whatever reason. The Clem7 and Airport Link are good examples of this.

Overall I don't think the list looks too bad, it would be nicer if they actually specified what 'fast rail' is though. I'd be surprised if fast rail to the Gold Coast was any less than $3bn, it would cost that much to realign Coopers Plains - Kuraby and again Woodridge - Bethania.

[AnonymouslyBad]

The plan itself is mostly good. Like a lot of these 'infrastructure plans', it's very aspirational and it's not clear if anything's been scoped out in detail. Mixed in with the realistic projects are probably some that look good but have no chance of being completed on time or on budget, or maybe at all (even if they're desperately needed).

I like the orbital/ring-road between Toowong and Bald Hills

I agree! This is a missing link and for the sake of getting traffic out of the CBD/inner west a Toowong-Bald Hills orbital should be completed if possible.

That said, it's not the highest priority, especially if the cost blows out (it's already too much). There's a good reason there's not already any road there - it's mountainous - and there's scant evidence the project's been through engineering to get that price tag.

The cynic in me also says this project will 100% get the go-ahead even though many of the rail projects will not

Overall I don't think the list looks too bad, it would be nicer if they actually specified what 'fast rail' is though. I'd be surprised if fast rail to the Gold Coast was any less than $3bn, it would cost that much to realign Coopers Plains - Kuraby and again Woodridge - Bethania.

The webpage says 200km/h+ maximum speed, and 150km/h average including stops, which is confirmation that it's firmly "pie in the sky" territory. 'Realign' is probably being generous given it's the Beenleigh line - more like rebuilding it from scratch (not that that would be a bad thing).

45 minutes Brisbane to Maroochydore will be similarly difficult as well.

The webpage starts talking about public-private partnerships and all sorts of other nonsense which is code for "we haven't even considered how this is possible, we just think it sounds good".

[verbatim9]

^^This interactive map answers a lot of questions and statements put out today.

https://seqmayors.qld.gov.au/map

[SurfRail]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but what projects have the Council of Mayors actually championed where their involvement was meaningful in the thing happening?

The whole thing seems like an exercise in vanity.

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Brisbane City Council to establish congestion taskforce

A TRANSPORT taskforce will be launched in Brisbane to get billions of dollars' worth of congestion-busting infrastructure off the ground.

The Courier-Mail can reveal Brisbane City Council will establish a long-term taskforce to develop a 25-year pipeline of infrastructure and transport projects.

The taskforce will also begin working on business cases for the $60 billion in projects unveiled yesterday in the South East Queensland Council of Mayors' strategy for the region.

The move will help counter suggestions that the projects, which include faster rail corridors and new road tunnels, are unachievable.

The first priority of the taskforce will be to look at green bridges that will cross the Brisbane River as well as expansion of the council's near $1 billion Brisbane Metro project.

It will also begin feasibility studies on a proposed $6.5 billion urban passenger rail and four-lane highway that will link Bald Hills to Alderley.

Brisbane Deputy Mayor Adrian Schrinner, who will head the taskforce, urged the Federal and State governments to contribute their "fair share" to improve the connectivity of the city.

"By providing high-quality, long-term planning, we've successfully championed major city-changing projects and obtained funding from other levels of government," he said.

"Failure to deliver better transport options will have serious consequences for the liveability of Brisbane and surrounding areas. This is not something that can be left to chance or fall victim to a focus on short-term political cycles."

The council hopes the long-term strategy will help it secure crucial funding to make the projects a reality.

Transport Minister Mark Bailey yesterday welcomed the SEQ Council of Mayors People Mass Movement study, which listed 47 critical projects to rid southeast Queensland of traffic congestion by 2041.

But he claimed much of the study had leaned on the "heavy lifting" of the State Government's ongoing work. "What we clearly need is a Federal Government that is interested in investing in infrastructure in southeast Queensland.''

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/10NewsFirstQLD/status/1088346154536861696

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/SEQMayors/status/1088283506340327424

[#Metro]

Well that's interesting what Mark Bailey MP had to say today. It must be purely political? (Must be an election coming up LOL!) Hasn't the Federal Government chipped in into many projects already Redcliffe line, Landsborough  realignment and duplication, M1 upgrades North and South, Caloundra interchange, Gold Coast LRT, Business case for Bne Toowoomba Bne fast rail, Toowoomba bypass and much more.........

Didn't Council also get money from the Federal Budget for Bne Metro?

Mark Bailey needs to be given the boot. Propaganda outlet.

[ozbob]

Couriermail Quest --> Transport wish list includes 11 projects for Logan: room for improvement says expert


Rail Back on Track's Robert Dow says the projects for Logan are too road centric.

LOGAN commuters were given hope that solutions to daily road chaos were at hand when the South East Council of Mayors released a wish list of 47 traffic-busting projects this week.

The SEQ Mass Movement Study, released by the Council of Mayors, included 11 projects designed to alleviate traffic congestion in Logan.

Acting mayor Cherie Dalley said she was delighted that out of 47 projects, the study proposed 11 projects that directly benefited Logan.

"For a study that covers 11 council areas across South East Queensland, this is a great outcome for the people of Logan and will provide a strong foundation for Council's ongoing advocacy efforts," Cr Dalley said.

Transport expert Rail Back on Track spokesman Robert Dow welcomed the document but said the blueprint lacked "tangible, realistic and timely projects for Logan".

"Overall, the document is quite good and this study is a sound basis for actually getting some proper integration," Mr Dow said.

"But with respect to Logan, it's pretty poor. The busway extension to Springwood has not been given a high enough priority and this is an urgent project.

"The worst region for on-time buses is Logan and we think more attention needs to be given to getting more buses on the road in Logan.

"The Salisbury to Beaudesert rail corridor is not happening for a long time and won't have an immediate benefit for Logan.

"The whole study is too road centric and we would like to see the priorities moved to favour mass transit — especially in Logan."

One of the larger projects listed was the Brisbane Metro which included uncosted plans to extend the Southeast busway from Rochedale to Springwood.

The document stated the busway project still required state government agreement for the busway corridor.

Removing open level rail crossings was one of the 11 projects listed for Logan, which Mr Dow said was beneficial but not specific to the city.

No 8 on the list, the Centenary Motorway Upgrade, was tagged as a Logan project as it included a four-lane upgrade to the Logan Motorway to Springfield and Springfield to Yamanto.

That was followed by the Salisbury to Beaudesert Rail Line upgrade at No 13, also slated as a Logan project.

Upgrades to the Pacific Motorway including building eight lanes from the Gateway Motorway to Logan Motorway was No 14.

The Mt Lindesay Highway Upgrade Project from Chambers Flat Rd to Woodhill and Browns Plains Rd to Compton Rd, clocked in at No 15.

Also on the list, at Number 28, was stage 1 of the Park Ridge Connector which, if built, would link the Logan Motorway and Gateway Motorway to Granger Road at Park Ridge.