Public transport policies for #qldvotes2020

[James]

They've already done a business case, and it said the GC Highway route was the best route.

I don't understand what would be achieved by doing a second business case. The heavy rail corridor is designed for exactly that, heavy rail. It's as if the LNP doesn't like winning elections.

[achiruel]

The LNP are certainly good at being dumb when it comes to public transport planning. Anyone here remember that giant brain fart, the Cleveland Solution? 

Rather than thinking of any sensible plans, they come up with ridiculous stuff like this simply to appear different than the incumbent government.

Why not be come up with sensible alternative policies, such as improving feeder services to Helensvale and Coomera, or extending the heavy rail to Elanora? 

[verbatim9]

.@DebFrecklington has revealed the LNP's plans for the light rail on the southern Gold Coast. The Opposition Leader also responded to this morning's Schoolies announcement and criticised the Premier over border exemptions. https://t.co/VZ3A1cpmr5 #qldpol #7NEWS https://t.co/tZXGvHHOaZ

https://twitter.com/7NewsBrisbane/status/1299202948677869570

[verbatim9]

I believe that having heavy rail added to the business case is a good idea. This is a step forward in the right direction.   Once completed it can be submitted  to Infrastructure Australia for a priority assessment.

[verbatim9]

LNP have now announced three major Public Transport policies

Sunshine Coast Duplication and Camcos

LRT and Heavy Rail to OOL

Busway to Capalaba

I also reckon the will build the Toowoomba line. This inline with faster connection initiative (fast electric rail) to regional centres from the Federal Government.

[ozbob]

Gold Coast Bulletin --> Poll tram crash: Wayne 'Rabbit' Bartholomew is in the headlights of light rail

BURLEIGH LNP MP Michael Hart has questioned whether his Labor opponent, legendary surfer Wayne "Rabbit" Bartholomew, really supports light rail heading south.

"He says he's five years too late about light rail coming through Burleigh," Mr Hart told the Bulletin.

"Is he saying this decision was made five years ago, the route was locked, can nothing be changed? If that's the case, what are we exactly consulting for with the next stage of light rail?

"If the decision has already been made where it goes, what are we consulting – the colour of the tram, or how many trees along it, because it certainly doesn't sound like it's the route."

Mr Hart said Mr Bartholomew needed to be asked about his real position on the trams.

"The other question he needs to be asked is does he support light rail going down the highway all the way through Palm Beach or not, because I'm told he doesn't, and he'd have to support the party line," he said.

Mr Hart said most surfers understood "Rabbit" was not a tram supporter and had been unhappy about following Labor's policy on light rail.

But Mr Bartholomew hit back hard at the comments, and said: "To think that anybody, let alone Michael Hart, speaks for (the Gold Coast surf community) is ludicrous.

"My position has been clear since day one. Our entire community needs to continue to be consulted on this project, and their views need to be taken into account when finalising it.

"The people of Burleigh cannot trust Michael Hart and the LNP to lead this process.

"He has zero record of delivery for our community during the eight years he's been in office and has repeatedly shown poor judgement when it comes to borders and our health response to COVID-19.

"The LNP has no coherent plan for transport on the Gold Coast. Just a legacy of failure."

Mr Bartholomew has previously taken an anti-development stance and is regarded in the community as a strong environmentalist.

In a 2013 Bulletin column he spoke out against a "Los Angeles-style skyline" due to overdevelopment on the Coast.

"The charm and beauty of the Gold Coast, it would be a shame to lose it," he said at the time.

"It's still one of the world's most beautiful places. I wouldn't like to see it become end-to-end high rise.

"Some people say, 'Turn it into an LA skyline.' If we do that we lose the charm."

As early as 2002 he told the Bulletin he feared the Gold Coast would lose its beach culture: "It scares me that when you've got that much money, you might look at the view of the beach and say we'd rather see a boat harbour here."

[ozbob]

Gold Coast Bulletin --> Exclusive: Gold Coast MP Michael Hart's $1m apartment on light rail route revealed after Palm Beach opposition

THE MP fighting to stop light rail heading south creating more high rise along the Gold Coast has a secret — he owns and lives in a $1 million Palm Beach apartment on the tram route.

Property searches show Michael Hart and his wife Sally-Anne bought an apartment for $1,108,000 at Seventh Avenue in August 2018.

The 150sqm apartment, in a luxury tower just west of the Gold Coast Highway, "settled" in February this year once construction was completed, documents said.

Mr Hart, the Burleigh MP, on his register of interests with State Parliament, has written that the unit at Palm Beach is his "residence".

Mr Hart has provided to the Bulletin an audio recording of a radio interview where he defended being a part owner in a business, a brewery, on the potential western route of light rail from Burleigh.

"Also I live in Palm Beach. So I am affected by the route going either way," he said.

Mr Hart told the Bulletin: "My business and property interests have been fully declared. I am proud to be a business owner, that employs locals and I am proud to call Palm Beach home with my wife.

"The alternative would be not investing in Queensland and not living in the electorate. The Labor party have attacked me numerous times about part owning a business in Burleigh and living in the electorate, I think this shows just how out of touch they are with the community.

"When my interests have changed I have sought advice from Clerk of the Parliament and the Integrity Commissioner and I have always acted in accordance with that advice.

"It's clear Labor doesn't have a plan for heavy rail to the airport and are more interested in mud throwing than construction and jobs."

The experienced LNP MP and frontbencher has led the battle and cast as the political hero against light rail by backing petitions to the Parliament by the anti-tram protest group headed by Karen Rowles.

Thousands of the group's supporters are being asked to back Mr Hart in a tough battle against Labor candidate and surfing legend Wayne "Rabbit" Bartholomew" who supports the ALP's policy of the trams heading south through Palm Beach to the Gold Coast Airport.

Despite light rail being the key issue in the seat of Burleign in the lead-up to the October poll, Mr Hart has never disclosed his property interests.

A Labor source, aware of the MP's potential conflict, told the Bulletin: "He hasn't been truthful to the electorate about his potential conflict of interests. This asks questions about his motives for stopping light rail.

"He has some big questions to answer why he did this (remain silent). It is either utter stupidity or he's intentionally deceived his electorate."

The Harts live in a 13-storey apartment building which dwarfs neighbouring shops. All 63 two and three-bedroom apartments boasat a large balcony and two car parks.

The building also features a "retreat inspired yoga deck", lap pool, BBQ area and "exclusive resident dining area".

A real estate listing for the property posted prior to its February 2020 completion reads: "Situated in the heart of the Palm Beach village atmosphere, offering unrivalled coastal living with popular restaurants, cafes and the beach moments from your doorstep."

Mr Hart had endorsed a 2018 petition by Ms Rowles, which called for a feasibility study into alternate light rail routes.

On May 14 on Facebook, Mr Rowles who has more than 4000 "followers", posted: "If you want to stop the light rail destroying Burleigh Hill, Tallebudgera, Palm Beach, Currumbin and Bilinga, as a community whether you are Liberal or Labor you must support Michael Hart MP for Burleigh."

She added Mr Hart had always protested against the "coastal route" for light rail Stage 3 B,

The petition received a total 1599 signatures and was tabled in Parliament in May 2018.

Construction of Sea Palm Beach began around October 2018 and was already 65 per cent sold just two months later.

Mr Hart only today at a media conference with LNP leader Deb Frecklington said the party's plan for heavy rail would enable "all potential routes" for light rail to be considered.

"The LNP's approach will deliver a plan that busts congestion, meets local needs and improves connectivity between the airport, the Gold Coast and Brisbane," he said.

"More importantly, the LNP will guarantee that our transport plan includes genuine community consultation. Locals must have a say on the future of their communities."

It's not the first time Mr Hart has called for further scrutiny and community consultation or opposed the Palm Beach light rail route publicly.

He penned a March 2020 letter to Transport Minister Mark Bailey expressing his concerns and calling for more specific information on traffic modelling down the Gold Coast Hwy.

As early as March 2017 he wrote on Facebook: "I can tell you while ever I am the MP for Burleigh and Palm Beach the light rail WON'T be going down the Esplanade at Burleigh or around Burleigh Hill and down the Gold Coast Hwy at Palm Beach."

In a separate Facebook post in November 2017 he confirmed he supported the light rail to Burleigh, but not through Burleigh and Palm Beach.

In May 2020, he raised concerns about over-development in Palm Beach, and called on locals to make submissions to Council on City Plan changes to Jefferson Lane, the street directly adjacent to Seventh Ave.

"The Gold Coast City Council is out of control, they will destroy Palm Beach and Burleigh with overdevelopment," he wrote in April, referrencing a Gold Coast Hwy tower just down the street from Sea Palm Beach.
"I wrote to the Planning Minister about this very thing happening a month ago and he assured me council can refuse these applications.

"But they aren't and they aren't listening to the people of the area."

[verbatim9]

Regarding the business case for heavy rail from Varsity to OOL. I hope they include a Bikeway alongside. This will help connect communities together in an Active Transport way especially when travelling up to 5 km in each direction.

[achiruel]

I believe that having heavy rail added to the business case is a good idea. This is a step forward in the right direction.   Once completed it can be submitted  to Infrastructure Australia for a priority assessment.

It's a ridiculous idea because there simply isn't room in the corridor for both HR and LR. To have light rail go to the airport via Elanora will mean that the heavy rail extension can't be built. Another brain fart from the brilliant minds at LNP HQ.

[verbatim9]

They never stated Heavy Rail and LRT to be running along the same corridor. They just want heavy rail included in the business case to save money.  They stated eventually there will be three modes of public transport to the Gold Coast Airport. Bus, LRT and Heavy Rail from Brisbane.

[timh]

They never stated Heavy Rail and LRT to be running along the same corridor. They just want heavy rail included in the business case to save money.  They stated eventually there will be three modes of public transport to the Gold Coast Airport. Bus, LRT and Heavy Rail from Brisbane.

There's some cognitive dissonance going on here mate. If the LNP wants LRT to go the airport via the M1 corridor, and ALSO wants heavy rail to go to the airport too, how are YOU expecting them to fit?? Are you proposing a new alignment for the heavy rail? Or some sort of bizarre double decker rail tracks??

It's a fairly obvious fact that there is no room for both modes to use the same corridor, as stated above

Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk

[achiruel]

They never stated Heavy Rail and LRT to be running along the same corridor. They just want heavy rail included in the business case to save money.  They stated eventually there will be three modes of public transport to the Gold Coast Airport. Bus, LRT and Heavy Rail from Brisbane.

Really? Explain this then:

https://www.goldcoastbulletin.com.au/news/gold-coast/gold-coast-light-rail-prediction-lnp-promises-business-case-for-western-route-labelled-diabolical-by-mark-bailey/news-story/e042346a745adaafbb48601b838ce63a

THE LNP is promising to launch a business case which could see light rail on a western route heading south from Varsity Lakes along the heavy rail corridor to the Gold Coast Airport.

[verbatim9]

.@DebFrecklington has revealed the LNP's plans for the light rail on the southern Gold Coast. The Opposition Leader also responded to this morning's Schoolies announcement and criticised the Premier over border exemptions. https://t.co/VZ3A1cpmr5 #qldpol #7NEWS https://t.co/tZXGvHHOaZ

https://twitter.com/7NewsBrisbane/status/1299202948677869570

[achiruel]

Now you're just repeating yourself. The fact is, LNP members have been quoted as saying the light rail should go to the GC Airport via the heavy rail corridor, and this is not possible if the heavy rail is also to continue to the airport.
What is the LNP's plan for future heavy rail if they use the corridor for LR? There isn't one.

[verbatim9]

They have made it clear in that interview that there will be three Public Transport modes to OOL which includes heavy rail from Varsity lakes.

[verbatim9]

Now you're just repeating yourself. The fact is, LNP members have been quoted as saying the light rail should go to the GC Airport via the heavy rail corridor, and this is not possible if the heavy rail is also to continue to the airport.
What is the LNP's plan for future heavy rail if they use the corridor for LR? There isn't one.

People will have the opportunity to feedback on any concerns and ideas. There will be a formal submission process as well. No doubt Rail Back on Track will be able to make one when the times comes.

[JimmyP]

It's all well and good saying there will be 3 modes of PT to Cooly, but what's the point if two of those (the two high capacity ones at that) are sharing exactly the same corridor?

The Light Rail belongs on the coastal route, where the bulk of the population is. The sooner the LNP grasp and understand this fact, the better off everyone will be.

[achiruel]

They have have made it clear in that interview that there will be three Public Transport modes to OOL which includes heavy rail from Varsity lakes.

They are also pretending that LR and HR can share the same corridor which all of us here know is impossible. Nothing but an electioneering stunt, with absolutely zero substance.

People will have the opportunity to feedback on any concerns and ideas. There will be a formal submission process as well. No doubt Rail Back on Track will be able to make one when the times comes.

I sincerely hope that never happens.

[SurfRail]

They have have made it clear in that interview that there will be three Public Transport modes to OOL which includes heavy rail from Varsity lakes.

The local member is in record as preferring to send the light rail route to the airport via the M1.  Read up on what he has actually said.

This is all a sop to the locals so the LNP does not look like it supports light rail (to attract the local sooks into voting for them) but give them the leeway to say they will progress it once elected.

I'm not overly worried.  Only the most ridiculous terms of reference and completely ignoring professional advice in a way even the LNP hasn't done before would see light rail anywhere other than the GC Hwy corridor.

[Jonno]

The BAT Tunnel 2!!!

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/AnnastaciaMP/status/1302054498894925824

[ozbob]

https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/90667

New terminal at Howard Smith Wharves to boost River tourism

Published Today at 11:12 AM

JOINT STATEMENT

Minister for State Development, Tourism and Innovation
The Honourable Kate Jones

Minister for Education and Minister for Industrial Relations
The Honourable Grace Grace

The Palaszczuk Government has committed $5.5 million to build three new pontoons at Howard Smith Wharves to boost the tourism and construction industries post-COVID-19.

Tourism Minister Kate Jones said the funding announced today was part of the Palaszczuk Government's strategy to promote the city's links with Moreton Bay.

"River to Bay tourism will be crucial for this region in coming years. That's why we're investing in infrastructure now to create more tourism jobs in the southeast into the future," Ms Jones said.

"Howard Smith Wharves is a hugely popular precinct. This new river terminal will mean you can have a drink or something to eat at a restaurant, jump on a boat and be relaxing on an island within 40 minutes. It's an absolute game changer.

"We're forging on with major projects like this because we know that new infrastructure is vital to Queensland's economic recovery."

Education Minister and Member for McConnel Grace Grace said the River Terminal at Fortitude Valley would be funded through the Attracting Tourism Fund and would support up to 6000 passengers a day.

"These new pontoons will be open to commercial tour operators as a pick-up and drop off point and will have the potential added benefit of through traffic for the Howard Smith Wharves and Eagle Street restaurant and entertainment precincts," she said.

"Accessibility to Moreton Bay from the Brisbane River has always been a limiting factor for tourist operators.

"So this project will be the catalyst to open two-way traffic flow and commercial tourist operators have already expressed great interest to access this popular new facility.

"We all know the devastating effects that COVID-19 has had on the tourism industry and projects like these will help Queensland get back on its feet."

Once up and running, the facility could attract 294,000 overseas visitors spending $9.2 million a year.

In addition, about 64,000 domestic visitors are estimated to use the terminal spending $3.8 million a year.

Construction of the three pontoons wharves is estimated to support 7 construction jobs and 23 operational jobs.

HSW chief executive Luke Fraser said since opening HSW had created more than 1000 jobs and the terminal project would be the catalyst to create many more.

"Never has there been a more important time to invest in the future of Queensland tourism," he said.

"HSW is excited to be working with the State Government to deliver this essential infrastructure which will play an important role in unlocking the tourism potential of the Brisbane River and Moreton Bay.

"We're born and bred in Brisbane and hugely proud of everything our city has to offer.

"With an exciting pipeline of investment from critical infrastructure through to significant tourism projects, the new commercial pontoons will only further enhance our river city appeal.

"It's incredible to see this vision of ours coming to life and creating a new way to come and go from the wharves, and a new hub for tourism boats spurring on further investment in new tourism products."

[ENDS]

[ozbob]

^

https://twitter.com/ozbob13/status/1302264314254880774

... John Groom's family business has been running ferries from Cleveland, on the mainland, to North Stradbroke Island for more than 30 years.

He dismissed the claim of a 40-minute trip as false advertising.

"Sounds like a croc of rubbish," he said.

"It's impossible. There's no real island within 40 minutes travel of Brisbane city.

"You'd get to the mouth of the river in about 45 minutes with a perfect run... if you could go flat out.

"No commercial vessel is allowed to do that. Commercial vessels' top speed is 24.9 knots. That's just the law."

He estimated the trip would, in reality, take more than two hours.

"I don't believe it's going to bite into our business, because they can't provide the service," he said.

Bit like 45 minutes to everywhere by fast rail,  bullsh%t basically ..

[achiruel]

Maybe they were referring to Fisherman Is?   

[ozbob]

Couriermail Quest --> Stradbroke Flyer owner says State Government's $5.5m fast ferry dream a 'load of croc'

A plan to run 40-minute ferries to North Stradbroke Island has been hailed as a pipe dream by a local mayor and a captain who frequently travels by boat to the island.

Tourism Minister Kate Jones announced the $5.5 million proposal on the weekend, saying it would include three pontoons at Howard Smith Wharves, near the Story Bridge with ferries travelling to the island.

Stradbroke Flyer owner John Groom, who runs ferries to the island from Cleveland's Toondah Harbour, said the 40-minute claim was "false advertising" and a "load of croc".

"I'm all for new infrastructure but don't let that get in the way of a pack of lies about the timing to the island from Brisbane," he said.

"It is 35 nautical miles from Howard Smith Wharves and even flying along at 40 knots it would take an hour – and that's with no hindrances on the river.

"No commercial vessel is allowed to do that in certain parts of the Brisbane River as their top allowable speed is 24.9 knots so 40 minutes is not feasible."

Mr Groom said it was his company's idea to run ferries from Brisbane about six years ago as a proposal to the island's Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation, which oversees tourism on the island.

"So it looks like they have decided to go with operators who offer these unrealistic deals which are impossible to meet," Mr Groom said.

Redland City mayor Karen Williams said she was insulted that the state government launched its "unrealistic" 40-minute ferry plan but did not consult the local council.

She was backed up by the sitting state MP for Oodgeroo Mark Robinson, who said it was "a fake ferry".

"I'm a little bit insulted firstly because we have been dealing with the government to build marine infrastructure on our islands for some time and it's come at a great cost to our ratepayers," she said.

"Forty minutes from Howard Smith Wharves to Amity Point or North Stradbroke Island — it's like a scene from The Castle.

"Tell them they're dreaming — I've done that trip and you can't have fast vessels going down the river.

"You'd be lucky to get to the mouth of the river in forty minutes – let alone Amity, which by the way has no passenger terminal."

Cr Williams said a more realistic time frame would be about two hours, not 40 minutes, which she said would it would take to get to the mouth of the Brisbane River.

The idea also raised issues about parking and the lack of connection to buses both on the island at Amity Point and at Howard Smith.

"So where do the people who want to jump on a ferry to Straddie from Howard Wharf park?" asked Redland resident Junita Grosvenor.

"There's only limited underground parking there and it's very expensive. They really haven't thought this through, have they?"

[ozbob]

^ undeliverable spin and bullsh%t confirmed!   

[Gazza]

Maybe its to Moreton island, because that's technically within BCC 

[James]

Because when you head down to Howard Smith Wharves for a drink after work, travelling to North Stradbroke Island is right up there on your bucket list!

There are already plenty of pontoons in and around the city these services launch from, there is no need for another, as John Groom and other locals have pointed out.

But hey - beer, sun, boats, it all sounds like a lovely idea on a media release!

[verbatim9]

People are saying this is not a logical point to launch services to the Islands. Riverside would be a better location due to being closer to other Public Transport locations.

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/ozbob13/status/1303187429113753600

[achiruel]

Maybe its to Moreton island, because that's technically within BCC 

Not a chance. Like I said maybe Fisherman Is (lol), perhaps Mud Is or St Helena, but Moreton or North Stradbroke are totally out of the wisdom question.

[ozbob]

Gold Coast Bulletin --> Gold Coast Light Rail Prediction: Burleigh MP Michael Hart's backflip on heavy rail to airport

A GOLD Coast MP has done a shock U-turn on the heavy rail route to the airport – supporting an LNP plan to back heavy rail just five months after saying it "doesn't make sense".

Burleigh MP Michael Hart last Friday supported an announcement the LNP would expand the Stage 4 light rail business case to include planning for heavy rail between Varsity Lakes and the Gold Coast Airport.

But in resurfaced Facebook comments from early 2020 the LNP frontbencher is seen clashing with Labor Transport Minister Mark Bailey and claiming the Government should "forget heavy rail to the airport".

In the comments of a March 7 Facebook post, Mr Hart wrote: "Why would you want one airport being connected to another one in Brisbane every 30 minutes?

"That doesn't make sense, nobody flies to the Gold Coast to catch a train to Brisbane.

"Forget heavy rail to the airport, use light rail instead.

"Why don't you (Mark Bailey) come down here and talk to the locals, actually have a look at that route? You would see there is a huge catchment of people it could service, it's not an industrial area."

On Tuesday, Mr Hart sidestepped requests for comment about what caused his sudden change in opinion, instead taking aim at the Labor Party.

"This is just another desperate attempt from the Palaszczuk Labor Government who have neglected the southern Gold Coast for the last five years," he said.

"The LNP is the only party with a plan for heavy rail upgrades on the Gold Coast.

"To find the best solution for congestion and to plan for growth we need to look at every option, light rail, heavy rail and better buses.

"Let's put all of the options on the table and deliver a plan that works for the Gold Coast. I want a public transport system that gets the Gold Coast moving and creates jobs."

The comments were uncovered by Bulletin journalists and not provided by any Labor MPs or staff.

On August 28, LNP Leader Deb Frecklington labelled heavy rail the "missing piece" in planning for the Gold Coast's future transport needs.

Mr Hart, who was present for the Palm Beach announcement along with LNP Currumbin MP Laura Gerber, backed the LNP business case.

"My community really needs to know what is happening with public transport on the Gold Coast," he said at the time.

"In putting heavy rail into the mix with light rail we can come up with something that works for everyone and give the input to the community.

"We need a very good public transport system at our airport, it is after all the key transportation hub on the Gold Coast."

Labor has already called on Mr Hart to remove himself from future light rail policy planning after it was revealed he had two perceived conflicts in Palm Beach along the proposed light rail route.

During Question Time in State Parliament on Tuesday, Transport Minister Mark Bailey asked Ms Frecklington to again remove Mr Hart from discussions on light rail policy due him owning a unit and investment in a brewery on two potential future tram routes.

"It was recently revealed by the media (the Bulletin), not the Member for Burleigh, that he lives in a Palm Beach apartment on the current proposed Stage 4 light rail route," Mr Bailey said.

"He's been a vocal opponent of that route, the same route that our two-year study says is the best route to do."

Mr Bailey said Mr Hart wanted the tram line to go west near a Burleigh brewery in which he had an interest.

"He has a clear conflict of interest. And what do we get from the leader of the Opposition? Absolutely no action. He's driving policy on the Opposition side," Mr Bailey said.

The Government's favoured route for the trams passes south by Mr Hart's new $1 million Palm Beach unit, while the LNP's business case would see it head west towards the brewery.

EARLIER:

THE LNP is promising to launch a business case which could see light rail on a western route heading south from Varsity Lakes along the heavy rail corridor to the Gold Coast Airport.

But the election promise, to undertake the research as part of the Stage 4 light rail business case, made by leader Deb Frecklington with Burleigh MP Michael Hart and Currumbin MP Laura Gerber, has been ridiculed by Labor.

Transport Minister Mark Bailey told The Bulletin the government's research showed there was not enough room for both transport modes in the corridor next to the M1.

"The question there is only way to get heavy rail from Varsity Lakes to the airport and that is along the allocated and protected heavy rail corridor," he said.

"There going to use that for light rail and now they're saying for heavy rail as well. The only way will be to resume hundreds and hundreds of houses.

"Look at the map. So their policy confusion on this is diabolical. There is only one plan that works — light rail on the Gold Coast Highway, heavy rail in the corridor, M1 upgrades all working together. The LNP policy makes no sense whatsoever."

Earlier in the Coast today, Ms Frecklington labelled the heavy rail connection the "missing piece" for the Gold Coast's transport needs and took aim at the Labor Government.

"There is already an existing heavy rail corridor to the Gold Coast Airport and it's bizarre that Labor's business case will ignore it," she said.

"Labor's lack of planning has held back the Gold Coast for years. The LNP's business case will put all the options on the table and deliver a public transport system that busts congestion and creates jobs."

Mr Hart said developing a plan for heavy rail would enable all potential routes for light rail Stage 4 to be fully considered.

"The LNP's approach will deliver a plan that busts congestion, meets local needs and improves connectivity between the airport, the Gold Coast and Brisbane," he said.

[ozbob]

Queensland Parliament Hansard

https://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/documents/hansard/2020/2020_09_09_DAILY.pdf

Questions Without Notice

North Stradbroke Island, Ferry

Dr ROBINSON: My question is to the Minister for State Development, Tourism and Innovation.
Can the minister explain her ferry proposal to North Stradbroke Island claiming that tourists can get to
Straddie in 40 minutes from Brisbane's CBD, a claim the Straddie Flyer owner has slammed as false
advertising and 'a load of crock' and other experts say cannot be done?

Ms JONES: I thank the member for Oodgeroo for sticking with his plan to knock any investment
we make to reboot the North Stradbroke Island community. If there is anything we do—investment on
the island, investment on the one thing that everybody in the tourism industry has said—

Dr Robinson: You are the only person who believes it can be done.

Ms JONES: I should swear on a stack of Bibles, like the member for Everton. Can I be very clear
about this: this is the one piece of infrastructure that the local community have said from day one will
be a game changer—and the Lord Mayor of Brisbane has said this—in linking Brisbane to the bay.

Dr Robinson: You said 40 minutes.

Ms JONES: You are right. I was advised that it was 40 minutes; in fact, it is more likely to be an
hour. I apologise for that. What I will not apologise for is being the only government in the history—

Mr Boothman: So you admit it.

Dr Robinson: You were wrong!

Mr SPEAKER: The member for Oodgeroo will cease his interjections.

Ms JONES: I just admitted it. Why do you not admit that you do not have a plan? Why do you not
admit that you were wrong for 64 times saying that we should have opened the border?

Mr SPEAKER: Order! Minister, it would be helpful if you could put your comments through the
chair.

Ms JONES: It would be very helpful if the Leader of the Opposition—

Dr Robinson interjected.

Mr SPEAKER: Pause the clock. Member for Oodgeroo, I had barely given the minister that
advice. You are warned under the standing orders.

Ms JONES: What kind of local member complains about investment to get people to an island
that he has said ever since he was elected was withering on a vine and needed more tourists? Here I
am, as the Minister for Tourism, working with the private sector to deliver a $5.5 million investment to
get people to the Moreton Bay islands. Still they bag it. It just shows that those opposite have only one
game plan, and that is to knock from the sidelines. When the Premier was strong in her leadership and
protecting Queenslanders on the borders, what did they do? They just criticised from the sidelines.
They contradicted. Some 64 times they called for the Premier to open the borders. I can tell you what,
member for Oodgeroo, those in your community did not want the borders opened.

Dr ROBINSON: Mr Speaker, I rise to a point of order on relevance. My question is about her fake
fast ferry, not about other matters.

Mr SPEAKER: I do not think it is helpful to rise to a point of order and provide commentary,
member, but you are correct regarding the matter of relevance. I ask the minister to come back to the
question as asked.

Ms JONES: The member for Oodgeroo represents an area where tourism is vital to creating jobs.
He might want to say that the infrastructure we have announced, worth $5.5 million, is in fairyland, but
I will invite him to the official opening. Hopefully he will no longer be the member for parliament for that
area, but when we have the official opening of the pontoon in December I am very happy to invite him,
whether he is the member for Oodgeroo or not.

What is extremely relevant about the ferry over to the Moreton Bay islands and coronavirus is
that the communities on those islands were some of the most vocal about keeping the borders closed.
Not only were they worried about their elderly residents and the traditional owners; they were also
deeply worried about the tourism job impact if coronavirus ended up on Minjerribah, North Stradbroke
Island. I know this because I listen to locals on the island. I do not run roughshod over them like the
member for Oodgeroo.

Dr ROBINSON: Mr Speaker, I rise to a point of order. I take offence at those remarks and ask
that they be withdrawn.

Ms JONES: I withdraw.

[ozbob]

^ One hour?

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/ozbob13/status/1303555187101978625

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/MarkRobinsonMP/status/1303539421531131904

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/ozbob13/status/1303419550398951424

[ozbob]

Gold Coast Bulletin --> Former Currumbin MP Jann Stuckey labels LNP 'desperate over Gold Coast heavy rail debate

A former MP who sensationally quit the LNP earlier this year has labelled the party's push for heavy rail a "desperate" attempt to hold onto a marginal Gold Coast seat.

AN LNP plan to see heavy rail go through to the airport is a "desperate" attempt to hold on a Gold Coast marginal seat, according to scathing comments from a former MP.

Former Currumbin MP Jann Stuckey has taken to social media to speak out about the LNP's push for a business case investigating heavy rail and light rail routes.

Her outspoken comments have added to embarrassment for the LNP after the Bulletin revealed Burleigh MP Michael Hart had purchased a $1 million unit on the preferred route through Palm Beach.

Ms Stuckey, who controversially quit the party in March – after citing "ridicule and abuse" and a mental health battle for her resignation – said the LNP "didn't care one bit" about the marginal electorate.

"After many years of lobbying my LNP colleagues to commit to heavy rail to the airport they wait until two months before Queenslanders go to the polls," she said.

"My electorate surveys showed residents wanted heavy rail ahead of light rail every time.

"This is the same LNP in 2017 who were dragged kicking and screaming to commit to funding the M1 upgrade to Tugun because Labor beat them to it.

"The LNP were only focused on spruiking a new M2 on the northern GC.

"They didn't care one bit about Currumbin back then and are desperate to hang onto it now."

Her comments have been backed by Labor's Currumbin candidate Kaylee Campradt, who praised Ms Stuckey's 16 years in Government.

"I agree with her," Ms Campradt said.

"I'm convinced the LNP's latest position on public transport is nothing more than a stunt.

"This week's position is different to the one they took in the by-election, and it may well change again."

oth Ms Campradt and current Currumbin LNP MP Laura Gerber sidestepped light rail questions in the lead-up to the March by-election.

Ms Gerber said at the time: "I think Currumbin doesn't want to go the same way as Palm Beach.

"We want to be able to park on the beaches, we want to have the accessibility that we have now and I think the concern is when the light rail goes through in that way that might all fall away.

"I think that's the concern."

Approached by the Bulletin for a comment on Ms Stuckey's criticism, Ms Gerber said: "Labor has short-changed the Gold Coast on infrastructure investment for years.

"Labor has delayed important M1 upgrades by picking fights with the Morrison Federal Government.

"The LNP's economic plan will finally bring the Gold Coast's roads up to speed and deliver better public transport.

"The LNP will fast-track M1 upgrades, build the second M1 and sort out both light and heavy rail to the airport."

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/9NewsQueensland/status/1305428140806864896

[ozbob]

Gold Coast Bulletin --> State Election 2020: The Greens promise free public transport, fast rail network for Gold Coast

FREE public transport and a fast rail network connecting most of southeast Queensland could be in the Gold Coast's future as part of a plan to "unleash a tourism boom".

The Greens announced their public transport vision for the Glitter Strip on Thursday, welcoming it as a "big win" for the city less than two months out from the 2020 election.

The plan would see free public transport statewide and a fast rail network connecting the Gold Coast, Brisbane, Toowoomba, Ipswich and the Sunshine Coast.

It would also expand bus networks across the Gold Coast, aiming for a connection every 10 minutes on major road corridors.

Burleigh Greens candidate Rachel Mebberson said traffic congestion and rising travel costs had become a major issue for the city.

"Expanding our bus and rail networks and making public transport free will produce great social and environmental outcomes," she said.

"It means fewer cars on the road, less pollution in the air, and more people being able to move around the city without being out of pocket."

The Greens have announced candidates in the majority of Gold Coast electorates, with plans to unveil their Southport and Mermaid Beach candidates within the month.

The State Government election will be held on October 31. ...