CRR Inquiry: Updates

[ozbob]

The Palaszczuk Government has come under fire, accused of hiding the true cost of  CrossRiverRail
7NEWS can reveal a number of rail projects being blamed for a potential and staggering cost blowout.

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/railbotforum/status/1420029101574967313

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/railbotforum/status/1420452710264889344

[Stillwater]

Australian Institute for Progress

Cross River Rail Project
Review of Challenges and
Opportunities

https://aip.asn.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/CRR_Charles_and_Sayeg_Final_20_10_28.pdf

====

Infrastructure Australia

Project Evaluation Summary
Cross River Rail
Proponent Queensland Government
Evaluation date 19 July 2017

https://www.infrastructureaustralia.gov.au/sites/default/files/2019-06/20170727-Cross-River-Rail-Summary.pdf

While they use different words, essentially the Australian Institute of Progress and IA evaluations of CRR basically raise the same concerns. It's a worry.

[ozbob]

While they use different words, essentially the Australian Institute of Progress and IA evaluations of CRR basically raise the same concerns. It's a worry.

Indeed Mr Stillwater.  The fact that a re-worked, revised business case was not submitted to IA speaks volumes as well.

Absolute disgrace.

https://twitter.com/railbotforum/status/1412116772333887490

Sent to all outlets:

Call for Queensland Government to resubmit an improved business case for Cross River Rail to Infrastructure Australia

23 June 2021

In 2017 Cross River Rail (CRR) was evaluated by Infrastructure Australia (IA).

The published 2017 CRR business case is available at https://cabinet.qld.gov.au/documents/2017/Aug/CRRBusCase/Attachments/BusinessCase.pdf
It is understood this is not full business case, certain information is redacted.

Infrastructure Australia assessed the business case in 2017 and concluded that "Infrastructure Australia has retained Cross River Rail as a High Priority Initiative on the Infrastructure Priority List. Infrastructure Australia has not included the current proposal for Cross River Rail as a Project on the Infrastructure Priority List at this time."

Infrastructure Australia Statement:

Evaluation of the current business case for Cross River Rail 27 July 2017
https://www.infrastructureaustralia.gov.au/listing/media-release/evaluation-current-business-case-cross-river-rail

"Infrastructure Australia has concluded its independent evaluation of the Queensland Government's current business case for Cross River Rail, following a rigorous assessment process.

Chief Executive Philip Davies said: "we have reached the conclusion that the benefits of the proposed project, as set out in the business case, are significantly overstated, and that the costs of the project as currently presented are likely to exceed its benefits.

"Based on a thorough evidence-based analysis of the business case, we have found that the rail patronage growth projections and the estimation of project benefits are unrealistically high."

"Infrastructure Australia regularly assesses business cases for nationally significant projects as part of our role as an independent advisor to governments. The assumptions that have been used to justify the benefits in the Cross River Rail business case are well in excess of those we have seen for comparable projects.

"For example, the projected rail patronage growth in the business case is 7 times faster than actual growth in Brisbane over the last decade and 2.5 times that of comparable projects in larger Australian cities.

"Infrastructure Australia first raised concerns with the Queensland Government about the business case for Cross River Rail in July 2016. To date, the issues we raised have not been fully addressed", he said.

Infrastructure Australia has determined that Cross River Rail will remain on the Infrastructure Priority List, however the current proposal cannot be added to the list of projects with an approved business case at this time.

"We would welcome the opportunity to consider a revised business case from the Queensland Government addressing our concerns about the assumptions and projections used in the business case. A revised business case should also quantify potential benefits from land use change and urban renewal expected to result from the proposed project, and potential benefits from better integration of Brisbane's rail and bus networks.

"Infrastructure Australia has long supported the strategic need for improvements to public transport and additional capacity across the Brisbane River into the CBD. However, based on the assumptions and projections underpinning the current business case, the timeframe for this need remains unclear.

"We are committed to working with the Queensland Government to evaluate and prioritise proposals for nationally significant infrastructure." Mr Davies said.

Evaluation of the business case for Cross River Rail is now available on the Infrastructure Australia website."

====

Project Evaluation Summary
Cross River Rail
Proponent Queensland Government
Evaluation date 19 July 2017


https://www.infrastructureaustralia.gov.au/sites/default/files/2019-06/20170727-Cross-River-Rail-Summary.pdf

"Summary

Infrastructure Australia has retained Cross River Rail as a High Priority Initiative on the Infrastructure Priority List.
This rating recognises that the emerging problem of rail capacity into and through Brisbane's CBD is a nationally
significant infrastructure problem which will need to be addressed.

Infrastructure Australia has not included the current proposal for Cross River Rail as a Project on the Infrastructure
Priority List at this time. Infrastructure Australia considers that the benefits of the proposed project, as set out in the
business case, are significantly overstated, and that the costs of the project as currently presented are likely to
exceed its benefits.

Infrastructure Australia would welcome the opportunity to consider a revised business case which addresses our
concerns with benefit estimation, and clarifies the estimated timeframe for the emerging capacity problem. A
revised business case should also quantify potential benefits from land use change and urban renewal expected to
result from the proposed project, and potential benefits from better integration of Brisbane's rail and bus networks."

====

Comment:

Queensland rules out submitting another Cross River Rail business case 3 July 2019
https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/politics/queensland/queensland-rules-out-submitting-another-cross-river-rail-business-case-20190702-p523fq.html

" ... A Queensland government spokesman said there were no plans to submit a new business case and the government was getting on with the job of building Cross River Rail. ... "

This was a serious mistake.

====

Comment:

In the 2021-22 State Budget Cross River Rail is now costed at $6.888 billion ( was $5.4 billion).
This is an increase of 27.6% ( https://budget.qld.gov.au/files/Budget_2021-22_Capital_Statement.pdf page 6 ).
The failure to resubmit the business case is now proving to be even more costly and is starving funds for other projects.

====

Comment:

The Queensland State Government complains that there is no Federal Funding for Cross River Rail.  Well, the State Government has not put in a revised business case.  On this basis we can assume that Infrastructure Australia's assessment is valid. This is a factor no doubt in the State Governments lack of transparency with respect to the operational details of the rail network when CRR is commissioned.   The project is operationally flawed in our opinion.  If the State Government believes otherwise, show us the evidence!

Infrastructure Australia indicated that  " A revised business case should also quantify potential benefits from land use change and urban renewal expected to result from the proposed project, and potential benefits from better integration of Brisbane's rail and bus networks. .. "

We think these aspects particularly are a lot clearer now and a much better effort could be made.
The Olympics also offers a further glimmer of hope.

Nothing ventured, nothing gained.  A couple of billion dollars in Federal funding, will free up funds for shortfalls with Cross River Rail and other projects.  It is not too late.

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

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/ozbob13/status/1421178281290715136

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/ozbob13/status/1509907787455004678

[ozbob]

Facebook ...

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/ozbob13/status/1512530974147739654

[ozbob]

Linkedin

[ozbob]

Facebook post is generating a lot of interest.  So too Linkedin post, although the first.

The Federal election is a good time to highlight the bullsh%t that the Queensland Government goes on with.

Already suspect for integrity, no great surprise that a lack of transparency is looming large as well, as an issue.

[ozbob]

Media release: Cross River Rail (CRR) - how will the Citytrain network operate when CRR is commissioned?

10th April 2022

RAIL Back On Track has made representations for a number of years now to have Cross River Rail publish a rail operational network diagram.  This diagram will show how the network is sectorised (paired).  This is important for the public to know.  Still not published. RTI requests we made for the information were rejected (what is there to hide?).

Using the available information such as the redacted CRR business case, CRR project changes and the like, we have come up with an unofficial network diagram (below).  We have previously asked the Minister for Transport Mark Bailey and Cross River Rail to tell us if the network diagram is incorrect.  No response. 

Melbourne is constructing a rail tunnel which will open in 2025, just like Cross River Rail.  This tunnel is known as the "Metro Tunnel". For this project there is much information including network maps and individual line diagrams ( see https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/projects/metro-tunnel/about/overview/benefits-for-your-train-line ).

Why is it other jurisdictions are happy to make this information available as a way of showing the public what the improvements in their rail network they can expect?  In Queensland it is just frothy, vague 'bubbles' of feel good statements, and social media vignettes to be taken on faith. We have been burned before with transport failures, we don't have faith anymore unless we know the real facts. Government and its agencies cannot be trusted on past form.

We call on the Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mr Mark Bailey Mark Bailey MP to direct Cross River Rail to release information as for Metro Tunnel Melbourne.  It is not possible to build CRR without knowing how the network will operate. An overall network map and  specific line details at the level that is available for the Melbourne project is required.

Our recent Facebook post on this has generated a huge response ( https://www.facebook.com/RAILBackOnTrack/posts/5585675961446545 ). The Palaszczuk Government has had its integrity recently called into question. I think we can add a lack of transparency to the causes of the growing dissatisfaction.

Notes re RBoT Network diagram ( below ):

Sector 1
Rosewood <> BNE Airport
Springfield Central <> Shorncliffe
Roma St <> Doomben

Sector 2
Cleveland <> Ferny Grove

Sector 3
Varsity Lakes <> Gympie North
Beenleigh <> Kippa-Ring

The suggested pairings are fluid in the sense that in peak trains could connect with lines the same sector of course, but the pairs would be the majority of workings. Pairings don't indicate that all services meet those pairs end to end.

They don't now, and wouldn't in 2025.

Citytrain network post CRR



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

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/ozbob13/status/1512852865471369216

[ozbob]

Re: Cross River Rail (CRR) - how will the Citytrain network operate when CRR is commissioned?

11th April 2022

Good Morning,

We expect a response.  Here is an example of a line diagram for the Metro Tunnel project. This information about the Metro Tunnel project  has been available for years by the way. This is the level that needs to be provided for all the Citytrain lines, as well as an overall network diagram for the SEQ rail network.

https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/projects/metro-tunnel/about/overview/benefits-for-your-train-line

Cranbourne / Pakenham lines



All are informed of the changes that will occur to their lines, in this example Cranbourne/Pakenham lines when the tunnel is commissioned.

The time for a lack of transparency and mediocrity is over. 
You need to lift your game Government, Cross River Rail, TMR and TransLink.
People choose home and work often based on transport considerations.  It is paramount that citizens know what form the network will be in 2025.  I am certain Brisbane Airtrain would be keen to know as well.

You hide behind RTI exemptions and a lack of transparency.  We have had enough of your ongoing lack of transparency and proper open communication.

Best wishes,
Robert

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

Media release: Cross River Rail (CRR) - how will the Citytrain network operate when CRR is commissioned?

10th April 2022

RAIL Back On Track has made representations for a number of years now to have Cross River Rail publish a rail operational network diagram.  This diagram will show how the network is sectorised (paired).  This is important for the public to know.  Still not published. RTI requests we made for the information were rejected (what is there to hide?).

Using the available information such as the redacted CRR business case, CRR project changes and the like, we have come up with an unofficial network diagram (below).  We have previously asked the Minister for Transport Mark Bailey and Cross River Rail to tell us if the network diagram is incorrect.  No response. 

Melbourne is constructing a rail tunnel which will open in 2025, just like Cross River Rail.  This tunnel is known as the "Metro Tunnel". For this project there is much information including network maps and individual line diagrams ( see https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/projects/metro-tunnel/about/overview/benefits-for-your-train-line ).

Why is it other jurisdictions are happy to make this information available as a way of showing the public what the improvements in their rail network they can expect?  In Queensland it is just frothy, vague 'bubbles' of feel good statements, and social media vignettes to be taken on faith. We have been burned before with transport failures, we don't have faith anymore unless we know the real facts. Government and its agencies cannot be trusted on past form.

We call on the Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mr Mark Bailey Mark Bailey MP to direct Cross River Rail to release information as for Metro Tunnel Melbourne.  It is not possible to build CRR without knowing how the network will operate. An overall network map and  specific line details at the level that is available for the Melbourne project is required.

Our recent Facebook post on this has generated a huge response ( https://www.facebook.com/RAILBackOnTrack/posts/5585675961446545 ). The Palaszczuk Government has had its integrity recently called into question. I think we can add a lack of transparency to the causes of the growing dissatisfaction.

Notes re RBoT Network diagram ( below ):

Sector 1
Rosewood <> BNE Airport
Springfield Central <> Shorncliffe
Roma St <> Doomben

Sector 2
Cleveland <> Ferny Grove

Sector 3
Varsity Lakes <> Gympie North
Beenleigh <> Kippa-Ring

The suggested pairings are fluid in the sense that in peak trains could connect with lines the same sector of course, but the pairs would be the majority of workings. Pairings don't indicate that all services meet those pairs end to end.

They don't now, and wouldn't in 2025.

Citytrain network post CRR



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

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/railbotforum/status/1513216222183440384

[ozbob]

This is transparency (Melbourne)

>> https://www.linkedin.com/posts/austrail_araevents-rail-railindustry-activity-6917381406352424960-H2AX

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/railbotforum/status/1513936353238843392

[ozbob]

Re: Cross River Rail (CRR) - how will the Citytrain network operate when CRR is commissioned?

14th April 2022

Good Morning,

No response.  Therefore we conclude our 2025 Citytrain Network map must be correct,  and we will promote it as such.

Public transport administration in Queensland is a failure.  We don't have much confidence that the present arrangements will deliver what is required for the future and the 2032 Brisbane Games.

It was announced during the week that Victoria will be hosting the 2026 Commonwealth Games.  Already much discussion on what can be done to further improve their already good regional rail network to support the regional venues.  Queensland, do you think the ' bin chicken ' white Ibis would be a good games mascot.  Says it all really.

Happy Easter!

Yours in disappointment,

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

Attached: https://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?msg=257343

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/railbotforum/status/1514257748762198018

[ozbob]

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/ozbob13/status/1514667451652653056

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/ozbob13/status/1515333875077357573

[Jonno]

The lack of future state visioning and implementation of an overall integrated network is a a failure of TMR, Transport Minister, Council of SEQ Mayors and Brisbane Lord Mayor!

They still think a car-dependent codify/region has a place in a carbon-neutral world!!

15 Minute City

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/ozbob13/status/1515759137078247424

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/ozbob13/status/1515760552953655296

[ozbob]

I have posted this on CRR Facebook https://www.facebook.com/CrossRiverRail/posts/353246396842749. 
I am posting here for a copy if they delete/hide.

https://www.facebook.com/CrossRiverRail/posts/353246396842749?comment_id=353529566814432

Robert Dow
About time you published a network map showing how the SEQ Citytrain network will operate when CRR opens. Other jurisdictions do that, why the secrecy?

====

https://www.facebook.com/CrossRiverRail/posts/353246396842749?comment_id=353529566814432&reply_comment_id=355843109916411

Tanner Russell
Robert Dow there was a leaked map getting around that showed all lines are getting a shake up and which ones will use CRR. One I do recall was Kippa-Ring to Beenleigh.

====

https://www.facebook.com/CrossRiverRail/posts/353246396842749?comment_id=353529566814432&reply_comment_id=355850233249032

Robert Dow
Tanner Russell There needs to be publication of a Citytrain network map when CRR is commissioned. Other states do it, why is it not done in Queensland? This is our map we have come up with by going through the documents that are available. CRR and Government will not confirm or deny this is correct.



====

https://www.facebook.com/CrossRiverRail/posts/353246396842749?comment_id=353529566814432&reply_comment_id=355853909915331

Tanner Russell
Robert Dow I'd imagine the secrecy could be that they haven't actually gotten to the timetabling stage and are actually incredibly far behind and just don't want the public finding out.
But jeez, looks like getting to Southbank parklands is going to be a lot more difficult.

====

https://www.facebook.com/CrossRiverRail/posts/353246396842749?comment_id=353529566814432&reply_comment_id=355855139915208

Robert Dow
Tanner Russell Yo, but to build the tunnel and the associated track layouts the operational plan for the network must be known. Timetabling can wait. Melbourne's metro tunnel has the information for their network available (same completion date as CRR 2025) here https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/projects/metro-tunnel/about/overview/benefits-for-your-train-line . Has been available for years. Shows the lack of information we have here in Queensland. Victorians know how THEIR LINES will be operating in the new network when the metro tunnel is commissioned. Here in SEQ, we are still making educated guesses based on the limited documents we can source. Simply is not good enough.

[STB]

I tend to agree with Tanner - the line pairings may not be finalised internally and possibly dependent on engineering aspects and timetabling aspects.  They are extremely unlikely to release anything until that is certain.  Just because you can link up a line, doesn't mean that it will work when it comes to things in timetabling like unit balancing and empty running.  Timetabling is definitely from my experience, one of the last things worked out once the infrastructure is locked in place.

[ozbob]

Don't agree STB.  To build the tunnel and the track layouts they need to know the operational details of the network.

The general operational concepts were detailed in the redacted business case.

Other jurisdictions promote their networks well in advance.  It is just intransigence not to in Queensland.
We know the CRR 'Concept of Operations (ConOps)' document exists as our RTI requests for the document were refused as we anticipated, but an overview of the contents of the around 300 pages was confirmed.

Melbourne had their timetables up years ago by the way. But timetables is not what the issue is, it is a lack of a proper operational network diagram.

[ozbob]

I would expect Brisbane Airtrain would be very keen to find out what the operational plan is. Their business model at present is based on BNE <> Gold Coast, if that's broken by the loss of the direct connection it will affect them. I would not be surprised if this is behind the lack of transparency ...

[Redrient]

I would expect Brisbane Airtrain would be very keen to find out what the operational plan is. Their business model at present is based on BNE <> Gold Coast, if that's broken by the loss the direct connection it will affect them. I would not be surprised if this is behind the lack of transparency ...

It makes me wonder what the terms of the contract for provision of Airtrain services are... whether the contract only specifies a minimum of services connecting to Eagle Junction, the city, or all the way to the Gold Coast.

[ozbob]

^ as far as I know the agreement is for services to BNE to/from Eagle Junction.  That notwithstanding if there is a break in the present arrangements it will be to Airtrain's disadvantage, but it would appear there is nothing stopping the state from doing that.

See > https://documents.parliament.qld.gov.au/tableOffice/questionsAnswers/2019/1529-2019.pdf

... The State, acting through the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR), is party to the
Brisbane Airport Rail Line (BARL) Deed with Airtrain.
The BARL Deed is a commercial arrangement for operation of the railway between
Eagle Junction and Domestic and International Airport stations, including the provision of
passenger rail services. It also outlines the State's obligations in relation to the provision of other
land-based public transport services to and from the Brisbane Airport. The BARL Deed
commenced in 1998 and is due to expire in 2036.  ...

[HappyTrainGuy]

IIRC Bob it was to Roma Street but I think they got a new contract done when the network was sectorised and Airport/Gold Coast services became all stoppers EJ-BH with concessions on ticketing being maintained for Roma Street-Southbank.

Who knows they may have given them better concessions changing it to EJ knowing any CRR would change the line pairings but considering they would both use Roma Street the wording could also play a part. Who knows.

[ozbob]

Thanks.  I expect there are are contracts with Queensland Rail, and TMR (TransLink) apart from the original BARL Deed. 

Nonetheless the connection to the Gold Coast has always been a feature of the Airtrain and was mentioned in this media statement Brisbane Airport rail link to go ahead
Published Thursday, 11 February, 1999 at 12:00 AM https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/5301

" ... Passengers would be travelling to the Airport by train by mid-2001, Mr Cutts said.

"Services will run directly from the Airport to the City and to the Gold Coast by linking into the Citytrain network run by Queensland Rail," Mr Cutts said.

Mr Beattie said the State Government had finalised agreement on the basis that Airtrain would build and operate the rail link to the airport at the company's expense. ... "

Time will tell ...

[Jonno]

Thanks.  I expect there are are contracts with Queensland Rail, and TMR (TransLink) apart from the original BARL Deed. 

Nonetheless the connection to the Gold Coast has always been a feature of the Airtrain and was mentioned in this media statement Brisbane Airport rail link to go ahead
Published Thursday, 11 February, 1999 at 12:00 AM https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/5301

" ... Passengers would be travelling to the Airport by train by mid-2001, Mr Cutts said.

"Services will run directly from the Airport to the City and to the Gold Coast by linking into the Citytrain network run by Queensland Rail," Mr Cutts said.

Mr Beattie said the State Government had finalised agreement on the basis that Airtrain would build and operate the rail link to the airport at the company's expense. ... "

Time will tell ...

Surely with the Olympics we are not going to leave $20 to just get to the City? Time to buy out the contract.

[#Metro]

Surely with the Olympics we are not going to leave $20 to just get to the City? Time to buy out the contract.

Every year that passes by, it becomes cheaper and cheaper to buy out the contract. On the other hand, the fares represent the true and unsubsidised cost of providing Queensland Rail services plus a small margin for the private company to fund its operations and service its loans/finances.

IMHO the largest cost for an Airtrain ticket is the unsubsidised cost-pass through of Queensland Rail service charges.

[ozbob]

Still silence from Government and CRRDA.

Tell your leaders     we are not amused.

Queensland citizens are funding this project and have every right to know what is really going on.

We don't expect publication of the ConOps document but we reasonably expect details of how the network will operate. 
Other jurisdictions make this information available years out from completion, what is your problem Government and CRRDA?

You seem unable to confirm or deny our network map is correct. 

Your ongoing silence just confirms we must be on the moolah ...

[ozbob]

[Jonno]

Surely with the Olympics we are not going to leave $20 to just get to the City? Time to buy out the contract.

Every year that passes by, it becomes cheaper and cheaper to buy out the contract. On the other hand, the fares represent the true and unsubsidised cost of providing Queensland Rail services plus a small margin for the private company to fund its operations and service its loans/finances.

IMHO the largest cost for an Airtrain ticket is the unsubsidised cost-pass through of Queensland Rail service charges.

I suspect the margin for the private company is not small either. Unfortunately the "non-susbsidised fares" means more people drive to the airport than need to which actually costs us around 6x more in tax payer subsidies.  Crazy economics.

[#Metro]

I suspect the margin for the private company is not small either. Unfortunately the "non-susbsidised fares" means more people drive to the airport than need to which actually costs us around 6x more in tax payer subsidies.  Crazy economics.

The bulk of the costs is the pass through. Air train cannot charge too much because it is competing with alternative modes (e.g. Uber, taxi, shuttle buses, car drop off, car park users).

Indeed, for many of these modes the costs are similar or more expensive (e.g. Uber, Taxi).

There is nothing about a private operator that prevents the State Government to apply a subsidy to bring down fares if it wanted to. Just as we have private bus, ferry and tram operators on the TransLink network that are subsidised also. On the other hand, if you can afford a holiday or business class trip on a plane, you probably are able to pay.

[ozbob]

To all outlets:

Re: Cross River Rail (CRR) - how will the Citytrain network operate when CRR is commissioned?

23rd April 2022

Good Morning,

Still no response.  Are Ministerial staffers and others hiding our emails (again)?

The Queensland State Government has enough problems with the perception of the lack of integrity and transparency now manifest.

Coming clean with how Cross River Rail will operate might be a good start to establishing some credibility again with the public.

We know that the details of how the Citytrain network will operate is known within the cloistered circles of government, it is long past the time the public knows.

Thank you.
Best wishes,
Robert

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

Re: Cross River Rail (CRR) - how will the Citytrain network operate when CRR is commissioned?

14th April 2022

Good Morning,

No response.  Therefore we conclude our 2025 Citytrain Network map must be correct,  and we will promote it as such.

Public transport administration in Queensland is a failure.  We don't have much confidence that the present arrangements will deliver what is required for the future and the 2032 Brisbane Games.

It was announced during the week that Victoria will be hosting the 2026 Commonwealth Games.  Already much discussion on what can be done to further improve their already good regional rail network to support the regional venues.  Queensland, do you think the ' bin chicken ' white Ibis would be a good games mascot.  Says it all really.

Happy Easter!

Yours in disappointment,

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

Attached: https://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?msg=257343