TODs (Transit Oriented Developments)

[Golliwog]

Lol, no, one of the main problems with building over the railway corrider was QR. They didn't want them to. QR was imposing restrictions on the building that were a bit over the top.

[ozbob]

Minister for Infrastructure and Planning
The Honourable Stirling Hinchliffe
06/10/2010

Transit Oriented Development the way of the future

Minister for Infrastructure and Planning Stirling Hinchliffe today announced the release of the Transit Oriented Development Guide to assist in the delivery of sustainable, well designed and connected communities.

Mr Hinchliffe said Transit Oriented Developments (TODs) were mixed use retail and residential precincts built close to existing or future rail, light rail or busway stations. He said TODs would allow residents to live close to the CBD with a reduced reliance on cars.

The TOD Guide, prepared to support good practice in TOD delivery, outlines the state's expectations in relation to development associated with transit corridors. The TOD guide comprises a series of documents including a Guide for practitioners in Queensland, a Guide to community diversity and a Guide for development in a railway environment.

"Transit Oriented Developments will allow residents to live, work and play in areas with fantastic access to transport, shops, restaurants, employment opportunities and public spaces with a reduced reliance on cars," Mr Hinchliffe said.

"Well designed TODs in urban growth areas will help address a wide range of issues associated with population growth including traffic congestion, housing affordability, changing household types as well as the effects of climate change.

"South Bank and Kelvin Grove Urban Village are excellent examples of successful TODs and the release of the TOD Guide confirms the State Government's commitment to similar developments.

"The State Government, through Growth Management Queensland (GMQ) is leading the way with a focused approach to growth management to help shape tomorrow's Queensland.

"TODs are a clear demonstration of GMQ delivering outcomes for Queenslanders.

"The TOD Guide outlines how TODs can help create a prosperous and sustainable future through good planning and proactive growth management."

Mr Hinchliffe said the State Government and Brisbane City Council (BCC) were working together to deliver an exemplar TOD precinct at Yeerongpilly. Land parcels are scheduled to be available to the public in early 2011.

"Population growth presents us with challenges but we are committed to developing tangible solutions to these issues while continuing to protect Queensland's unique lifestyle,'' Mr Hinchliffe said.

"With the increasing transport demands, it is essential to integrate public transport with development, community facilities, employment and housing.''

More information on TODs is available at www.dip.qld.gov.au/TOD

==============================================================

[#Metro]

The situation on the ground is not so good. South Bank was a development directed by South Bank Corporation and Kelvin Grove Urban Village was another state-directed one. Unless private sector gets interested (which they are) and they get approved and the process is streamlined, then TODs will not get through all the red tape to become a reality.

Something from their website...
http://www.dip.qld.gov.au/TOD

Key characteristics of transit oriented development
   * a rapid and frequent transit service
   * high accessibility to the transit station
   * a mix of residential, retail, commercial and community uses
   * high-quality public spaces and streets which are pedestrian and cyclist friendly
   * medium to high density development within 800 metres of a transit station
   * reduced rates of private car parking.

More train frequency required 

[Stillwater]

The State Government has announced that it has seized from the Sunshine Coast Regional Council control of developing South Caloundra as a city of 50,000 people (on top if the 330,000 people who live already on the Sunshine Coast).  It refused to sign an infrastructure agreement with the SCRC that would have seen a commitment to CAMCOS rail within two years of blocks of land being made available at South Caloundra.  Now the state has absolute control over all planning at South Caloundra, perhaps it can apply TOD principles to that site and reinstate the CAMCOS project, as promised.  Or has the $1 billion 'commitment' to fund it now been abandoned in favour of a $1 billion redevelopment of the Gold Coast's sporting facilities in support of the 2018 Commonwealth Games bid?

[colinw]

There will not be a single genuine TOD in this state until we have something that qualifies for the "T" in TOD.  A train every half hour is not "Transit". 

Building a bunch of buildings on top of a line with 2tph service is not a TOD.  It is simply a continuation of the status quo.  You wouldn't call Toowong Village a TOD, although it could be if the service out that way was good enough.

To have a real TOD you must first have lots of these :-  .  Preferably with some  and a few  :bi as well.

[Golliwog]

I would call Toowong Village ALMOST a TOD. IMO trains every 15 minutes as well as the 412 and 444 BUZes plus all the other city bound bus routes constitutes transit, the issue is of course the amount of parking that is provided.

[somebody]

I would call Toowong Village ALMOST a TOD. IMO trains every 15 minutes as well as the 412 and 444 BUZes plus all the other city bound bus routes constitutes transit, the issue is of course the amount of parking that is provided.

Yes, that's probably right but the weeknight and weekend train frequency leaves a lot to be desired.

[ozbob]

From the Brisbanetimes click here!

Site map --> http://www.dip.qld.gov.au/resources/map/yeerongpilly-map.pdf

Yeronga residents fear growing pains

Yeronga residents fear growing pains
Tony Moore
October 9, 2010

Riverside residents believe changes to their neighbourhood could force new residents to rat-run through their suburb.

Yeronga residents living near the proposed Transit Oriented Development at the Yeerongpilly rail station fear the development will open up an alternative to Fairfield Road.

Residents say Stevens Street, which runs through Yeronga and towards Dutton Park, has "since Clem Jones's time" been seen as a potential one-way alternative to Fairfield Road.

They formed a new residents group, Safe Quiet Street Yeronga, on Thursday night to advocate the major concerns of residents in Yeronga.

Yeronga District Residents Association president Trevor Wilson said the new group was a sub-group of the larger YDRA.

"What they are mostly concerned about is the threat of opening of Stevens Street," he said.

Yeronga is expected to feel the pressure of Brisbane's Cross River Rail Project, a new high rise riverfront complex at Tennyson, plans to build a bridge across to St Lucia or Long Pocket, and the new residential TOD.

Mr Wilson said the residents were concerned the park between the TOD and Stevens Street was not zoned parkland, as roads could be built through open space but was more difficult through parkland.

"The council and the state have given them an assurance that it won't be opened," Mr Wilson said.

"But what they really want is that it be redesignated as parkland so there is no threat of it happening in the next stage of the TOD development or the stage after that."

A Stevens Street resident, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said they felt under pressure from the future development.

"The problem is that the park is not zoned parkland. As far as council is concerned, that is not a park," he said.

"It is zoned vacant urban land. It means that a road can be whacked through it at any stage that the council so wishes. That's why we want it rezoned."

Queensland assistant co-ordinator general James Coutts has advised residents there were no plans to connect the road to the TOD development.

However, local councillor Nicole Johnston and Yeerongpilly MP Simon Finn have each written to Lord Mayor Campbell Newman expressing concern at the plan.

They both want Brisbane City Council to rezone the land as parkland.

Cr Newman has written in reply that the development is the responsibility of both the State Government and Brisbane City Council.

Public consultation on Tennyson's TOD project begins on Monday.

[ozbob]

Minister for Infrastructure and Planning
The Honourable Stirling Hinchliffe
14/10/2010

Have your say on updated Yeerongpilly TOD plan

Residents have again been asked to have their say on the revised concept plans for the joint State Government and Brisbane City Council (BCC) Yeerongpilly Transit Oriented Development (TOD).

Minister for Infrastructure and Planning Stirling Hinchliffe said progress newsletters for the project had been mailed to houses within the community consultation area and posted on the State Government's website. TODs are mixed use retail/residential precincts built close to public transport with a reduced reliance on vehicles.

"The newsletter explains how the State Government have worked with Brisbane City Council to address matters raised at earlier community feedback sessions," Mr Hinchliffe said.

"Community feedback will continue to play a vital role as we prepare the Final Plan of Development, so it is important local residents and property owners read the newsletter and take advantage of this opportunity to have their say."

Mr Hinchliffe encouraged residents to fill out the survey form attached at the bottom of the newsletter and send it to the department by the reply paid envelope provided.

"The Concept Plan of Development outlines how the site will be built over the next five to 10 years and explains the different land uses across the development," Mr Hinchliffe said.

"A range of housing options as well as retail, office and recreation facilities will be delivered across the 14 hectare site.

"Because it is within walking distance of the existing railway station and bus stops, the Yeerongpilly TOD will allow residents to live, work and play close to the CBD without relying on cars.''

Member for Yeerongpilly Simon Finn said the TOD would reduce growth pressure on existing communities. Mr Finn encouraged all residents to view the plans and provide feedback on the important project.

"Feedback from Yeerongpilly residents will help guide this project," Mr Finn said.

"It's very important that everyone has their say at every opportunity and this will be considered during the ongoing planning process.

"The Yeerongpilly TOD will make the best use of available urban land area, to manage growth and address housing choice and affordability.''

TODs are a key outcome of the Bligh Government's Growth Management Summit in March. To have a say, fill out the survey in the newsletter or visit www.dip.qld.gov.au/tod-yeerongpilly.

Alternatively interested parties can email yeerongpillytod@dip.qld.gov.au, or send responses to Transit Oriented Development and Design, Department of Infrastructure and Planning, Reply Paid 15009, City East, QLD, 4002.

==============================================================

[#Metro]

Bus access around this area isn't good. The bus goes around the current precinct because the streets have been traffic calmed, are windy, narrow and have multiple roundabouts. This is anti-public transport. Nobody is going to bother having to walk inordinate distances when their car is only a walk down to the garage.

Hopefully the redevelopment is a chance to set things right and let buses have straight-through direct access
to the heart of the TOD, even if it is an exclusive bus only entrance.

[colinw]

QLD Government Media Statement: Have your say on updated Yeerongpilly TOD plan - click here.

Minister for Infrastructure and Planning
The Honourable Stirling Hinchliffe

Thursday, October 14, 2010

Have your say on updated Yeerongpilly TOD plan

Residents have again been asked to have their say on the revised concept plans for the joint State Government and Brisbane City Council (BCC) Yeerongpilly Transit Oriented Development (TOD).

Minister for Infrastructure and Planning Stirling Hinchliffe said progress newsletters for the project had been mailed to houses within the community consultation area and posted on the State Government's website. TODs are mixed use retail/residential precincts built close to public transport with a reduced reliance on vehicles.

"The newsletter explains how the State Government have worked with Brisbane City Council to address matters raised at earlier community feedback sessions," Mr Hinchliffe said.

"Community feedback will continue to play a vital role as we prepare the Final Plan of Development, so it is important local residents and property owners read the newsletter and take advantage of this opportunity to have their say."

Mr Hinchliffe encouraged residents to fill out the survey form attached at the bottom of the newsletter and send it to the department by the reply paid envelope provided.

"The Concept Plan of Development outlines how the site will be built over the next five to 10 years and explains the different land uses across the development," Mr Hinchliffe said.

"A range of housing options as well as retail, office and recreation facilities will be delivered across the 14 hectare site.

"Because it is within walking distance of the existing railway station and bus stops, the Yeerongpilly TOD will allow residents to live, work and play close to the CBD without relying on cars.''

Member for Yeerongpilly Simon Finn said the TOD would reduce growth pressure on existing communities. Mr Finn encouraged all residents to view the plans and provide feedback on the important project.

"Feedback from Yeerongpilly residents will help guide this project," Mr Finn said.

"It's very important that everyone has their say at every opportunity and this will be considered during the ongoing planning process.

"The Yeerongpilly TOD will make the best use of available urban land area, to manage growth and address housing choice and affordability.''

TODs are a key outcome of the Bligh Government's Growth Management Summit in March. To have a say, fill out the survey in the newsletter or visit www.dip.qld.gov.au/tod-yeerongpilly.

Alternatively interested parties can email yeerongpillytod@dip.qld.gov.au, or send responses to Transit Oriented Development and Design, Department of Infrastructure and Planning, Reply Paid 15009, City East, QLD, 4002.

Media contact: 3227 8425

[Golliwog]

I think the plan looks alright, although to me it seems its more residential with supporting shops and a bit of commercial space thrown in than anything else. I would like to see the plan add some more commercial space.

[Jonno]

The TOD is a bit wonky in design.  The concept is to have higher densities around the core not off to one side.  The concept of 2 story residential within 200m of the core is just a wate if the land. It is also poor urban design to have 2 storey adamant to the park when on the far side is the already developed 5-6 storey apartments. Also no treatment of Fairfield Road to make the station an integrated part if the TOD.  Fairfield Road is currently a boundary rather than part of the core.

[#Metro]

I hope there is a proper overbridge connection or something like that to the station.
Its already a long walk without traffic lights and traffic to deal with.

[Golliwog]

TT, The overbridge is shown in the map, and is already under construction. Theres a page on it on the TL website.

The reason given for the taller buildings all being to one side was that it was to prevent (as much as possible anyway) taller buildings overshadowing the shorter ones.

[#Metro]

Buses are also important in this area- later on these will connect with Yeerongpilly station's bus interchange 
The current buses use Tennyson Memorial Avenue which is completely useless from a demand perspective as it is bordered on
one side by the Tennyson Rail line, and on the other side, a golf course. Nobody can walk to something like that!

http://www.nearmap.com/?q=@-27.525979,153.008920&ll=-27.525979,153.00892&z=17&t=k&nmd=20100912

Buses should stop right outside the Tennis Centre. A dedicated exclusive road for bus entry should be looked at, protected at either end
with sump-busters to catch cars wanting to rat-run.
http://www.nearmap.com/?q=@-27.524818,153.007520&ll=-27.524818,153.00752&z=20&t=k&nmd=20100912

[#Metro]

A simple image of what could be looked at.

http://www.wesleyjohnston.com/roads/westlink.html

(You will have to imagine that a second lane is beside it and the word BUS ONLY is in it too!)

[somebody]

The current buses use Tennyson Memorial Avenue which is completely useless from a demand perspective as it is bordered on

So King Arthur Tce?  Probably better, but you're only talking about the 105 which isn't the most useful bus route anyway.

[#Metro]

So King Arthur Tce?  Probably better, but you're only talking about the 105 which isn't the most useful bus route anyway.

This is the dilemma: everybody who lives in that area HATES cars from outside the area driving through their area.
This is true not only there, but all over the entire city.
Of course, residents drive cars too, and because King Arthur Tce is more direct for everyone, something needs to be done
to that road to make it very unattractive for non-locals to rat-run through the area as a short-cut to Fairfield Road.

That something is:

- make the road windy
- put lots of roundabouts in
- make the road narrow
- put lots of traffic calming in

Of course, the very solution that is supposed to calm (CAR) traffic is also the very solution that keeps these same places car-dependent.
Traffic calming slows down public transport like buses, and is anti-public transport. I had a trip on the Gold Coast yesterday, I can tell you
going around suburbs in a bus with extensive speed humps, bumps, roundabouts and multiple wiggles and curves makes for a very torturous,
bumpy and uncomfortable ride. It was the biggest waste of time and most uncomfortable ride I have ever experienced on public transport ever. 

The 105 is already bad enough as it is. If buses are running on road and being paid out of tax dollars to do so, they should be doing
useful work. Running on Tennyson Memorial Ave right away from where all the demand is, and having to use a second-best solution
(a far bus stop, next to Tennyson Stn) is not good at all. Services must be reasonably direct or people will refuse to use them.

There are other buses that use the area, and in the future, more buses because Yeerongpilly will have a bus bay/bus interchange.

There are a lot of fancy, late model 4-wheel drives coming out of the Tennyson Precinct at peak hour. These people are NOT going to walk
to catch a very infrequent bus that doesn't go anywhere near them to get to Indooroopilly etc.

[ozbob]

From the Brisbanetimes click here!

TODs at the centre of future growth

TODs at the centre of future growth
Dan Nancarrow
October 20, 2010 - 5:00AM

Transit-oriented developments will continue to be a key strategy of managing growth in Queensland, a planning conference was told yesterday.

Growth Management Queensland acting chief executive Darren Crombie told the Major Projects Conference 2010 at the Brisbane Convention Centre a guide had been released on October 6 to help people understand and work with TODs.

"It outlines the best practice in delivering compact communities around key transport nodes," he said.
Advertisement: Story continues below

"The guide also outlines key issues that need to be thought of when we make community diversity part of these precincts and how we develop in and around the railway corridors which are really sensitive and difficult areas to manage."

He said several significant TODs were being planned, including at Albion, Buranda, Coorparoo, Ferny Grove, Fortitude Valley, Ipswich, Milton, South Bank, Varsity Lakes and Yeerongpilly.

"In terms of TOD implementation itself Growth Management Queensland is currently working in partnership with Brisbane City Council to develop a planning and development framework for a TOD at Yeerongpilly adjacent to the railway station," he said.

"It will promote the benefits of well-designed and well-located high-density mixed-use development and will provide a range of housing options.

"Early release sites are expected in 2012."

Mr Crombie said since GMQ was founded in May, the organisation had been focused on delivering 22 key initiatives and 25 supporting actions which came out of Shaping Tomorrow's Queensland, the state government's response to the population growth summit in March.

He said several initiatives had already been completed, including the establishment of GMQ, the setting of 20-year targets to guide southeast Queensland's transport network, the introduction of $11,000 regional first home owners grants, declaring new Greenfield areas at Yarrabilba, Flagstone and the Ripley Valley and incorporating urban design as a key component of the Queensland Design Triennial, held earlier this month.

[ozbob]

Rail Express --> TODs helping solve Queensland's population growth

[#Metro]

There is a more interesting story in the link immediately below it. Will post in another thread.

[colinw]

It is all very well talking up the merits of TODs, but until such time as the frequency of our rail services is fixed the "T" is going to be missing from TOD.

[ozbob]

From the Courier Mail click here!

BCC slams 40-storey high-rise development plan for Wooloongabba

BCC slams 40-storey high-rise development plan for Wooloongabba

    * by Sarah Vogler
    * From: The Courier-Mail
    * October 25, 2010 12:00AM

BRISBANE City Council wants 10 levels trimmed from a proposed high-rise development at Woolloongabba amid claims traffic studies and further evaluation of the site are yet to be done.

BCC has sent a 20-page submission to the State Government outlining numerous concerns about the 40-level building, proposed for the 10ha government-owned site located between Vulture and Stanley streets.

It was particularly critical of the planning scheme for the property, which has come under the wing of the state's most powerful planning body, the Urban Land Development Authority (ULDA).

The ULDA scheme was designed to increase density in the area while also providing affordable housing. The BCC's development assessment committee chairwoman Amanda Cooper, however, said the building was too big for the former Go Print site.

"(It) is just way out of step with what the community's expectation is and we think it is just too much development on that site,'' Cr Cooper said.

She said the development scheme would adversely impact on plans by council and Translink to increase public transport to accommodate population growth and accused the state of failing to undertake adequate traffic and infrastructure investigations.

"They are proposing to make big changes that we are concerned is going to cause traffic chaos,'' Cr Cooper said.

"They have done nothing. They have just rushed this through.''

She said she was also concerned about the impact on the heritage-listed Morrison Hotel.

Infrastructure and Planning Minister Stirling Hinchliffe defended the proposal. "This is about the right density in the right location,'' Mr Hinchliffe said.

"As soon as the Woolloongabba Urban Development Area was declared, a transport working group  which included BCC representatives  was established to undertake traffic analysis.''

Mr Hinchliffe said further detailed analysis would be undertaken in relation to the proposed cross-river rail station, which would "inform'' the design of intersections and revised freeway on-ramps.

"Development adjacent to and over the existing bus station will not begin until (a transport) investigation is complete and the exact location of the new bus station is determined,'' he said.

Mr Hinchliffe denied the Morrison Hotel's heritage values would be compromised, saying the area would be opened up to encourage residents to enjoy the hotel.

[#Metro]

She said the development scheme would adversely impact on plans by council and Translink to increase public transport to accommodate population growth and accused the state of failing to undertake adequate traffic and infrastructure investigations.

"They are proposing to make big changes that we are concerned is going to cause traffic chaos,'' Cr Cooper said.

"They have done nothing. They have just rushed this through.''

She said she was also concerned about the impact on the heritage-listed Morrison Hotel.

I think they are more concerned about BCC's loss of power and authority. The Morrison Hotel? Isn't that far, far away from the Go-Print site? And look at the Telstra Brisbane exchange or the Clem 7 southern bright fluorescent purple smoke stack. There is a busway there and a 30-lane equivalent subway going in.

What is their problem? Is the development too far from the Clem 7 tunnel entrance for everyone to be tolled?

[Jonno]

Worse still people might stat asking "why did the Council fail to do this!!"

[O_128]

Right that is it with council all weekend we have had these articles from them. I have always stood behind campbell Newmans decisions (believe me it really is a one man council) but i am seriously considering the way i vote next election. Firstly this is going to be one of the best examples of a TOD in Brisbane with a significantly lower car usage than the rest of Brisbane, it is of the highest priority to fit as many people as possible into the little remaining land close to the CBD to stop urban sprawl

[Golliwog]

http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/business/property/heritage-house-will-be-dwarfed-by-650m-development-council-20101029-177bu.html

Heritage house will be 'dwarfed' by $650m development: council
Tony Moore
October 30, 2010

Comments 13

[Image]
An artist's impression of the development. The house can be seen in the red square.

Brisbane City Council has renewed its push to abolish the South Bank Corporation after the body approved a $650 million development around a 120-year-old house.

The Collins Place house, built in 1889 on Grey Street, is listed on the Queensland Heritage Register, which describes it as ''the sole surviving house in what was once one of South Brisbane's earliest residential streets''.

It is understood South Bank Corporation gave ''tentative approval'' this week for the area around the house to be developed.

[Image] 
South Bank Corporation says the house will fit into the streetscape. Photo: Tony Moore

The $650 million, 15-storey development includes a hotel and apartments and would ''totally dwarf'' the heritage house, council planning committee chair Amanda Cooper said.

The heritage-registered house was built for Michael Foley, the man who first owned South Bank's Ship Inn.

Cr Cooper said the approval of the development was a sign the South Bank Corporation should be wound up.

''We think they are no longer acting in the best interests of Brisbane residents and should be abolished,'' she said.

''It is our ongoing position that council should have the ongoing planning responsibility for that site.

''We just think there should be consistent application of planning requirements and not different planning just depending where you are, on one side or the other.''


[Image]
The property at South Bank is listed on the Queensland Heritage Register. Photo: Tony Moore

It's not the first time the council has called for the South Bank Corporation to be abolished - it wrote to Premier Anna Bligh in December 2008 with the same request after the board approved the ABC headquarters development.

Brisbane City Council has complained the existence of the South Bank Corporation means there is an entire section of the inner city over which the council has no planning control.

The corporation has a long-term lease from the State Government over 42 hectares of riverside land on the south side of the CBD.

It was set up 21 years ago, after Brisbane hosted the 1988 World Expo, and operates under the South Bank Corporation Act 1989.

It approves all developments at South Bank, but gets final consent from the Premier. There is no clause for the abolishment of the corporation in the Act.

Cr Cooper said council believed South Bank had been developed ''to just about its maximum'' and there was no longer a need for the corporation to operate.

On October 8, Cr Newman wrote to the Queensland Heritage Council asking their opinion of the project.

''In particular, the proposal for 15 storeys of contemporary hotel/apartment building visually overwhelming a grand late 19th century house results in an extraordinarily poor heritage outcome,'' he wrote.

In objecting to the establishment of the ABC's new Queensland headquarters at South Bank, Brisbane City Council said the $14 million project would rob the inner city of valuable parkland.

In both developments Brisbane City Council receives no infrastructure fees - which council estimates will total $27 million for the Grey Street development, and will likely be paid to the South Bank Corporation - and its views on parking impacts have been ignored.

South Bank Corporation Acting CEO Shane Beecroft said the council's opinion was being considered.

''The comments of the Brisbane City Council in relation to the application have been requested and obtained,'' he said.

''As required, the developer has sought the approval of the Department Environment of Resource Management  in relation to the impact of the development on the heritage aspects of the existing Collins Place building.

''That approval has not yet been provided by DERM.''

Queensland Heritage Council chairman David Eades said they had only recently received details of the project.

''When we get it we will have a look on it and provide DERM with advice and then ultimately the decision is with the South Bank Corporation,'' he said.

Mr Eades said he respected Cr Newman's opinion.

''But he is writing to the wrong people, because we don't have any planning powers over that development.''

I've noticed some basic work being undertaken next to South Bank station so I'm assuming this is what that is for.

[O_128]

Ok firstly, What parkland? that site is a car park and a waste land, secondly go away council this land needs to be developed and the heritage house has been incorporated very well

[Golliwog]

The parkland comment was about the ABC HQ which are next to South Brisbane station, but IIRC they are being built on what was fenced off grass. Although I haven't had a good look around there in ages.

[ozbob]

Minister for Infrastructure and Planning
The Honourable Stirling Hinchliffe
02/11/2010

More time to have your say on Yeerongpilly TOD plans

Community consultation on draft plans for the Yeerongpilly Transit Oriented Development (TOD) has been extended until November 12.

Minister for Infrastructure and Planning Stirling Hinchliffe said the time frame for public feedback had been extended following requests from stakeholders. Mr Hinchliffe said while more than 100 submissions had already been received, some parties had asked for additional time

"While we've already received feedback from residents and other groups, some people have asked for more time to consider the concept plan and provide their comments," Mr Hinchliffe said.

"I appreciate this is an important project for the local community and want to ensure people have every opportunity to make their views known.''

Member for Yeerongpilly Simon Finn said stakeholders now had close to an additional two weeks to have their say.

"It's important the people of Yeerongpilly voice their opinions and help guide the future of this important project,'' Mr Finn said.

"The 14 hectare site near the Yeerongpilly train station will deliver a range of housing options as well as retail, office and recreation facilities.

"The Concept Plan of Development outlines how it will develop over the next five to 10 years and plans the different land uses across the development.

"Community feedback will play a vital role in shaping the project so all interested parties are encouraged to have their say before November 12.''

TODs are mixed-use residential and activity precincts built within walking distance to existing or future rail, light rail or busway stations which allow residents to live, work and play close to the CBD with a reduced reliance on cars. The Yeerongpilly TOD is a joint State Government and Brisbane City Council (BCC) project through Growth Management Queensland (GMQ).

TODs are a key initiative of the Bligh Government's Growth Management Summit in March. Consultation on the Yeerongpilly TOD was previously scheduled to end on October 29.

The Concept Plan of Development can be viewed at www.dip.qld.gov.au/tod-yeerongpilly. To have a say, email yeerongpillytod@dip.qld.gov.au, or post a submission to Transit Oriented Development and Design, Department of Infrastructure and Planning, Reply Paid 15009, City East, QLD, 4002.

==============================================================

[Golliwog]

This is good. It means they aren't just doing consultation as a PR exercise, but actually want to know what the community thinks.

[Gazza]

A simple image of what could be looked at.
(You will have to imagine that a second lane is beside it and the word BUS ONLY is in it too!)

This is something I stumbled across the other day, but the bus road to rail setup in Almere in the Netherlands really is a well perfected example of how to do this sort of thing.

See http://www.humantransit.org/2010/10/guest-post-richard-lenthall-on-the-busways-of-aimere-netherlands.html
And http://www.humantransit.org/2010/10/aimere-netherlands-as-bus-oriented-development.html

Videos:

Onboard:

And check it out on Google Earth/Maps.
Here you can see the way it is seamless. The bus depot leads straight onto the bus roads:
http://maps.google.com.au/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=almere,+nl&sll=-27.544707,152.952957&sspn=0.032876,0.084543&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Almere,+Flevoland,+The+Netherlands&ll=52.403466,5.266947&spn=0.001414,0.007328&t=k&z=18

The bus road in a suburban setting, with a linear park alongside:
http://maps.google.com.au/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=almere,+nl&sll=-27.544707,152.952957&sspn=0.032876,0.084543&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Almere,+Flevoland,+The+Netherlands&ll=52.392946,5.298119&spn=0.001414,0.007328&t=k&z=18

The setup for when it meets the train station:
http://maps.google.com.au/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=almere,+nl&sll=-27.544707,152.952957&sspn=0.032876,0.084543&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Almere,+Flevoland,+The+Netherlands&ll=52.393866,5.278421&spn=0.001414,0.007328&t=k&z=18

Basically, its sort of like a 'lite' version of Brisbanes busways. They serve primarily residential areas so passenger loads are lighter, are at grade with signal priority for when normal roads intersect.
Bus stops are more like a suburban stop, no overbridges, no passing lanes at stops.
Frequency is every 7.5 minutes.

But they follow a very direct route to the nearest train station, with stops every 500m or so, and residential development is designed to hinge around the bus road (500m either side). This means the bus does not follow a stupid meandering route, but just cuts straight through.
Quite often in Australia you see new residential developments where the planner has obviously had an 'artistic streak' and designed a maze of curvy roads, and the poor old transit agency has to try to attempt to trace bus routes onto this to serve everywhere, as as we know, the results are often ridiculous.

It works quite well in that the bus roads are a separate entity to the normal suburban network, so regular local streets can be narrow and have traffic calming, but the bus roads can be wider and with larger curves.

I reckon whenever new greenfield housing developments happen in SEQ (Yarrabilba, Flagstone, Ripley etc) then the urban structure should be Almere style and based around bus roads. I reckon it could possibly come out cost neutral to do it this way. While you need additional roadways for the buses, the rest of the network can be narrow since overall traffic will be less, and buses wont be navigating those roads. Emergency vehicle access also balances out because they would be able to use the bus road

[#Metro]

Basically, its sort of like a 'lite' version of Brisbanes busways. They serve primarily residential areas so passenger loads are lighter, are at grade with signal priority for when normal roads intersect.
Bus stops are more like a suburban stop, no overbridges, no passing lanes at stops.
Frequency is every 7.5 minutes.

This is how busways and BRT should be done IMHO. Do they have a rail system?

[colinw]

I reckon whenever new greenfield housing developments happen in SEQ (Yarrabilba, Flagstone, Ripley etc) then the urban structure should be Almere style and based around bus roads. I reckon it could possibly come out cost neutral to do it this way. While you need additional roadways for the buses, the rest of the network can be narrow since overall traffic will be less, and buses wont be navigating those roads. Emergency vehicle access also balances out because they would be able to use the bus road

This could be a great solution for Yarrabilba, which is well away from any operating rail line but has a disused branch line right of way running right through the middle.

A busway of that nature could be relatively easily put in along the former Bethania to Logan Village section of railway, and thence into the middle of Yarrabilba via the first few km of the long closed Canungra branch.  I suspect busway long this corridor would have better operating performance than rail as these were somewhat poorly aligned & graded light branchlines.

Bethania => http://maps.google.com.au/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Bethania,+QLD&sll=-27.68938,153.164563&sspn=0.008493,0.022488&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Bethania+Queensland&ll=-27.689969,153.159467&spn=0.004247,0.011244&t=h&z=17
Closed branch line goes off to lower left.  Former triangular junction provides room for an interchange and possibly a small bus depot.

Waterford => http://maps.google.com.au/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Waterford,+QLD&sll=-27.694539,153.158233&sspn=0.004246,0.011244&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Waterford+Queensland&ll=-27.699849,153.152381&spn=0.002123,0.005622&t=h&z=18
Closed branch line cuts right through development.

Logan Village => http://maps.google.com.au/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Logan+Village,+QLD&sll=-27.770301,153.110458&sspn=0.004243,0.011244&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Logan+Village+Queensland&ll=-27.771004,153.108559&spn=0.004243,0.011244&t=h&z=17
Closed branch line cuts through middle of village.  There was a junction at this point - line to Beaudesert via Jimboomba continued off lower left parallel to Waterford-Tamborine Rd, and the line to Canungra curved away through bottom of map along reserved corridor marked "Railway Pde".  The former Canungra branch right of way is available right into the middle of the Yarrabilba development!

I can't see QR CityTrain style heavy rail returning to this area due to poor alignments & relatively low density, but a "cheap & cheerfull" busway along those old branch line corridors could work quite nicely.

At the very least the old rail corridor into Yarrabilba should be preserved, or used as a bikeway.

[Gazza]

Do they have a rail system?

Yes....

But they follow a very direct route to the nearest train station, with stops every 500m or so, and residential development is designed to hinge around the bus road (500m either side). This means the bus does not follow a stupid meandering route, but just cuts straight through.

The setup for when it meets the train station:
http://maps.google.com.au/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=almere,+nl&sll=-27.544707,152.952957&sspn=0.032876,0.084543&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Almere,+Flevoland,+The+Netherlands&ll=52.393866,5.278421&spn=0.001414,0.007328&t=k&z=18

Basically, the urban structure is that the city is about 4km wide and 12km long, with the train line running right down the middle, with 5 train stations, each spaced at 2-3km intervals. The line continues out of the city for 25km till it reaches central Amsterdam.

Kind of depressing looking at Springfield, and seeing the way most of the urban footprint sits within 2-3km of the Centenary Hwy/Rail corridor, so they could have easily used this model of having multiple train stations along the corridor, with 'lite' busways branching off from these into the suburbs. But now all they have out there is cul de sac hell, and retrofitting this idea would be impossible.

[ozbob]

612 ABC Brisbane Breakfast

Chermside to be "sardine city" says ALP

Brisbane's Labor councillors are using the term "sardine city" to describe a draft neighbourhood plan for the north-side suburb of Chermside.

The plan allowing for 15 storey buildings in some areas was passed at last night's Council Meeting.

The LNP administration says it protects tin and timber suburbs and reflects the State Government's high density vision for the area. Emma Pollard reports:

--> click here!

[Golliwog]

I'm mixed on this one. I think the fact that they're going for high density is great, but agree with the folly of building this TOD with the only transport as buses. They would need to upgrade the 333 and 330 to larger buses and increase the frequency to even hope with coping. It would be much better if this was some form of rail.

I don't think it would be that hard to upgrade the northern busway to light rail (expensive yes, but hard, no) but then comes the question of what do you do in the CBD? Make KGS a light rail/bus station combo with a plan to eventually make all the busways into light rail? Break off from the busway at the hospital and make a seperate light rail terminus?

[somebody]

They would need to upgrade the 333 and 330 to larger buses and increase the frequency

Shouldn't be that difficult to do those things though.  Not sure whether they need the larger buses in the near future.

[Gazza]

but agree with the folly of building this TOD with the only transport as buses. They would need to upgrade the 333 and 330 to larger buses and increase the frequency to even hope with coping. It would be much better if this was some form of rail.

Doesn't matter does it? TOD can be based around any form of PT (Hence it being called TOD and not ROD), so long as it's high quality. Further development in Chermside could perhaps encourage them to get the Northern Busway extended to there sooner.

I mean, the only difference as I see it between running Buses and Light Rail on the corridor is capacity. Frequency and travel times would be similar.