Cross River Rail Project

[Stillwater]

Emerson asked specifically that CRR be treated for taxation purposes no different than major road infrastructure projects, such as the Bruce Highway.  Albanese agreed.  Emerson got what he wanted, he perhaps did not realise what he got -- too blinded by the game of political cat and mouse.

The No.1 top priority infrastructure project, identified as such by IA, was funded but will now not proceed, under Labor or Coalition.

[somebody]

Emerson asked specifically that CRR be treated for taxation purposes no different than major road infrastructure projects, such as the Bruce Highway.  Albanese agreed.  Emerson got what he wanted, he perhaps did not realise what he got -- too blinded by the game of political cat and mouse.

The No.1 top priority infrastructure project, identified as such by IA, was funded but will now not proceed, under Labor or Coalition.

Not sure that is correct.  He asked for "concessional" treatment.  Presumably meaning a discount greater than normal, although he didn't clearly explain what he meant by that.  .  The whole concept that the Feds would say that they are giving $x to a given project but then taking a portion of it back with the other hand stinks to high heaven.

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

25th May 2013

On the politicisation of public transport

Greetings,

The public yesterday had an excellent opportunity to witness a further slide in the politicisation of public transport.

On 612 ABC Brisbane radio we witnessed a ' he said, he said ' scenario on the future of the highest ranked priority project for Australia Cross River Rail.

612 ABC Brisbane Mornings with Steve Austin

Is it all over for the cross river rail?

http://blogs.abc.net.au/queensland/2013/05/is-it-all-over-for-the-cross-river-rail.html?site=brisbane&program=612_morning

Interview with Queensland State Transport Minister followed by Federal Transport Minister

Then we have Cr Matic in the Brisbane mX (May 24, page 2) attempting to justify Brisbane City Councils intransigence and gross politicisation of the Brisbane Transport Bus network on the basis of a 0.8 % patronage gain (see --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=9754.msg126676#msg126676 ).  A gain in reality that is not even keeping up with population growth or matching bus route service growth.  The BCC bus review is just more of the same mediocrity that led to the Transport Minister Mr Emerson calling for a bus review in the first place. 

Pity the present government lacks the courage to move things forward for the community, but rather will put politics before community need.

Face up to it folks. The public transport network is a mess.   Continued spin, rhetoric and misleading information is just making it worse.

For a change, some real honesty and constructive actions from the elected representatives might actually be the answer.

Best wishes
Robert

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

[somebody]

If the boss says we are getting a Metro, we cheer, if he says we don't need another Metro, we say how smart he is.

I imagine you are referring to a matter of degree.  I've definitely noticed this tendency in Brisbane.

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

27th May 2013

The Cross River Rail Fail

Greetings,

Tony Abbott has ruled out funding Cross River Rail. The counter offer from the Federal Government is grossly inadequate.

Cross River Rail for the city and SEQ generally is now effectively dead, as is decent bus network reform. Our public transport network is already very poor by international standards on frequency, span and cost. Fares are out of control and fare recovery is world's worst. Developments in New Zealand with near identical bus review and city rail tunnels provide a stark contrast to the spin, inaction and chaos that characterises Queensland Politics.

If you want to reduce congestion, put tolls on the roads and introduce decongestion pricing. AirportLink and Clem 7 demonstrate that tolls are extraordinarily effective at reducing car traffic demand. Once the free traffic period went, traffic dropped dramatically. The Walter Taylor Bridge at Indooroopilly could be a trial site.

The New Zealanders are putting SEQ to utter shame. Within Auckland, an unprecedented total, rapid and complete revolution of public transport is occurring. This will increase its liveability and competitiveness against Brisbane. Their bus review revolution is about to be rolled out and they are progressing a City Rail Link, their version of our Cross River Rail so that trains can run every 10 minutes across Auckland, and where there are no trains, high frequency buses will run to every corner of Auckland, all day, every day.

Transport governance is now in chaos, crisis and the situation is now terminal.

Best wishes
Robert

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

[techblitz]

Interesting article to read for all you brisbane/auckland comparison afficianados

http://transportblog.co.nz/2010/07/21/aucklands-population-density-killing-off-the-myths/

Take a look at the tables to see where brisbane stands on urban size and density compared to perth,sydney,melbourne and of coz auckland.
Old stats but changes between now and then should be consistent between all cities


It is any wonder the current crop of qld politicians cant decide whether to support rail or roads when the m.o has always been to spread things out 

[ozbob]

We have discussed this before I think. What it does show that getting people onto public transport is more about providing decent systems rather than notions of density.

Brisbane is also a bit atypical in terms of density spreads - tends to be concentrated in radial extensions.  There is no reason why decent public transport wont work.

But there has been some developments actual and planned that are difficult to service with adequate transport - roads or public because they are almost isolated from present networks ...

Old but it shows that average density is misleading ..



POPULATION DENSITY BY SLA, Brisbane SD - June 2011
http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/Products/3218.0~2010-11~Main+Features~Queensland

[#Metro]

Take a look at the tables to see where brisbane stands on urban size and density compared to perth,sydney,melbourne and of coz auckland.
Old stats but changes between now and then should be consistent between all cities


It is any wonder the current crop of qld politicians cant decide whether to support rail or roads when the m.o has always been to spread things out

There are a number of problems with this view:

1. Brisbane and Perth are similar, Perth has 2x the frequency and started out with a basket case PT system in the 1990s, one proposed to be shut down

2. There is  powerful on the ground direct evidence that service improvements can powerfully attract significant patronage; that work was pioneered by BCC's Alan Warren and the BUZ.

3. There is a thesis looking at the density of Brisbane which someone brought to my attention and I have read it. The reason for the low density figures are large areas of non-residential bushland (think Mt Gravatt, Griffith Uni, Mt Cootha) and floodplain (think Rocklea, Chandler etc) biasing the figures.

This work was done by Blake Challen as part of a School of Geography, Planning & Env Management Thesis
http://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:296479

4. The definition of urbanised density within australia and canada is lower than in almost all other countries. The effect of this is to make cities appear less dense when comparing internationally

5. In Brisbane we have limited river crossings and hilly terrain which concentrates demand into key corridors (think all main roads radiating out from the CBD), this actually gives and advantage to PT plus we had significant built up density in the inner city as part of the tram system influencing the shape and urban form of the city.

Density matters, but so does frequency, span, cost, connectivity and network design.

[techblitz]

If only Brisbane had more high density corridors like mains rd & toowong (where majority of students/residents don't own vehicles)....things would be on the up sooner rather than later.
Im pro population density myself yet a lot of transport advocates in these struggling cities continue to say its of no concern/relevance.
Better to build up than out.
Makes the task of getting bums on board a LOT easier.
One of the great things this city has going for it....is its very student friendly transit.
I would be really interested to see how the fare rises have effected patronage levels along the mains rd corridor. Judging by the current capacities of the buz routes....I would say minimal. Seems to me they are preferring the convenience of the location as opposed to the price of tickets.
Go to the outer suburbs and its a different story  Because they actually have a vehicle they can easily make the choice to ditch PT altogether.

[techblitz]

Take a look at the tables to see where brisbane stands on urban size and density compared to perth,sydney,melbourne and of coz auckland.
Old stats but changes between now and then should be consistent between all cities


It is any wonder the current crop of qld politicians cant decide whether to support rail or roads when the m.o has always been to spread things out

There are a number of problems with this view:

1. Brisbane and Perth are similar, Perth has 2x the frequency and started out with a basket case PT system in the 1990s, one proposed to be shut down

2. There is  powerful on the ground direct evidence that service improvements can powerfully attract significant patronage; that work was pioneered by BCC's Alan Warren and the BUZ.

3. There is a thesis looking at the density of Brisbane which someone brought to my attention and I have read it. The reason for the low density figures are large areas of non-residential bushland (think Mt Gravatt, Griffith Uni, Mt Cootha) and floodplain (think Rocklea, Chandler etc) biasing the figures.

This work was done by Blake Challen as part of a School of Geography, Planning & Env Management Thesis
http://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:296479

4. The definition of urbanised density within australia and canada is lower than in almost all other countries. The effect of this is to make cities appear less dense when comparing internationally

5. In Brisbane we have limited river crossings and hilly terrain which concentrates demand into key corridors (think all main roads radiating out from the CBD), this actually gives and advantage to PT plus we had significant built up density in the inner city as part of the tram system influencing the shape and urban form of the city.

Density matters, but so does frequency, span, cost, connectivity and network design.

Some very good points there LD:)

[somebody]

Im pro population density myself yet a lot of transport advocates in these struggling cities continue to say its of no concern/relevance.

Who?

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Rail plan hidden in budget fine print

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> $85m Cross River Rail funds wasted while Federal, State governments bicker

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

12th June 2013

Another day in paradise NOT

Greetings,

The politicisation of public transport in Queensland continues.

Couriermail --> $85m Cross River Rail funds wasted while Federal, State governments bicker

A State Government that has demonstrably failed with the bus review process, continues in delusion with the failing fare system for south-east Queensland public transport, it is really no great surprise that they continue to put politics before sound policy.

No doubt, you are all looking forward to the BCC Budget  ...

Have a nice day.

Best wishes
Robert

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

[Jonno]

I just love how the delay is going to cause problems in 2 years time.. Only because we have some of the worst frequency for a Capital City in the world.  Hello there is a problem NOW because only 9% of trips are by public transport.  Arrrrrrrrrrrrr

[ozbob]

CRR and the generalised rail fail gets a MID in this piece ..


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

South east attempts to tackle congestion

--> http://au.news.yahoo.com/video/national/watch/17560879/south-east-attempts-to-tackle-congestion/

[ozbob]

4BC News has followed up on CRR today ..

Thanks for the interest!

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> EDITORIAL: It's time to act to secure future transport infrastructure for a growing region

.. And then there's the $5.4 billion Cross River Rail project, which again, all sides of politics have declared to be the City's most urgent infrastructure priority, given that the CBD's single cross river rail bridge is projected to be at capacity within just a few years.

Almost $85 million has been spent on planning and property acquisitions for the new rail link and the State and Federal governments have pledged $715 million each towards the project private sector proponents are champing at the bit to build.

But instead of progress we have a political stalemate driven by self-interested point-scoring and squabbles over the conditions attached to the federal money.

It is verging on the scandalous that Federal Infrastructure Minister Anthony Albanese and State Transport Minister Scott Emerson ar unable to negotiate a solution ...

You don't say ... 

[Stillwater]

Clock ticking down to 14 September, when Tony A assumes the chair of the board of directors of Australia Inc.  Then the federal government funding pledge is likely to disappear altogether. 

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Brisbane's infrastructure has boomed with the CLEM7, Airport Link and Gateway Bridge expansion but are the golden days over?

[mufreight]

Newman has never wanted to spend any money on any rail related infrastructure and given the slightest excuse would shut down work on the MBRL, just wathc the delays that will occour due to various reasons in the project but basicly due to funding delays from the Queensland Government contribution.
Different story if it was a toll road or tunnel.

[Jonno]

Couriermail --> Brisbane's infrastructure has boomed with the CLEM7, Airport Link and Gateway Bridge expansion but are the golden days over?

The Boom is over, we're broke and have made congestion & our dependancy on the car 10 times worse.  People will do PhD's on the sheer waste and how long it will take to address the damage done let alone actually fix the problem.

[ozbob]

Urban rail and public transport will be very critical in determining the outcome of the federal election.

Labor is pro, Liberals have stated will not support.

This is a welcome development.

Labor has kicked in through IA many important urban transport projects around Australia, including MBRL here in QLD.

I can understand your cynicism RTT however, where there is life there is hope!   

CRR is the top ranked IA project ... go rail!

[SurfRail]

To clarify - MBRL wasn't IA recommended, just a pork-barrel (even if a welcome one).  Both sides promised money for it at the 2010 election, which rather puts paid to Mr Stick-to-our-Knitting's comments about the funding of urban rail.

[ozbob]

Well RTT you and me have a great disagreement then hey?

I fully support Federal funding of urban rail and public transport.  They fund roads, they can fund urban rail PT.

Presently urban rail projects in Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne are being funded by IA in large part.  MBRL is not IA as such but has a significant federal funding component.

Feds are funding around half billion for Legacy Way tunnel, and still they could not ensure the critical bus link was done?  Scandalous really ...

Times have changed RTT, and Liberals have offered funding for urban rail before.  I bet  Abbott et al will change tack.  Particularly as it will be politically expedient as it was in 2010 re MBRL?

[#Metro]

Wow, this is like some major soap opera. Rudd back from THE DEAD. I thought he was in cryogenic storage?
Cross River Rail, like everything else, is going to become contaminated with politics. Cross River Rail is extraordinarily expensive - interesting times.

[ozbob]

Wow, this is like some major soap opera. Rudd back from THE DEAD. I thought he was in cryogenic storage?
Cross River Rail, like everything else, is going to become contaminated with politics. Cross River Rail is extraordinarily expensive - interesting times.

So is RRL and NW Rail but they are being built.   I have never been more confident that CRR is now a goer ... 

Yes much polyticks to be played out, but I know who I will support ...

[ozbob]

9News National --> Push for 50-50 deal on Brisbane rail plan

[Derwan]

Quote from Emerson in the 9 news story:  "If Kevin Rudd wants to back Queensland and be fair to Queenslanders rather than short-changing them, then he'll sign it today,"

Kevin has indicated that he's willing to come to the table and make a deal - which might end up being the 50/50 the state government is pushing for.  Rather than playing politics, Emerson should seize this opportunity, welcome Rudd's offer and push for the 50/50 funding they desire.  They will receive no such offer from their own federal counterparts.

Also, Kevin has said that he'll consult his party before making any policy decisions.  He hasn't even sworn in his cabinet yet.  He's hardly at a point to make an offer.  He's putting it on the agenda for further discussion. Emerson's response is truly laughable.

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Transport Minister Scott Emerson says Newman Government would sign Cross River Rail deal with Rudd on 50:50 basis

[ozbob]

ABC News --> Queensland pushes for 50-50 deal on rail project

[Stillwater]

Interesting development.  Those folk in Mr Rudd's electorate could benefit from CRR -- it would be a nice 'gift' for them.

AND (this is the most interesting bit) Rudd negotiating a new deal for CRR would underline several things that the recycled PM wants to demonstrate --
He is from Queensland, and he IS prepared to help
A CRR deal would shore up a number of Labor seats --could come in handy if you want to win Government
Rudd can show he can work with Libs at a state level (thereby countering impressions that a Labor government in Canberra would lead to rows with the conservative states)
Above all, it contrasts Rudd so starkly with Abbott -- KRudd wants liveable cities and efficient urban travel, Coalition wants toll roads and expensive tunnels.  Abbott has given himself little room to manoeuvre by saying that urban rail is a matter for the state government.

[Fares_Fair]

Just saw a Channel 7 News story on Cross River Rail, and managed to record it.

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd asking the State Government to talk to the Feds about the funding for CRR.

Rail Back on Track spokesman Robert Dow stating that we are heading for transport chaos unless action is taken.

Queensland's Transport Minister, Scott Emerson says he would sign off today on a 50-50 funding model with the Commonwealth (and whether its Kevin Rudd or Tony Abbott)

[ozbob]

Cross River Rail has been a hot topic today in the media,  press, radio and television ...  this all helps place transport in the minds of the electorates.

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Push for 50-50 deal on Brisbane rail plan

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Transport Minister Scott Emerson calls for 50-50 genuine partnership with Canberra on Brisbane's Cross River Rail project

[Stillwater]

It remains unclear what the '50:50' promise comprises, given that both governments expect a considerable capital injection from the private sector.  The fear is that Mr Emerson's idea of 50:50 is that the feds cough up, say, $3 billion and the state government contributes, say, $1 billion, with $2 billion coming from the private sector via whatever means, including concessions for developing space above stations etc.  So, under that scenario, feds put up $3b, state puts up $1b and Mr Emerson says this is a 50:50 split. 

[SurfRail]

My best guess is for a $5bn cost, you would be doing extremely well to attract $1bn of collective private interest across everything associated with the project (including any real estate dealings).  Most of it has to come from government.

[Stillwater]

If the Australian body politic were Star Trek Deep Space 9, Mr Emerson would be a Ferengi

[Gazza]

Yes Bob, and we have been down this path before and I have made my view on fed funding of both suburban rail AND ROAD clear. Just because it happens now or before, doesn't make it right or sustainable and have the feds provided $12B for a project in NSW or $10B in Vic (adjusting for population differences to Qld).

Well, you are free to think that the feds shouldn't fund stuff like this, but on the flip side I'd hope that if the feds were spending less on urban projects that in return the state would be dished out a greater share of GST revenue such that they could fund them themselves.....But in the end, what's the difference, still needs to be built!