Cross River Rail Project

[ozbob]

Yope, more planning ...   

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

http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/queensland-government/queensland-budget-2016-public-servant-superannuation-raided-for-4-billion/news-story/489d5de4602a8984d02605697b5f6b8e

The Government will also spend $50 million on Cross River Rail planning.

A further $634 million will be spent on a new train control system to delay the crunch point where required services can no longer access Brisbane's inner city.

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Queensland Budget 2016 by the numbers

Infrastructure

$50 million for Cross River Rail including establishing delivery authority

$300 million for Priority Economic Works and Productivity Program including Ipswich motorway upgrade and M1- Gateway merge

$180 million Significant Regional Infrastructure Projects Program for projects including pediatrics wing at Townsville Hospital and other projects in Rockhampton, Bundaberg, Maryborough, Cairns, Mackay and Mount Isa

$634 million for European Train Control System for the South East Queensland rail network to ease congestion ahead of Cross River Rail

$4.4 billion building and maintaining roads including Bruce Highway upgrades

$400 million for Toowoomba Second Range Crossing

$250 million for the Gateway Motorway North

Almost $97 million for the Northern Roads Package

[ozbob]

CRR it is all about planning .. and planning ... and planning ..   

[ozbob]

http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/queensland-budget-2016-live-coverage-20160614-gpif15.html

Cross River Rail

A new signalling system to make way for Brisbane's long-awaited Cross River Rail project is one of the portfolio's biggest long-term spending commitments.

Over the eight years, the government will allocate $634 million for a new European Train Control System, which Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk described as the "essential first step" to Cross River Rail's delivery.

"The new European Train Control System, subject to final approvals, will boost inner-city rail capacity by 20 per cent and allow an extra 12,000 people through the CBD each peak period," she said.

There is also $50 million in the next financial year to set up the Cross River Rail Delivery Authority.

"This funding is a clear commitment to Queenslanders that we are serious about delivering this crucial infrastructure project to ease congestion and unlock the economic potential of our state," Ms Palaszczuk said.

[Stillwater]

Other states business cases more advance and, consequently, are ahead in the queue for federal funding.

http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/secrecy-shrouds-multibilliondollar-sydney-rail-projects-20160613-gphm3g.html

[ozbob]

Cross River Rail is no1 project for #bne good to see some planning beginning #qldbudget #RACQ pic.twitter.com/gVm7PTcNSS

— RACQ (@RACQOfficial) June 14, 2016

[ozbob]

Planning beginning?   Goodness, CRR has had more plans than I have had fixed fares on the go card ...

[tazzer9]

If CCR used electric staff it would still allow more trains into the cbd than any upgraded signalling on the current routes.

[achiruel]

Yes there is a pattern. While the Libs are far from perfect, it's generally Labor that Fu&k it up!!

Please remind me again who oversaw the specification of the signalling system for MBRL?

[ozbob]

Lets summarise some of video highlights of the CRR journey ..

2010

2012

2014

2016

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Labor's pledge for Brisbane project (Cross River Rail)

BRISBANE'S crucial congestion-busting Cross River Rail project will get an $800 million federal funding boost if Labor wins the election.

Leader Bill Shorten will today announce the ALP's support for the 10km tunnel and series of underground city stations, which is expected to cost more than $5 billion and create 8000 construction jobs.

Labor would also help the Queensland Government access extra money through the party's proposed "concrete bank'' facility to leverage private investment in major infrastructure.

The backing is subject to a positive business case being presented for the project, due this month.

"This is about driving economic growth and boosting productivity,'' Mr Shorten said.

"This is real investment that will deliver thousands of real jobs." ...

[ozbob]

^ booked for an interview with 7 News ..

[Stillwater]

Is the $800m any more than the promise Anthony Albanese made back when Labor was last in Government federally?

http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/national/federal-election/cross-river-rail-to-get-800m-in-federal-funding-if-labor-wins-election/news-story/0378db021ae645cca5d9c038ba7511d7

[#Metro]

^ booked for an interview with 7 News ..

Lots of pretty animations to talk about! And Quack Metro, a subway that only seems to exist in Photoshop-Land.

The graphic designers and artists must be making a mint out of BCC and the Queensland Gov't.

[Stillwater]

The little catch in the fine print: "The offer is made subject to a positive business case, due later this month."  Come on state Labor, get these business cases flowing or face being trumped by other states who are more advanced in their business case preparation.  The Townsville stadium was a once-off.

[ozbob]

^ booked for an interview with 7 News ..

Done!   

[kram0]

Yes there is a pattern. While the Libs are far from perfect, it's generally Labor that Fu&k it up!!

Please remind me again who oversaw the specification of the signalling system for MBRL?

As I said clearly the Libs are far from perfect and corners have been cut on MBRL.

[ozbob]

Twitter

Nathan Paull ‏@NathanPaull 26 minutes ago

Brisbane's Cross River Rail to cost "in the vicinity of $5.4b" says @jackietrad. Govt has received business case. #qldpol

[Stillwater]

It would be interesting to see whether the Qld Govt thinks $800m is sufficient to get the project over the line with additional financial input from the private sector and some sort of 'value capture' impost on surrounding properties, as well as sell-off of space above stations etc.  In 2012, when the project was costed at $4.45 billion, the then state government wanted a $3.33 billion contribution from the Commonwealth (75 per cent of the cost).  The detail of the feasibility will be in the business case, but Queensland is dreaming if it thinks IA can make an assessment on the business case in the next few weeks.  After all, there is such a thing called the Caretaker Convention. 

State Labor is unlikely to shout SHOW US THE (ADDITIONAL) MONEY at Bill Shorten during an election campaign, but we can expect the SHOW US THE MONEY NOW WE HAVE COMPLETED THE BUSINESS CASE shrill to be directed to Malcolm Turnbull.  And with the Seat of Brisbane one of those in the balance at the July 2nd election.

[ozbob]

http://statements.qld.gov.au/Statement/2016/6/19/palaszczuk-government-welcomes-shortens-800-million-commitment-to-cross-river-rail

Media Statements
Deputy Premier, Minister for Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning and Minister for Trade and Investment
The Honourable Jackie Trad

Sunday, June 19, 2016

Palaszczuk Government welcomes Shorten's $800 million commitment to Cross River Rail

The Palaszczuk Government has welcomed today's announcement that a Federal Labor Government would commit $800 million to Queensland's number one infrastructure project, Cross River Rail.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Infrastructure Jackie Trad said the funding commitment demonstrated yet again that Labor is the only party serious about delivering the critical project, which will significantly improve the capacity of the South East Queensland rail network and support up to 8,000 jobs for Queenslanders.

"The former Newman Government turned their back on a $715 million funding offer from the former Federal Labor Government, which would have seen this project started – instead spending three wasted years chasing their fantasy BaT tunnel," Ms Trad said.

"It's clear nothing has changed, with Tim Nicholls' budget reply speech this week not mentioning Cross River Rail once.

"The Palaszczuk Government is determined to ensure Cross River Rail gets the green light, and this significant funding promise from the Federal Labor Opposition is welcome news.

"We need every level of government to get on board to move this project forward, and it's clear the Federal Labor Opposition are willing to jump in the driver's seat with Queensland.

"Labor is getting this project back on track. We have now received the updated business case for the new 10.2 kilometre alignment from Building Queensland and will be making the urgent case for Federal Government funding imminently.

"This week we also announced $50 million in the 2016-17 Budget to establish a Cross River Rail Delivery Authority and commence early work, and $634 million for a European Train Control System which will pave the way for the project.

"The State Government has set aside $1.5 billion for the next phase of priority infrastructure needs, to be informed by the independent advice from Building Queensland."

Minister for Transport Stirling Hinchliffe said over the next 20 years demand for rail services in South East Queensland would increase threefold, so it was important to get Cross River Rail right.

"We need to build Cross River Rail to reduce the cost of congestion and lost productivity to Queensland's economy," Mr Hinchliffe said.

"That's why is it so important for all funding partners to work together using the fully-funded Delivery Authority.

"Cross River Rail will benefit every commuter in the south east corner from Gympie North to the Gold Coast and will ensure we can increase services on the entire South East Queensland rail network during our busiest times and minimise overcrowding on platforms and trains.

"Today's announcement clearly demonstrates that a Shorten Labor Government understands the infrastructure needs of a growing city like Brisbane.

"This is a significant development in the delivery of Cross River Rail."

Ms Trad said with the updated Cross River Rail business case to be provided to both the Federal Opposition and Federal Government imminently, it was now time for Malcolm Turnbull to step up to the plate.

"The word 'Queensland' was not mentioned once in Scott Morrison's budget speech and the Federal Budget included no funding for Cross River Rail or any new infrastructure spending for Queensland for that matter," Ms Trad said.

"It's time for Malcolm Turnbull to show he's committed to our state and to building the infrastructure Queensland needs."

ENDS

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

" fantasy BaT tunnel  "   < 

[ozbob]

CRR is the key transport project for SEQ. Quack metro is a nonsense ..
> https://t.co/XyEjFiseYB#qldpol pic.twitter.com/eAo1YplxRW

— Robert Dow (@Robert_Dow) June 19, 2016

[Stillwater]

The figures have begun to get a bit confusing.  Can we assume that the $634m for an updated signalling system does not form part of the $5.6 billion estimated cost of CRR?  I think we can.  The Trad/Hinchliffe joint statement would appear to be a tactic to get an 'imminent' financial commitment to CRR from Malcolm Turnbull, so that CRR gets financial support no matter what government is in power from July 3rd (a la Townsville Stadium).  If Ms Trad is going to release the business case 'imminently' to the Federal Government and Opposition, perhaps she can be reminded that her responsibility is to the poor-suffering electors of Queensland who elected her.  Maybe they could be dropped a copy of the CRR business case at some stage in the near future.  Who knows, it might change the way one or two, or more, vote in the imminent federal election.

[techblitz]

5.4 billion? Back to the drawing board if that's the cost......labor can pledge only 800m if elected? How can this be funded with the QLD economy in its current and future state and the feds prioritising Melbourne and Sydney? Something cheaper plz......

[#Metro]

Any independents interested in running for the new seats created? This is a joke.

[Stillwater]

ABC tonight reported that the State Budget includes $1 billion of unallocated infrastructure spending.  Interesting.

[ozbob]

Labor (federal) has also indicated Queensland would be in line for more funding from the proposed ' concrete/infrastructure bank '.  This would be above the 800 million $.

If ALP is returned to Government I have no doubt that CRR will get up eventually (providing the state government holds).

Not sure if Malcolm & the Libs will commit anything to CRR.   Queensland has simply been too tardy with the business case. 

Said it before, utter shambles ... sadly ...

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Brisbane rail project to cost $5.4b: Trad

It will cost about $5.4 billion to build a much-needed second river rail crossing in Brisbane to ease traffic congestion, Queensland's deputy premier says.

Jackie Trad revealed on Sunday the government had received the project's business case "in the last 72 hours".

The new Cross River Rail proposal features a 10 kilometre rail link including almost six kilometres under the Brisbane river and CBD.

When asked whether it gave a better insight into how much the project, previously estimated to be $5.2 billion, would cost, Ms Trad replied: "The cost of this project is in the vicinity of $5.4 billion.

"We have always said that this is a significant project."

She said Building Queensland would review the business case before it went to cabinet for final consideration.

Ms Trad welcomed federal Labor announcing on Sunday it would, if elected, contribute $800 million to the project.

It comes after the state government set aside $50 million in its budget last week to establish a delivery authority to oversee final planning and delivery.

It means federal Labor's commitment still leaves the project $4.55 billion short.

"We have always said that a project of this scale and size will require a variety of funding sources," Ms Trad said.

"Federal government assistance, state government assistance, local government assistance, but also private sector assistance."

Ms Trad had previously flagged businesses and residents in Brisbane's CBD possibly being taxed more to help pay for the project, which would increase their property values.

The business case's summary would be made public, she said.

"There will be information in the public domain, but please understand the government has just only received the business case and we will be ensuring that it gets the due deliberation it's entitled through the cabinet process," she said.

Ms Trad said it was too early to say what the funding split would be between the three tiers of government.

Shadow Treasurer Scott Emerson said a "massive $4 billion question" remained over Cross River Rail.

"Who's going to pay for this project?" he said.

"Even with (Opposition Leader) Bill Shorten's election bribe of $800 million, it has a big asterisk against it - only if the business case stacks up."

Cross River Rail, the state's highest priority infrastructure project, will see 10.2km of track laid, and 5.9km of tunnel under the Brisbane River and CBD.

AAP

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

20th June 2016

Cross River Rail - v3

Good Morning,

Finally a business case for Cross River Rail (v3) appears to be complete (1, 2).  Following its assessment by Building Queensland and Cabinet we look forward to its public release.

Cross River Rail (CRR) is the next and most pressing major essential infrastructure project for SEQ.  CRR will potentially deliver up to 30,000 passengers/hour/direction (pphpd) on each of the twin rail tracks - this is a train every two minutes.  This will activate the CBD and the SEQ rail network generally, with new underground stations at Boggo Road/Park Road, Woolloongabba, Albert Street, and enhanced station precincts at Roma Street and Exhibition stations.

Contrast this to the Quirk Metro - which only delivers 9,000 pphpd which is less capacity than the present busway system (15,000 pphpd).  The money that is planned to be wasted on wrecking Brisbane's inner public transport system should be redirected to Cross River Rail.  BCC stands to reap large benefits from CRR in terms of rates and value capture, and should be prepared to make a contribution to a sound transport plan.

BCC needs to cooperate with TransLink and commence bus network reform today.  There is no need to waste billions on a toy rubber tyre train set.  In any case there is no way a State Government would give over the busway infrastructure for a proposal that delivers less passenger capacity then the present system.

Bus network reform is near cost neutral but will transform Brisbane's failing bus network - reduce the number of near empty buses clogging up the CBD and allow more buses into the suburbs where they are needed.

It is time Brisbane faced up to the fact they that have been done over by BCC and its constant transport failure policies.

Best wishes
Robert

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


Reference:

1.  Brisbanetimes --> Brisbane rail project to cost $5.4b: Trad
> http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/brisbanes-cross-river-rail-project-to-cost-54b-trad-20160619-gpmn27.html

2. Media Statement: Palaszczuk Government welcomes Shorten's $800 million commitment to Cross River Rail
> http://statements.qld.gov.au/Statement/2016/6/19/palaszczuk-government-welcomes-shortens-800-million-commitment-to-cross-river-rail

[ozbob]

Twitter

Robert Dow ‏@Robert_Dow now Brisbane, Queensland

Latest media: ' Cross River Rail - v3 '

> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=2034.msg175849#msg175849 ... #qldpol #ausvotes

@TurnbullMalcolm @billshortenmp

[ozbob]

Letter to Ed @qld_times &#38;#39; Cross River Rail can&#38;#39;t come soon enough &#38;#39;
> https://t.co/kh7xajS1Zw#qldpol pic.twitter.com/LCdt4i2uCh

— Robert Dow (@Robert_Dow) June 19, 2016

[James]

5.4 billion? Back to the drawing board if that's the cost......labor can pledge only 800m if elected? How can this be funded with the QLD economy in its current and future state and the feds prioritising Melbourne and Sydney? Something cheaper plz......

This is the minimum possible price if it is going to be built properly... How else do you suggest we do it - remove all stations aside from one at Roma St? Don't put in a signalling system?

The government needs to just fuking build the thing already. Go to the bank, borrow some money, done. 'Doing nothing' is not an option. A shame so much was p%ssed  up against the wall on things like Qld Health 10 years ago.

[#Metro]

This is the minimum possible price if it is going to be built properly... How else do you suggest we do it - remove all stations aside from one at Roma St? Don't put in a signalling system?

Hire dedicated teams of people to push the train through the tunnel. Would create jobs, and reduce unemployment.

 

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Cross River Rail costed at $5.4 billion

THE State Government has received the long-awaited Cross River Rail business case a fortnight before the federal election, with Deputy Premier Jackie Trad placing the project's cost at about $5.4 billion.

Ms Trad yesterday welcomed federal Opposition Leader Bill Shorten's $800 million pledge for the project and said the state would soon be in a position to publicly release the summary section of the business case that had been prepared.

"I can advise that the business case was recently received in the last 72 hours by the Government and we will be reviewing it and allowing Cabinet to make the final determination," she said.

Ms Trad said the cost of the project was "in the vicinity" of $5.4 billion.

Opposition transport spokesman Scott Emerson said a $4 billion question mark still hung over the project."Who's going to pay for this project?" he said.

[ozbob]

^  hmmm ... so now it is public release of the  ' summary section ' of the business case ..  well we hope the summary section has key indicators available hey?

[mufreight]

Instead of a gold plated project face some reality and make a start.
There is no need at this time for the southern portal to be at Yeerongpilly, that can be moved to between Fairfield and Dutton Park, the station at the Gabba can be built now and the air space above it leased on a 99 year lease for the construction of a commercial and residential tower which would pay for the construction of the station and some of the tunnel back towards Park Road.
Once started the feds be they of either political persuasion would have no choice but to chip in and their funding would continue the line towards Albert Street where the station there could again be paid for by a 99 year lease of the land over the station to build another tower block possibly of mixed commercial and residential.
From there on the state could fund and continue the completion of the line itself if necessary by borrowing.
It is long past time for government to stop fluffing around and to actually put a shovel in the ground and start on this project, the longer they delay the more it will cost.

[Stillwater]

The business case is likely to contain options for funding this project that the government would not want to disclose to those it has identified as participating in the funding mix -- either directly or indirectly.  The government would not want to flag its options, or the assumptions made about the likely revenue streams, or the money it reasonably could expect to wring from the private sector, or via a betterment tax.  So some sort of document with sensitive financial stuff redacted is likely to be released publicly.

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Super funds, investors to fund rail (CRR)

CASHED-up superannuation funds and overseas investors will be targeted to ensure the state's "top infrastructure" priority Cross River Rail is built.

Queensland Treasurer Curtis Pitt flagged a substantial role for the private sector to invest in the $5.4 billion public transport project while giving his post-Budget address to the Committee for Economic Development of Australia on Monday.

He said the project would require co-operation from all levels of government and major private investment to go ahead.

"We need to look at who else looks into that 30 to 40 year time horizon (for investment)," he said.

"Well, a good answer straight answer would be superannuation funds.

"There are a lot of superannuation funds in this country with a lot of money on the table."

Mr Pitt said the State Government was also investigating value capture models where some of the expected increase in economic activity, such as property values, but said it would not be enough to play a major financing role.

"When we talk about value uplift and value capture, yes it's going under the river, there's a not of people either side of that line, maybe a few cray," he said.

"Clearly there are going conversations such as (development) air rights (to build new apartments).

"That is a critical part but it won't be enough to deliver the remainder of the funding required. We will be seeking investment partners."

It comes as federal Opposition Leader Bill Shorten committed $800 million to Cross River Rail over the weekend.

The Queensland Government has committed just $50 million to creating a "delivery authority", which leave more than $4 billion unfunded.

Cross River Rail includes a 6km tunnel under the Brisbane River and four new underground stations at Boggo Road, Woolloongabba, Albert Street and Roma Street ...

More > http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/queensland-government/unlocking-major-private-investment-in-cross-river-rail-key-to-the-project-going-ahead/news-story/b6eb5fbf637e3554ce2db6f8ccc18d98

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

21st June 2016

Get on board with CRR Lord Mayor !

Good Morning,

Today's Couriermail has highlighted some approaches to funding Cross River Rail - Couriermail --> Super funds, investors to fund rail (CRR)

It is very clear that the Quirk Metro proposal is nonsense.  Brisbane City Council needs to get on board with Cross River Rail - the council will reap a lot of financial benefit from the project.  The funds that Lord Mayor Quirk and BCC are planning to waste on an a metro non-solution would be better directed to support a real transport outcome.

As characterises public transport in Brisbane and SEQ narrow minded politics takes precedence over real community outcomes and transport improvements.  Brisbane is the only capital that has a despot Council trying to control public transport for pure politics.  The results are catastrophic, Brisbane is now teetering on transport failure.  No amount of spin and bull-dust can hide this fact.

It is time for the Lord Mayor and Brisbane City Council to get onboard with Cross River Rail. It is clearly the best outcome for Brisbane and SEQ.

Community best outcomes or selfish politics?  What is it to be??

Best wishes
Robert

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

Media release 18th June 2016

Brisbane:  Time to abandon the Metro pipe-dream Lord Mayor

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web based community support group for rail and public transport and an advocate for public transport passengers has said the Quirk Metro proposal for Brisbane is seriously flawed and needs to be halted before more ratepayers funds are squandered (1).

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"The fundamental flaw with the Quirk Metro proposal is that it only delivers 9,000 passengers/hour/direction (pphpd). The busways deliver around 15,000 pphpd (1)."

"Team Quirk has misrepresented the capacity of the proposed metro to the citizens of Brisbane as being 30,000 per hour.  This is a fraudulent misrepresentation in our opinion.  Using data supplied by Team Quirk (2) we have definitely shown that the peak capacity is only 9,000 pphpd."

"Other transport experts have shown that the route alignment and network effects are very adverse and the proposed metro will actually wreck inner Brisbane public transport (3, 4, 5)."

"We call on Lord Mayor Quirk to abandon this nonsensical project and commence bus network reform.  Continue to work in coordination with TMR and develop a real metro proposal with the passenger capacity (at least 30,000 pphpd) that Brisbane will need down the track."

Contact:

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

References:

1. Lord Mayor Graham Quirk's Metro vs Mathematics > http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=11952.msg174616#msg174616

2. Team Quirk ' Metro ' Information Request > http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=11952.msg175060#msg175060

3. Will Graham Quirk's Brisbane Metro become a reality?  7news.com.au #bnetraffic #7News http://snpy.tv/1rrPNhy

4. Four key reasons metro plan is flawed > http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/opinion/news-story/270fcb35a4e60b5379e47ff73893763d

5. Brisbane Metro Subway System - Propaganda Response > http://brizcommuter.blogspot.com.au/2016/06/brisbane-metro-subway-system-cut-crap.html

[#Metro]

CASHED-up superannuation funds and overseas investors will be targeted to ensure the state's "top infrastructure" priority Cross River Rail is built.

Queensland Treasurer Curtis Pitt flagged a substantial role for the private sector to invest in the $5.4 billion public transport project while giving his post-Budget address to the Committee for Economic Development of Australia on Monday.

Groan. This is one of those State Government decoy flares that they fire off when they have no funds. It is so predictable, I think I might have wrote about this 'private sector will come in on a unicorn and save everyone' possibility a few weeks ago.

If a State Government backed by millions of taxpayers wouldn't put money into it, why then would a private company or super fund put money into it? The State Government can borrow at rock-bottom interest rates, even more cheaply than the private sector. The State Government has billions in assets to back this borrowing up.

The private sector is absolutely not interested in putting money into something that is going to generate a financial loss (from the private sector perspective). Super funds want to make profits. The only way this can happen is that the government uses a pay-as-you go scheme where periodic availability payments are made to a company over the life of the asset. This essentially creates a stream of future debt payments and is pretty much like a borrowing, except it does not register as so on the State Government balance sheet. Often the sum of the payments turns out to be a larger charge on the State Budget than if the Gov't just went ahead and borrowed outright.

[techblitz]

Couriermail --> Cross River Rail costed at $5.4 billion

one of the user comments....

Paul.A 19 hours ago
@D @Graeme We did and using Labor/Union economics the cost will be about 3 to 5 times what is quoted especially if Unions are employed to do the work. This is par for the course on any Labor/union project but in reality we needn't worry about it as there is no money to pay for it anyway, unless of course Labor/union dips their hands once again into the Superannuation honey pot.

labor are sooo easy to predict.....