Cross River Rail Project

[tazzer9]

They had an idea of what they wanted to do for the metro, but even with the extension to bankstown, they don't have 100% concrete knowledge of what is happening.  They don't know they simply stop it at bankstown, the new direct liverpool connection will happen, but nothing concrete is done about this.   And what will happen to the rest of the bankstown line.   The route throughthe cbd was also only recently finalised.   

The NW section will have demand, I still question the use of a single deck metro for this bit though.  It doesn't offer much over an extension of the DD network.  But the NW isn't the problem, its getting into the cbd is were they currently have problems.  All lines but the eastern suburbs line are out of train slots and are at capacity.  North shore being the 2nd worst, but has the benefit of gaining a much faster route.     

Other rail lines that get shut down for conversion are usually old.  This was a line that was always likely to form part of a metro yet no future considerations were implemented to allow ease of conversion.

Just remember their metro went through more versions than our CRR.   

[Derwan]

their metro went through more versions than our CRR.

So there's still hope for CRR! 

[Old Northern Road]

The NW section will have demand, I still question the use of a single deck metro for this bit though.  It doesn't offer much over an extension of the DD network.  But the NW isn't the problem, its getting into the cbd is were they currently have problems.  All lines but the eastern suburbs line are out of train slots and are at capacity.  North shore being the 2nd worst, but has the benefit of gaining a much faster route.     

But the Metro includes a second harbour crossing which is something that wouldn't have happened if the line was simply an extension of the DD network (at least not for many, many decades)

Just remember their metro went through more versions than our CRR.

Not if you include BaT, The Cleveland Solution and Quirk's Metro

[v6hilux]

I got a question - what was planned first, the TSRC (2nd Woomba range crossing) or CRR?

It seems TSRC is now starting construction.

[tazzer9]

I got a question - what was planned first, the TSRC (2nd Woomba range crossing) or CRR?

It seems TSRC is now starting construction.

Depends on how you defined planned.   There have been serious calls for a 2nd range crossing for a few decades.   

[#Metro]

Deleting old e-mails, came across this:

Thank you for your email dated ** May 2010.

As you know, Cross River Rail is a proposed new north-south rail line in Brisbane's inner city including a tunnel under the Brisbane River and new underground inner city train stations.

Our current detailed feasibility phase will determine how many new tracks will be needed both in the tunnel and as part of surface rail upgrades. The capacity of additional tracks will be dependant on a number of different factors including capacity of other corridors on the South East Queensland rail network servicing the inner city and Cross River Rail project.

Cross River Raill will provide enhanced connectivity to exisiting and new infrastructure. Planning for this project will take into account the potential introduction of passenger rail services in a new corridor from Salisbury to Beaudesert, which Transport and Main Roads is currently investigating.

For further information about Cross River Rail, please visit www.crossriverrail.qld.gov.au.

Kind regards

Cross River Rail


Department of Transport and Main Roads
"Shaping tomorrow's transport system today"

So, in SIX YEARS, we still haven't made progress!

[ozbob]

I think it is difficult see any progress with CRR in 60 years.

It is as dead as a dodo bird.  Sadly compromised project now with a snowflakes chance in hell of getting off (or is that into?) the ground ..

[Stillwater]

I'm looking at TMR's slogan ... Shaping Tomorrow's Transport System Today ... which indicates a further six years of non-progress.  Imagine the Queensland Government's transport 'tomorrowland'.

[ozbob]

Nothing new at >> http://www.crossriverrail.qld.gov.au/

Last community newsletter April 2016 ...

Guess we have to amuse ourselves with the some music vids hey?

[v6hilux]

They have hit a brick wall. With QR not being able to hire drivers externally, what's the point of building more rail lines?

[SurfRail]

Wasn't the EIS finished?  Where is it?

[v6hilux]

Wasn't the EIS finished?  Where is it?

HA HA, Malcolm asked Annastacia if he could take it home for a quick read at home before providing the required funding and Mal and the report vanished!  :conf

[#Metro]

HA HA, Tony asked Annastacia if he could take it home for a quick read and it vanished! 

Simpler explanation - perhaps the transport minister hasn't received a copy yet and thus has not read it. Like all of the other things...

[v6hilux]

I edited that prev reply, got names mixed-up sorry!

[v6hilux]

Simpler explanation - perhaps the transport minister hasn't received a copy yet and thus has not read it. Like all of the other things...

This is the No 1 Priority for SEQ, how could it be at the bottom of the pile?

[#Metro]

I edited that prev reply, got names mixed-up sorry!

Freudian slip? Wouldn't surprise me if Tony was reading it. Glad his 'funding of rail ban' is now finished.

This is the No 1 Priority for SEQ, how could it be at the bottom of the pile?

Queensland doesn't have priorities, it has PR. CRR has been on the books since about 2008.

Some priority!

[Stillwater]

The Queensland Government has underspent its infrastructure budget by $2 billion.  Now, where can it spend some money quickly?

[#Metro]

The Queensland Government has underspent its infrastructure budget by $2 billion.  Now, where can it spend some money quickly?

Hmm... let me think...

... wait a minute...

... still thinking...

... hang on...

I know, cash bonuses for everyone!

[Stillwater]

^   

[James]

The Queensland Government has underspent its infrastructure budget by $2 billion.  Now, where can it spend some money quickly?

"Government Saves $2bn through savings on Infrastructure Projects"

"Commuters will now have extra time to read the government's media releases under a Palaszczuk government, with the government choosing not to spend money on improving infrastructure, allowing commuters to spend more 'me time' away from the kids as they sit in congestion or wait for a train to turn up."

[ozflier]

Its scary to think
but
maybe  we will have to wait til One Nation has leverage in state parliament to get something done!

[#Metro]

Annastacia Palaszczuk doesn't have the finances to deliver. Even more so now that the Prime Minister has performed a locking manoeuvre tying federal funding to BCC's metro.

(When I say "doesn't have the finances" I'm not talking about a lack of funds - plenty of money is present but it is "verboten" to access it).

I don't think she will be Premier. Jackie Trad can't replace her because West Village tower height increasing means NIMBY will be unleashed on her and The Greens will take her seat.

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Further boost for Brisbane's Cross River Rail project

THE chances of Brisbane's Cross River Rail project getting off the drawing board have been further boosted with the Federal Government ­en­dorsing Infrastructure Australia's 15-year plan.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull will today release the Government's response to IA's list of key infrastructure projects, first revealed in February, which rates the $5.4 billion Cross River Rail as a high priority public transport initiative.

Last month, the ­Coalition gave the project its first federal funding, committing $10 million to support the project's ­delivery authority.

IA is assessing the proposal's business case.

Mr Turnbull will today address Parliament and confirm the 15-year IA plan will guide key ­infrastructure decisions.

"Increased investment in infrastructure is a key part of our economic plan," Mr Turnbull said.

"Infrastructure generates jobs, fuels growth and connects communities."

The Federal Government is investing $50 billion in vital road and rail infrastructure projects through to 2020.

A total of $13.7 billion has been allocated to key Queensland infrastructure projects, ­including upgrades to the M1 and Bruce Highway, the Toowoomba second range crossing and the Gold Coast light rail.

[v6hilux]

Deleting old e-mails, came across this:

Thank you for your email dated ** May 2010.

As you know, Cross River Rail is a proposed new north-south rail line...............

Planning for this project will take into account the potential introduction of passenger rail services in a new corridor from Salisbury to Beaudesert, which Transport and Main Roads is currently investigating.

So, in SIX YEARS, we still haven't made progress!

In a sign of there being some progress, Logan council has offered $4,000,000 (that could pay for half a carpark at one of the new stations);

http://www.jimboombatimes.com.au/story/4302757/council-push-for-plan-with-funding-pledge/?cs=2431

[ozbob]

24th November 2016

JOINT STATEMENT
Minister for Transport and the Commonwealth Games
The Honourable Stirling Hinchliffe

Minister for Main Roads, Road Safety and Ports and Minister for Energy, Biofuels and Water Supply
The Honourable Mark Bailey

Another step forward for Cross River Rail

The Palaszczuk Government has welcomed the Turnbull Government's commitment to improving urban rail infrastructure following their response to Infrastructure Australia's national infrastructure plan.

Acting Minister for Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning Mark Bailey said Queensland's rail priorities were clearly reflected on Infrastructure Australia's priority list.

"We are pleased that the Turnbull Government is now focussed on the critical role of urban rail in reducing congestion and making our cities more liveable and productive," he said.

"The response confirms that the Turnbull Government has committed $10 million to early planning works for the Cross River Rail and they will also be part of the Cross River Rail Delivery Authority, which will finalise funding arrangements for the project."

Minister for Transport Stirling Hinchliffe said while positive progress was being made, the state would continue to lobby the Federal Government for a major funding contribution for Cross River Rail.

"Greater federal involvement in urban rail must include significant new funding for vital urban rail projects like Cross River Rail, which will mean we can provide more services to growth areas like Logan, Ipswich, the Gold Coast, Moreton Bay and the Sunshine Coast," Mr Hinchliffe said.

"The Palaszczuk Government is making huge investments in infrastructure – we are currently rolling out a four year $40 billion infrastructure package that is supporting more than 31,000 jobs this year alone.

"We have also allocated $850 million to Cross River Rail, which started funding negotiations with the Federal Government and delivery arrangements with the private sector."

Mr Bailey also criticised Tim Nicholls and his team for their opposition to the Cross River Rail Delivery Authority Bill.

"This is why they're called mediocre both here and in Canberra. They're more interested in playing politics than building the infrastructure Queensland needs," he said.

"We are working with both their Federal Government and Brisbane City Council counterparts to progress Cross River Rail and they are still crying wolf and talking down this vital city building project."

[#Metro]

I will believe it when I see the TBM go into the ground!

[ozbob]

I really do want to believe  ...

[#Metro]

Hey Stillwater, you are absolutely going to LOVE this headline:


Cross River Rail: Show me the money , Palaszczuk tells PM

But Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said what Queensland needed to see from Mr Turnbull was "money on the table" for Cross River Rail.

"My government has already put $800 million on the table, I want to see more of a commitment from the federal government," she said.

http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/cross-river-rail-needs-money-on-table-says-palaszczuk-as-pm-promises-funds-20161124-gswlwn.html

Note: If the project is about $5.2 billion, then a "fair" amount for the Queensland Government is around $2.6 billion*.

The state's funding on the table falls well short and is only about 19% of the total expected project cost.

Still not serious it seems.

In all likelihood, the Feds will probably wait this one out until the Queensland Election. It is of no advantage to let them allow Red Team et al to move with the project and the failure to build will make good election fodder.

Red team will be positioned as unable to operate the Queensland Rail train network (true), and unable to build Cross River Rail. Double rail fail!!

The PM's linking of the CRR to BCC Metro will act as a time-wasting device until the election, ensuring that this situation comes about.

Plus Blue Team will probably have their own plans for CRR (Return of the BaT II ?) and thus there is little incentive to get things moving on this from the Fed's angle is my guess.

---

Derivation

Principle: Assume that largest beneficiaries pay more, smaller beneficiaries pay less.

3 (state) + 2 (federal) +1 (council) = 6
$5.2 billion divided by 6 parts = 0.866 billion per part

3 x 0.866 billion = $2.59 billion ("Fair" State Government Contribution)

[v6hilux]

Meanwhile, in China.................

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Cross River Rail needs 'money on table' says Palaszczuk as PM promises funds

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has confirmed his government will work with state governments on urban rail projects.

His response in federal parliament Thursday come after Infrastructure Australia's list of key infrastructure projects, revealed in February, rated Cross River Rail as a high priority public transport initiative.

Mr Turnbull said the federal government would support 69 of Infrastructure Australia's 78 recommendations.

"We will agree urban rail plans with willing state governments for our five biggest cities - the mainland state capitals - that will inform our future investment priorities," he told parliament.

But Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said what Queensland needed to see from Mr Turnbull was "money on the table" for Cross River Rail.

"My government has already put $800 million on the table, I want to see more of a commitment from the federal government," she said.

Mr Turnbull has previously committed $10 million to Cross River Rail planning.

Acting Infrastructure Minister Mark Bailey welcomed the Turnbull government's commitment to improving urban rail infrastructure.

"We are pleased that the Turnbull government is now focused on the critical role of urban rail in reducing congestion and making our cities more liveable and productive," Mr Bailey said.

Former prime minister Tony Abbott had ruled out funding Cross River Rail.

Transport Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said the government would continue to lobby the federal government for a major funding contribution.

Meanwhile, a parliamentary committee delivered its report on a bill to establish a Cross River Rail Delivery Authority on Thursday.

The government members of the committee supported the establishment of the Cross River Rail delivery authority but the non-government members did not support it.

In a statement of reservation, LNP MPs Mark Robinson and Ann Leahy said they were concerned the business case had not been released, an "interventionist approach to planning" and not enough detail about how the project would be funded.

They also said the bill was rushed through the committee process.

But Mr Bailey criticised the LNP for their opposition to the Cross River Rail Delivery Authority Bill.

"This is why they're called mediocre both here and in Canberra," Mr Bailey said.

"We are working with both their federal government and Brisbane City Council counterparts to progress Cross River Rail and they are still crying wolf and talking down this vital city building project."

Brisbane City Council voiced several concerns and asked for the ability to provide feedback to determine the priority development area (PDA) boundaries and for consultation with the.

But the department did not support the council's amendments, saying PDAs would be declared under existing provisions of the Economic Development Act, which included requirements to consult.

[SteelPan]

Anna2's infrastructure strategy "Issue Media Statements Demanding Illogical Excessive Federal Contributions to State Projects......then, Start Talking About Plastic Bags!"......done!   

[Old Northern Road]

Its scary to think
but
maybe  we will have to wait til One Nation has leverage in state parliament to get something done!

One Nation would be the wost thing to happen to CRR as they will be against any money spent on Brisbane

[v6hilux]

It official - jobs for the boys (or girlfriends) on offer right now;

http://statements.qld.gov.au/Statement/2016/12/2/cross-river-rail-delivery-authority-established





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

Cross River Rail Delivery Authority established

The independent Cross River Rail Delivery Authority will be formally established following the passage of legislation in Parliament today.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning Jackie Trad said the Authority would get on with the job of building the project.

"This is another milestone that strengthens our ability to make our number one infrastructure priority Cross River Rail a reality for Queenslanders," Ms Trad said.

"The Delivery Authority takes the politics out of Cross River Rail and will lead the development, procurement and delivery of this city-shaping project.

"It will streamline decision making and maximise the broader city building and economic benefits that arise from Cross River Rail.

"We already know this project will boost the economy by $70 billion and support more than 85,000 jobs."

Ms Trad said the Palaszczuk Government had hit significant milestones for the Cross River Rail project in less than two years.

"We have re-scoped the project, published the new alignment and submitted the business case to Infrastructure Australia for consideration," Ms Trad said.

"The Turnbull Government has agreed to join the Authority and has committed funding for further development of the project.

"The Palaszczuk Government has already allocated $850 million to Cross River Rail and I can assure Queenslanders we are continuing our discussions with the Commonwealth for a more significant funding contribution.

"We are also working constructively with Brisbane City Council as we move forward.

"It is bitterly disappointing that Tim Nicholls and the LNP won't put politics aside and support this vital project which will fundamentally transform South East Queensland to create a better connected region.

"We will deliver this city-shaping project and there are opportunities for everyone in Queensland to share in the economic and social benefits generated from Cross River Rail."

The legislation will take effect in March 2017 and the appointment of the Authority's CEO and board will be announced early next year.

For more information visit www.crossriverrail.qld.gov.au

[v6hilux]

Well, at least it's a step in the right direction. Which is closer to where Newman had us believe the project was at many years ago - or was that all part of a land fraud (resumed prime land, then it was re-sold) agenda on the south side of Brisbane? 

If building hasn't started by 2026 - I'll give up all hope of seeing it - I'm getting old!

[v6hilux]

BTW - whom is composing these Media Releases? Quotation Marks at the start of sentences, but none to close at the end of many! It was a complete copy and paste on my part.

[ozbob]

BTW - whom is composing these Media Releases? Quotation Marks at the start of sentences, but none to close at the end of many! It was a complete copy and paste on my part.

That is how they style them these days.  Must think it is hipster or something  .. lol

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

2nd December 2016

Cross River Rail Delivery Authority welcome

Good Morning,

RAIL Back On Track welcomes the passage of legislation that establishes the Cross River Rail Delivery Authority (CRRDA).

We are up to iteration number 3 for Cross River Rail.  Years of circular non-progress and political nonsense might finally be broken.

Queensland is facing a serious transport crisis in Brisbane and SEQ generally.  Public transport and the road network is simply not up to standard.

We cannot build out of congestion, we need to change the transport paradigm.  CRR is part of that change.

It is time to consider the formation of an authority to manage public transport in Queensland as well.  The present a circus of mismanagement with TransLink, Brisbane City Council, Queensland Rail, and  the State Government sitting in silos of replication and inefficiency is the root cause of the transport mess.  Politics dominates sound policy. No wonder little actually gets achieved.  The formation of the CRRDA perhaps offers some hope.  Thank you.

Best wishes
Robert

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

References:

1.  Cross River Rail Delivery Authority established
http://statements.qld.gov.au/Statement/2016/12/2/cross-river-rail-delivery-authority-established

2.  Should a new public transport statutory authority be formed?
https://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=12341.0

[ozbob]

Media: ' Cross River Rail Delivery Authority welcome '
> https://t.co/fMpX6RaRCA#qldpol@AnnastaciaMP @jackietrad @TimNichollsMP pic.twitter.com/FlN4Iss4jW

— Robert Dow (@Robert_Dow) December 1, 2016

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Queensland economy: Labor divided on whether to pay down debt or spend on infrastructure

A TUG OF WAR has erupted within the Palaszczuk Government over whether to spend billions of dollars in extra cash in the state's coffers on reducing debt or funding infrastructure.

Labor backbenchers facing a surge in One Nation support want the Government to bankroll a package of new projects in the regions and commit more funding to Cross River Rail.

However, others want to reserve a significant part of the funds to pay down debt so the Government has a better balance sheet before the next election.

It comes as Treasurer Curtis Pitt, who recently insisted both debt and infrastructure would be his priority, prepares to unveil the Mid Year Economic and Fiscal review in the coming weeks.

Economists predict an extra $1 billion will flow into the 2016-17 State Budget from spiralling coal prices and increased demand following conservative forecasts from Treasury.

Added to that is an extra $800 million from an unexpected surge in the final 2015-16 surplus which was revealed yesterday in the ­Report on State Finances. ...

[#Metro]

Cross River FAIL!

Obviously infrastructure. The project is efficient and it has a positive NPV. That means it will generate returns to society over the long run.

Ms Trad said the Palaszczuk Government had hit significant milestones for the Cross River Rail project in less than two years.

"We have re-scoped the project, published the new alignment and submitted the business case to Infrastructure Australia for consideration," Ms Trad said.

Really? You don't need to do projects three times over, and the first project was the best - every project after that reduced both benefits and efficiency.

And all of this is up in the air as the next gov't is likely not Red Team. They will just vote to dissolve the authority and rip up the plans for the third time and bring in something new again.

Even if the authority is not dissolved, the plan can be cancelled or modified. Whoever wins the next election will decide what finally gets built because there is a four year government term. It is enough time to sign the final contract.

I'll believe it when the contracts are signed and the hole is in the ground!