Cross River Rail Project

[ozbob]

Exasperating stuff ... 

[#Metro]

Malcolm has been very generous in terms of accelerating the Gold Coast Light Rail so that it could be finished in time for the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games.

The turnaround on that was very quick.

Red Team is looking for an enemy to define itself against. It needs to define itself as anti-something.

They used to define themselves as anti-Newman,  anti-asset sale and that rallied the base, but with Newman gone and Nicholls barely registering, they're in a panic.

In theory, it is possible for Qld Gov't to bypass the usual procedures as IA is only an advisory board and MPs can override that.

[ozbob]

If it was a blue plan ie. Cross River Rail, Mal et al would. not. have. a. problem. in handing over the moola.  Business case or not, of course.

This is the utter shambles that is the Oz polytick.  Rooted!!

[#Metro]

So where is the FULL business case, not just "the summary".

[ozbob]

Has not been made public.  All I know it is 2000 pages or thereabouts.

The Cross River Rail non-delivery saga  and business case botch is just another sign of the dysfunction that grips transport planning and is found within the transport authorities in the state of Queensland.  A succession of Governments have been basket cases,  it is just bullsh%t all round really.

Personally I am just going to remind them constantly of what a crock of mediocrity they actually are.  Other states do not have this level of dysfunction hey?

Dysfunction junction!   

[SurfRail]

Have we put in an official response to the Auditor-General's transport planning audit?

[ozbob]

Have we put in an official response to the Auditor-General's transport planning audit?

I haven't specifically on that.  But I have requested audits on a number of other matters.  Still waiting ...

[ozbob]

Brisbane's Central Station opened in 1889. Our transport network has and must continue to grow as our region grows. We need #CrossRiverRail pic.twitter.com/AwYafB0a86

— CrossRiverRail (@CrossRiverRail) May 4, 2017

[Stillwater]

Has CRR hit 'Dead Man's Curve'?  (Reference -  Hooterville Cannonball Line.)

[ozbob]

Has CRR hit 'Dead Man's Curve'?  (Reference -  Hooterville Cannonball Line.)

I think they went up a dead end siding before they hit the curve!   

[Stillwater]

Are we seeing a situation where various government agencies are tripping up over who runs what regarding CRR.  What are the respective roles these departments and agencies have in planning and rolling out CRR -- TMR, Queensland Rail, Dept. of State Development and the CRR Delivery Authority?  I am sure that, in any event, it will all be monitored by the Citytrain Response Unit.  So, all's well then.   

[ozbob]

CRRDA Board Member Neil Scales OBE, DG of @TMRQld, talking to the rail industry about CRR. Meet our Board Members: https://t.co/7g9lHWVQoN https://t.co/tdgxeqV1yV

— CrossRiverRail (@CrossRiverRail) May 5, 2017

[ozbob]

TTF urges the Federal Government to commit to Brisbane's Cross River Rail in next week's Budget https://t.co/hWq7YLaVtX pic.twitter.com/QLL0LBv3hq

— TTF (@TTFAus) May 5, 2017

[ozbob]

Heading to Metricon Stadium to see the @GoldCoastSUNS play the @GeelongCats? #CrossRiverRail will get you there faster. pic.twitter.com/qeNPpbnb2n

— CrossRiverRail (@CrossRiverRail) May 6, 2017

[BrizCommuter]

Heading to Metricon Stadium to see the @GoldCoastSUNS play the @GeelongCats? #CrossRiverRail will get you there faster. pic.twitter.com/qeNPpbnb2n

— CrossRiverRail (@CrossRiverRail) May 6, 2017

CRR is being built in 1 day. Wow, things move quickly! 

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Cross River Rail will drive opportunity

In south-east Queensland we stand on the threshold of an exciting era of opportunity.

If we act now to build the right transport infrastructure we can expand our employment prospects, secure our strong economy and maintain our world class lifestyle.

Our magnificent river city, Brisbane, has served south-east Queensland well until now. But we all know that congestion is an ever increasing and expanding problem.

People across the region understand that without action, south-east Queensland will eventually grind to a halt. That's why we must act now to build the infrastructure that will keep us moving. It's time to get on with the job and build Cross River Rail.

Cross River Rail is this Government's number one priority infrastructure project. It will transform the way people move around south-east Queensland by removing a bottleneck across the Brisbane River.

That bottleneck is the Merivale Bridge – our only rail crossing across the Brisbane River that was built almost 40 years ago.

It doesn't just slow trains across south-east Queensland - it causes frustration inside cars and buses on our roads; it stops families and friends spending time together.

Cross River Rail will get people home faster, reduce congestion and create thousands of jobs.

Every 10 minutes it will carry 3800 people - that's the same number of people as 60 buses. By 2036 this will mean 18,500 cars off the road. In each year of construction it will create approximately 1500 jobs.

Almost a year ago, we submitted the full $7 million Cross River Rail business case led by independent infrastructure body Building Queensland to Infrastructure Australia and the Federal Government.

This included approximately 2000 pages of detailed planning and an independent review of the work by companies such as Jacobs, KPMG and PwC.

We welcomed their support last year and the $10 million to progress further planning and integration with the SEQ transport system.

We have been working with federal cabinet ministers and their agencies over the past year and have provided all the information necessary for the Turnbull government to make a decision.

We know that in recent years urbanisation has accelerated across the world. More than half of the world's population lives in cities and 2050 almost 75 per cent of the world's population will live in urban areas.

This trend has profound consequences for us all. It means that cities will increasingly be the hubs of opportunity, productivity and economic growth.

Of course, here in south-east Queensland, we are part of that global trend. Our region will be home to more than 5 million people within 25 years.

The twin pillars of great cities and regions are world-class public transport and great connectivity. Those two conditions act like a magnet, attracting dynamic people, innovative organisations and great ideas. And that's what our region needs to compete in the global marketplace.

We must build infrastructure now that will enable us to prosper. That prosperity relies on our people moving freely around the region to share their skills. That's why we must build Cross River Rail now.

A world class transport system is not an end in itself. It is a means by which we can more swiftly unlock the potential of our people; a means by which we can create opportunities for the people of south-east Queensland.

This is precisely what Governments should be focussing on right across this magnificent country of ours: to break down barriers to participation and prosperity by building world class public infrastructure.

Vital public infrastructure such as Cross River Rail should attract bipartisan support. We've certainly been very encouraged recently by the efforts of Brisbane Lord Mayor and his team to better integrate Brisbane City Council's Metro initiative with Cross River Rail.

With continued cooperation and sharing of expertise between council and the state government, we stand to realise much greater benefits for the people of Brisbane and the greater south east region.

The great unknown at present is the Turnbull government's position on this critical $5.4 billion piece of infrastructure..

Over recent months we have engaged comprehensively with the Federal Government about Cross River Rail.

We have provided access to a large amount of information about the project during numerous high level briefings involving senior officials and cabinet ministers.

And in recent weeks we have seen encouraging signs from the Commonwealth – spurred on by calls by critical stakeholders including the RACQ, the Australian Industry Group and Infrastructure Partnerships Australia to commit real funding to Cross River Rail in the Budget.

The time has now come for action. All three levels of Government have a responsibility to get on with the job of building a world class transport system for south-east Queensland.

Queensland Deputy Premier Jackie Trad is Minister for Transport and Minister for Infrastructure and Planning

[Stillwater]

"That bottleneck is the Merivale Bridge – our only rail crossing across the Brisbane River that was built almost 40 years ago."

err... Indoroopilly Bridge?

"Almost a year ago, we submitted the full $7 million (billion?) Cross River Rail business case led by independent infrastructure body Building Queensland to Infrastructure Australia and the Federal Government."

That was for a project built to a design which now will not proceed.  Where is the revised business case for the current, revised CRR project?  Canberra hasn't received it.

"The great unknown at present is the Turnbull government's position on this critical $5.4 billion piece of infrastructure.."

But 13 paragraphs above, you said it was a $7 billion project.  Now it is $5.4 billion.  You have shaved $1.6 billion from the cost yet lowered the BCR.  Where is the business plan for the revised $5.4 billion project?  Revised costings and funding model?

[ozbob]

[ozbob]

#qldpol @AnnastaciaMP wants a figure with a B in front of it for Cross River Rail in fed budget. @abcnews pic.twitter.com/1XEbr3k32a

— Chris O'Brien (@COBrienBris) May 8, 2017

[Stillwater]

Buggerall!

[ozbob]

[ozbob]

Queensland Parliament Hansard 9th May 2017

https://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/documents/hansard/2017/2017_05_09_DAILY.pdf

Questions Without Notice 945

Mr KING: My question is to the Deputy Premier. Will the Deputy Premier update the House on
how Cross River Rail would benefit my constituents as well as the broader region and whether
Queensland's federal representatives are supportive of the project?

Ms TRAD: I thank the member for Kallangur for his question. He understands that Cross River
Rail is important for his community and for the whole of South-East Queensland. Cross River Rail will
benefit commuters in the north of Brisbane in his electorate by shaving up to 10 minutes off their rail
journeys to the CBD. That is more time each and every day spent at home with their families. The
project will also facilitate an additional 19,000 seats during peak hour, enabling more people to use
public transport and a 22 per cent reduction in train crowding by 2036.

It is time for the federal government to put their money on the table, like the Palaszczuk
government has, to get this critical, nation-building piece of infrastructure built. The Turnbull
government has had the full Cross River Rail business case since June last year—more than 45 weeks
ago. That is ample time for them to consider the project and all the benefits it will bring. Let us be clear:
this is the second time they got it. They got it back in 2012 as well.

If the federal government does not start showing its commitment to building the infrastructure
that Queensland needs, then it is time for Queenslanders to show the federal government what they
think of them. The federal LNP members of parliament for Queensland should also be standing up for
Cross River Rail and demanding that Malcolm Turnbull deliver funding to make it happen, but all we
hear is silence from federal LNP members like Peter Dutton, Luke Howarth and Jane Prentice—even
though their constituents will all directly benefit from this project.

In Logan and on the Gold Coast Bert van Manen, Stuart Robert, Steve Ciobo and Karen Andrews
are all missing in action, even though Cross River Rail would save people in Logan and on the Gold
Coast up to 15 minutes travel time each journey. On the bayside, residents could save up to 14 minutes
off their journey to the CBD, but that is not enough to get Ross Vasta and Andrew Laming out of their
seats to stand up for Cross River Rail. On the Sunshine Coast we have not heard a peep out of Ted
O'Brien and Andrew Wallace. Clearly they do not care if their communities benefit from faster journey
times. It is time for these LNP federal MPs to stand up for Queensland, to stand up for their communities
and to ensure that the people of Queensland get their fair share from the federal government's budget
being handed down tonight.

Ms Jones interjected.

Ms TRAD: I take that interjection from the education minister. They are too busy doing numbers
for the federal leadership. That is what they are busy doing. They are doing some numbers; just not
budget numbers. It is time for Malcolm Turnbull to stand up and deliver on Cross River Rail.

(Time expired)

[ozbob]

I doubt if there will be an immediate committment for funding.

Cross River Rail is not yet at the project level ...

It is unlikely that CRR will be funded because according to IA it is only a ' High Priority Initiative ' .

High Priority and Priority Projects are much more likely to be funded and supported in the end.

Cross River Rail is not in the race - still languishing at ' High Priority Initiatives ' ...  hey ho ..

http://infrastructureaustralia.gov.au/policy-publications/publications/Infrastructure-Priority-List.aspx

The Infrastructure Priority List, Project and Initiative Summaries

>> http://infrastructureaustralia.gov.au/policy-publications/publications/files/Australian-Infrastructure-Plan-2017.pdf

To be funded it would need to make the High Priority Project list IMHO.

[Gazza]

No allocated funds, just the opportunity for funds as part of a wider pool, subject to a positive buisiness case etc.

[Stillwater]

The latest fiddle hasn't even passed the state government's own approval processes, let alone those of IA.

State Government has been called out in the Budget.  There is a funding pool, available to be contested by all states.  The message is get your business case in first, or the available funds will be gobbled up by the other competing states.

[dancingmongoose]

Didn't expect there to be after the premier's rant the other day. There is no-one to blame for not getting funds except herself and her government

[verbatim9]

Didn't expect there to be after the premier's rant the other day. There is no-one to blame for not getting funds except herself and her government

All those funding decisions would of been locked away at least a couple months ago. I don't think a personal political attack the other week would of made a difference. Apparently a land swap deal (Qld - Feds) worth billions regarding the inland rail project may bring in some welcomed infrastructure funds for the state? Just have to wait for the Qld Budget this July.

[Stillwater]

Jackie Triad believes that Tweet bombing, media statements and press conferences are a substitute for an up-to-date business case for CRR.  State Labor has got to do a brain frag and see the possibilities in this Budget -- such as using some of the $10b National Rail Program funding for linking capitals with regional centres by bringing forward the SCL duplication.  It is more advanced in its planning than CRR.

Curtis Pitt media release: http://statements.qld.gov.au/Statement/2017/5/9/federal-budget-long-on-promises-short-on-funds

This is what the CRR website says:

Request for Project Change – submissions have closed

The Coordinator-General recently invited submissions for the Cross River Rail Request for Project Change.

Submissions for the Request for Project Change opened on the 25 February 2017 and closed on 21 April 2017 at 5pm.

The Coordinator-General will now consider all properly made submissions as part of the evaluation of the proposed changes.

For further information about the progress of the evaluation, visit the Coordinator-General's website at: http://www.dsd.qld.gov.au/crr

The project is still at the evaluation stage, with the Office of the Coordinator-General. 

That won't stop the Premier calling a media conference to tell us all that she is 'furious' and 'angry' and 'bitterly disappointed' that the feds have not funded CRR.  No up-to-date business case, no funding.

[ozbob]

Media release: 10th May 2017

Qld: State Government should make most of Federal Budget infrastructure funding

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 called on the state government to create new jobs and capitalise on the spending opportunities that rail infrastructure funding in tonight's Federal Budget will open up for all Queenslanders [ 1 ].

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"State Labor will highlight the lack of significant new federal spending for Cross River Rail (CRR) in tonight's Budget announcement. However $850m in state funding is available to begin construction in 2017-18, while a revised business case is worked up in accordance with guidelines laid down by Infrastructure Australia.  Transport Minister Trad's ambition that CRR construction should start before the end of the year can still be realised, with Federal Government finances doing the heavy lifting in the out years.

"Sadly, CRR has become hopelessly compromised by Queensland partisan politics. The revised project is yet to pass all the state government assessment processes. It needs to stack up on economic grounds and in ways that generate urban renewal. These plans have not been revealed, particularly how, together, CRR and Brisbane Metro will be used to redevelop the inner city suburbs both will serve. CRR was never going to receive direct funding in this year's Federal Budget because CRR is only at the third tier of priority.  It is presently a ' High Priority Initiative '. To be funded it needs to make the top tier ' High Priority Project ' [ 2 ]. It is pointless for the Government and so called  ' expert stake-holders ' bleating about the lack of funding.  The business case presentation has been botched.

"The state government's position that all other rail projects are on hold until CRR, its No.1 priority, is funded by the federal government. Tonight, we call on the state government to abandon this position as it is not correct or logical.

"The actions that Rail Back On Track seek are:

•   Immediate implementation of Automatic Train Protection (e.g. European Train Control System Level 2 or better) to allow more trains to operate safely on the existing SEQ suburban rail network
•   An Ipswich-Toowoomba regional revitalisation plan, in conjunction with local councils, to reinvigorate towns in the corridor based around a realigned and faster Inland Rail track that will halve train travel time to Toowoomba
•   Extension of the Springfield line to Redbank Plains and Ripley in the first instance, but ultimately to Ipswich to open up new opportunities for affordable housing in SEQ
•   Duplication of the Sunshine Coast Line to Landsborough North, then to Nambour ultimately and daily shuttle services between Nambour and Gympie North, and
•   Finally, an end to the secrecy surrounding delays in bringing New Generation Rolling stock into service in time for the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games. The extra 75 trains are needed to ensure reliability, and also to generate opportunities for an extended SEQ rail network.

"The wider region needs to be better integrated using effective public transport. Road investment merely shifts the traffic jams from one location to another," Mr Dow said.

"With CRR stalled, we call on the Queensland Government to fast-track the $634m state-funded European Train Control System (ETCS) to ease peak congestion on the existing rail network through the city centre. It features an automatic braking system that enables trains to safely travel closer together and means an extra eight trains per hour will be able to move through the busy CBD. This becomes an important stop-gap measure while CRR is developed further.

"With the Federal Government committing an extra $8.4 billion through an equity injection into the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) for the Melbourne-Brisbane Inland Rail Project in tonight's Budget, the state government has an excellent opportunity to extend regular rail services and make available affordable housing opportunities in towns along the Brisbane-Toowoomba axis.

"The 126km section from Toowoomba to Kagaru, including large scale tunnelling, will be delivered through a Public Private Partnership arrangement. Under this delivery arrangement, the private sector will design, build, finance and maintain this section of the railway over a long-term concession period.

"Between Gowrie, just west of Toowoomba, and Calvert, near Rosewood, there will need to be 76km of new upgraded and dual gauge track. This will include 7.6km of tunnels to create an efficient route through the steep terrain of the Toowoomba and Little Liverpool Ranges.

"The opportunity exists for the state government to run commuter trains to Toowoomba in almost half the time it takes The Westlander train on the existing track and alignment. The travel time efficiency savings flowing from the track improvements will make rail highly competitive with cars for the journey from Toowoomba to Brisbane.

"Extending regular passenger rail services to Toowoomba also opens up an opportunity for people from Ipswich and the western suburbs of Brisbane to take advantage of international air travel being developed from the Western Brisbane Airport at Wellcamp, on the outskirts of Toowoomba.

"Inland Rail will be a game-changer for SEQ. To capitalise on community and economic benefits that will flow, the state government should partner with the Toowoomba, Lockyer and Ipswich councils on a regional growth plan for the corridor and the towns along the route.

"The state government should tap into the $10 billion National Rail Program announced tonight, directed at linking regional centres to capital cities.

"It is imperative also that the state government coordinate a Toowoomba-Brisbane rail services upgrade with investment in a Springfield-Ripley Valley rail line extension, eventually linking to Ipswich, to allow for urban consolidation that will power Ipswich's future expansion. Housing affordability is not just about bricks and mortar, but also how people connect with each other and with the wider community.

"Rather than crying over the lack of funding for key projects, Queensland needs to switch focus to capitalising on the best way to draw down the available funds the federal government has provided tonight, including the bring-forward of the Sunshine Coast Line duplication.

"Work on the $780 million duplication of the Sunshine Coast Line over 20km between Beerburrum and Landsborough North should proceed as quickly as possible, to be followed by a substantial upgrade of the remainder of the track, approximately 19km, to Nambour.

"While the 2017-18 Federal Budget does not deliver on all items in the Queensland infrastructure wish list, the test will be how agile the state government can be to maximise the benefits for this state based upon the program objectives and substantial regional rail funding on offer," Mr Dow said.

Contact:

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

References:

1.  Budget 2017-18
http://www.budget.gov.au/

2.  Infrastructure Priority List 2017 - Project and Initiative summaries
http://infrastructureaustralia.gov.au/policy-publications/publications/Infrastructure-Priority-List.aspx

[ozbob]

The latest fiddle hasn't even passed the state government's own approval processes, let alone those of IA.

State Government has been called out in the Budget.  There is a funding pool, available to be contested by all states.  The message is get your business case in first, or the available funds will be gobbled up by the other competing states.

Exactly.

....

That won't stop the Premier calling a media conference to tell us all that she is 'furious' and 'angry' and 'bitterly disappointed' that the feds have not funded CRR.  No up-to-date business case, no funding.

Incompetent transport management, administration and delivery in Queensland.  Long past the time that a proper public transport authority is in place.  We just lurch from failure to failure at present.

[ozbob]

As we have stated constantly. CRR was never in the hunt. Another botch by our bumbling transport authorities hey @jackietrad ?#qldpol pic.twitter.com/UUoZAVrYBH

— Robert Dow (@Robert_Dow) May 9, 2017

.@jackietrad @QLDLabor @LNPQLD @TMRQld @TransLinkSEQ @QueenslandRail @AnnastaciaMP @N_Scales_TMR @JoAnnMillerMP @brisbanetimes Media release: State Government should make most of Federal Budget infrastructure funding
>> https://t.co/NqSJKeWp9a#qldpol #auspol pic.twitter.com/tu1lpX6FGf

— Robert Dow (@Robert_Dow) May 9, 2017

[ozbob]

CRR is presently 3rd tier at IA
Be doubtful if funded directly this budget https://t.co/IDlIRqDDXz#qldpol #Budget2017

— Robert Dow (@Robert_Dow) May 9, 2017

^

One does not have be Nostradamus hey @jackietrad @AndrewPowellMP ?
Was never going to get up, CRR business case not finalised!#qldpol https://t.co/k2QhziqKRZ

— Robert Dow (@Robert_Dow) May 9, 2017

[ozbob]

Someone else knows what is going on ..

Cross River Rail Budget snub unsurprising given weak business case – will QIC now step in?

Last night's federal Budget offered some positive news for Queenslanders, such as a commitment to the Melbourne-to-Brisbane Inland Rail project ($8.4 billion) and Bruce Highway upgrades ($844 million), but disappointed some by not providing funding for the State Government's priority project, Cross River Rail (see Brisbane Times coverage). Instead, Queensland would have to compete with other States for a share of funds from a new $10 billion National Rail Program, on the strength of Cross River Rail's business case.

Alas, as I have noted previously, the business case for Cross River Rail has never been compelling, and the reported estimated net benefits are surprisingly small for a project that allegedly is essential to avoid a looming capacity limit on Merivale Bridge and a public transport network that could not cope with passenger growth:

XRR business case should be released in full to give public comfort it is value for money

Either the business case failed to properly model the full range of benefits and avoided costs, or this rationale was incorrect. But it's hard for independent observers to tell, because the Government has refused to release the full business case. This is actually against the best interests of the Government itself and the wider community. Public scrutiny of a draft business case would have helped strengthen the final business case. If a compelling business case was produced, it would have been difficult for the Federal Government to snub the project.

Other comments I have made on Cross River Rail include:

Cross River Rail equals mega-project equals mega-risk

On Cross River Rail, Government appears confused over meaning of "business case"

I doubt the State Government was surprised by the lack of funding for Cross River Rail in this Budget, and I expect it would have been planning for it. Indeed, the Government's investment manager, the government-owned QIC, is very likely considering a major investment in Cross River Rail, as I have discussed previously:

Debbie hits Qld Budget, but QIC may help out Government by investing in Cross River Rail

This would be unfortunate, given Cross River Rail appears to be such a marginal project, and it would raise doubts about QIC's independence in investment choices from its owner, the Queensland Government. But the Government needs Cross River Rail to prove it can get things done. So I expect it will do everything it can to get Cross River Rail moving.

Cross River Rail: Great maps and brochures, but weak business case

[Stillwater]

Jackie Trad and Co. are carrying on like the kid left at the bus stop for the second time this week.  There was a time when Queensland could have expected funding for an inner-city rail project, but that bus has come and gone for the time being.  The federal government seems to want to keep its powder dry for possibly investing in the Brisbane Metro, but the door is left open for the full examination of the case for urban renewal in Brisbane to be laid out, based around a coordinated CRR-Metro.  That can, and should, proceed.

However, the federal government has said in the Budget that its focus is shifting to the movement of people from orbital centres around capital cities, not by car, but by train.  That is its prerogative.  And that is in keeping with a broad strategy around affordable housing and access to jobs.  It has a $10b fund for this and a $20m assistance package to states to prepare appropriate business cases.

It would be detrimental to Queensland if the state government stamps its foot and says it is 'CRR all or nothing'.  It should look to what's on offer, see how the circumstances can be adapted to grab the biggest slice of that 'orbital communities rail funding' as it can.

So, is it time for a V-Line type service for Queensland?  Trains to Beaudesert?  Certainly to Redbank Plains and the Ripley Valley.  What can happen almost immediately, surely, is the Sunshine Coast Line duplication, using state and federal funds.  Labor will see this through political eyes, as investing in LNP seats.  Such a stance would be to the detriment of Queensland and Queenslanders.   

Through its investment in Inland Rail, the federal government is laying the groundwork for development to occur in SEQ, perhaps just not in the way (or in the shaky state seats Labor wishes to retain) that the state government envisaged.

Let's hope that the Queensland child does not hold its breath until its face goes red, which most likely will be the case.

But here's the problem – Queensland believes it is entitled to federal funding and has miscalculated by not taking seriously the need to prepare a rock-solid business case.

(From the ABC): Queensland shouldn't have to compete for federal funds to build Brisbane's Cross River Rail project, the state treasurer says.  "We'll have to fight against all those other projects. It would have been a far simpler exercise to do what they've done with other states and give us a direct funding injection."

[ozbob]

Good chats with @scottemerson and @Robert_Dow about #Budget2017 XRiverRail funding. Catch them on @qutnews @radio4eb 98.1FM @ 1pm #QUTjourno

— Bryce Heaton (@bryceheaton) May 10, 2017

4BC News has also followed up.

Thanks for the interest 4EB and 4BC ... 

[ozbob]

@AnnastaciaMP says the Federal budget is a "slap in the face" to Queensland with no money for Cross River Rail #Budget2017 pic.twitter.com/0z4bfNCx4l

— Johanna Marie (@JohannaMarie_) May 10, 2017

No one to blame but ourselves Premier.

Listen to 4EB and 4BC News, I have explained why there was zero chance of direct funding for CRR in this years Federal Budget.

Time for a broom through the failing DTMR ...  the common link between #railfail #CRRfail #NGRfail #RPLfail ...

and get cracking with Public Transport Queensland

#youarewelcome

[Stillwater]

From the Queensland Economy Watch website:

While in opposition, the Government set a high standard for transparency in infrastructure decision making, noting in its Building Queensland policy document on p.7:

"The policy guidelines for Building Queensland will require that a cost-benefit analysis and assessment of value for money take place prior to any project approval and that this assessment be released for public consultation. Only infrastructure projects that can demonstrate a clear economic, fiscal or service delivery benefit, including regional significance, will be considered. If a project does not stack up, under Labor it will not proceed and the cost-benefit analysis will not be hidden from public scrutiny."


The Government was right to include this statement in its policy document. It now needs to follow through and publish the full XRR business case.

And in a further comment, the same website says:

On the Brisbane Cross River Rail project, The Queensland Government appears confused about the meaning of the term "business case." It risks committing the same error that governments (present and past) across Australia have committed when it comes to infrastructure projects.

This error was identified by the Grattan Institute in a recent report Roads to Riches (p. 2) as being that "Decisions on particular projects are dubious or made on the basis of weak or undisclosed business cases." There is obviously the risk that the business case for Cross River Rail could be weak, because the business case for the new route has not even been developed yet!

As Transport Minister Stirling Hinchliffe announced today:

"The Palaszczuk Government has fast-tracked the business case for our number one priority infrastructure project and announced plans to establish a delivery authority to ensure the project is built."

Amy Remeikis of the Brisbane Times nicely summarised the "Yes Minister" nature of this announcement when she noted that:

"The latest incarnation of Cross River Rail has a route and a promise to keep the politics out of it. What it doesn't have is funding, a business case, or even a plan on how the estimated $5.2 billion project would be delivered."

The Delivery Authority may well be compared to that hospital in "Yes Minister" that ran much better without patients. And do we expect the Delivery Authority to take a hard-headed, objective view of the merits of Cross River Rail when its very existence depends on the project proceeding?

Cross River Rail may well be a good project, but the Government should not make the final investment decision until it has a full business case and is confident Cross River Rail is the best option to address the looming capacity constraint problem that it is worried about.

[#Metro]

Well, they didn't have the drivers, didn't have the trains, didn't have the proper level of state funding (at least 50%), the entire transport portfolio is a mess, not clear if the business case is the real business case or not, so not hard to see why they have not dumped cash on it.

On the other hand, the Brisbane Metro is a bus system so I wonder if anyone in Canberra has clued into this or have they not realised and only will make the funds available to "rail".

[#Metro]

Cross River Rail case hasn't been proved: Scott Morrison
http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/cross-river-rail-case-hasnt-been-proved-scott-morrison-20170510-gw16zh.html

Federal Treasurer Scott Morrison has defended the exclusion of the proposed Brisbane Cross River Rail Tunnel from the federal budget, saying the Queensland Government hadn't proved it should be funded.

The Queensland government is angry there was no money set aside for the $5.4 billion project, which it believes is the state's key infrastructure issue.

Queensland Government is "angry". Sound familiar? 

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Budget 2017: Treasurer Curtis Pitt disappointed at lack of federal support for Queensland

PREMIER Annastacia Palaszczuk says the federal Budget is "a slap in the face to Queensland".

"You may say it's a good Budget if you live south of the border, bit it's not a good Budget for Queensland," she said.

Ms Palaszczuk said there was no excuse for the lack of funding for Cross River Rail.

"They have failed to allocate one cent for Cross River Rail," she said.

"Yet they can allocate $5 billion to a Sydney airport.

"I'm angry and I think Queenslanders should be angry."

Ms Palaszczuk said the Federal Government had everything it needed to fund the project.

"They have had the business case for months," she said

Treasurer Curtis Pitt refused to say whether Cross River Rail would commence this year but indicated the state would consider contributing further funding to the project.

"I think those matters need to be canvassed closer to our Budget," he said.

"If there's no federal money we will have to look at the funding options."

Mr Pitt said the Federal Government had shown "clear disdain" towards Cross River Rail.

Federal Treasurer Scott Morrison defended the exclusion of the proposed Brisbane Cross River Rail Tunnel from the Federal Budget, saying the Queensland Government hadn't proved it should be funded.

The Queensland Government is angry there was no money set aside for the $5.4 billion project, which it believes is the state's key infrastructure issue.

But Mr Morrison says Queensland had not yet proven the business case for the project, and would need to compete with other states for funds from 2019 under the $10 billion National Rail Fund announced on Tuesday night.

"Cross River Rail is still to be made as a proven case and the $10 billion National Rail Fund can potentially be used to support that project and we'll continue to work with the Qld government on that and other projects they're looking at," he told ABC Radio in Brisbane this morning.

But Queensland Treasurer Curtis Pitt said the State Government submitted its business case for Cross River Rail a year ago, and it should not have to wait two years and compete against other states for a slice of the funding pie.

"In the 12 months they've had the business case (for Cross River Rail), Infrastructure Australia has said it's still the number one priority for Queensland. It's been a no-brainer for several years," Mr Pitt told ABC radio today.

"We'll have to fight against all those other projects. It would have been a far simpler exercise to do what they've done with other states and give us a direct funding injection." Mr Pitt said Western Australia and Victoria had both received direct funding for major rail projects, but Queensland was left out.

Queenslanders were also being asked to trust that the $10 billion would be there, of which $600 million has already been allocated, when it was able to apply for funding in 2019-20 and 2020-21, he said.

"We've got to take it on faith that there's $9.4 billion that we may be able to apply for somewhere in the out years."

But shadow treasurer Scott Emerson said Labor should stop complaining, and the Premier and her deputy must now get on with applying for funds under the National Rail Program.

"If they believe this project stands up, they'll get the money," he told the ABC.

EARLIER: Pitt says Budget falls short for Queensland

QUEENSLAND Treasurer Curtis Pitt has called on the Commonwealth to give priority to the Cross River Rail project when it comes to divvying up its $10 billion national rail fund.

But he stopped short of completely slamming last night's Federal Budget, saying it was an improvement on previous ones delivered by the Coalition.

"Last night's Budget...was an obvious attempt to bury the ghosts of Tony Abbott and Joe Hockey and in some ways it has actually done that," Mr Pitt said.

"I do acknowledge that this Federal Budget is an improvement on the last three."

But he said while the Budget was long on promises, it was short on actual funds for specific projects like Cross River Rail.

"It appears to support major projects but on closer inspection we see that there isn't specific funding to back projects so in some respects Scott Morrison is writing undated cheques with no figures filled in.

"The really big case in point is Cross River Rail. We had our business case with the Turnbull Government not long after the last year's Federal Budget, so we do hope when it comes to looking at these we will be first out of the rank."

Mr Pitt told the PWC budget breakfast in Brisbane this morning that the majority of the $10 billion national rail fund would not be realised until the out years.

"There's $600 million in two years over the forward estimates, but there's still $9.4 billion that we've got to take a leap of faith on," he said.

"We've got to take a lot of it on trust here.

"For five years running we have had Cross River Rail as our number one priority, Infrastructure Australia has it up there, we got a mention in the speech but are still having to fight for funding that should be coming our way.

"I think there is some genuine intention to build more infrastructure... but we're actually not seeing it in the budget papers."

EARLIER

QUEENSLAND shouldn't have to compete for federal funds to build Brisbane's Cross River Rail project, the state treasurer says.

Curtis Pitt says the federal budget should have directly funded the rail link, and at least matched his government's $850 million commitment. Instead, Queensland will have to compete for a share of $10 billion promised for rail projects across the country.