Cross River Rail Project

[ozbob]

RACQ --> We can't stand to wait for Cross River Rail

One in three commuters will be forced to stand on trains without the construction of Cross River Rail, according to the State Government.

Deputy Premier, State Infrastructure and Transport Minister Jackie Trad painted a dire picture of train travel across south east Queensland, during Parliamentary Question Time on Tuesday.

Minister Trad said without Cross River Rail, Brisbane trains would be packed to capacity, with commuters travelling long journeys from the Gold Coast among those without a seat.

Construction had begun on Cross River Rail last week but the works would take years to complete.

"Fencing is now up and local businesses are on site to deal with vegetation and hazardous material," Ms Trad said.

"Even though we are starting now it won't be up and running until 2024."

RACQ has publicly said Cross River Rail was vital for the growth of south east Queensland and commuters could not afford to wait until trains reached capacity.

[ozbob]

5th September 2017

Media Release
Deputy Premier, Minister for Transport and Minister for Infrastructure and Planning
The Honourable Jackie Trad

LNP out in the cold on Cross River Rail

Work is ramping up on Cross River Rail, Queensland's number one infrastructure project and the LNP are the only ones not coming to the party.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Infrastructure Jackie Trad said that Cross River Rail was underway with work beginning on GoPrint site last week.

"The Palaszczuk Government has fully funded Cross River Rail and we are getting on with the job of building it," Ms Trad said.

"Work started on the GoPrint site last week and today we have commenced the formal process to begin procurement for the Tunnels, Stations and Development package which will be delivered as a Public Private Partnership.

"We have received an incredible response from industry, with over 500 people attending our industry briefing last week to hear about how they can play a part in Queensland's number one infrastructure project.

"Unfortunately, despite overwhelming support from industry and the community, Tim Nicholls and the LNP still refuse to support this critical project and if they are elected they will scrap it.

"In fact, comments last week by federal LNP Minister Paul Fletcher made it clear that the only way that the LNP will get on board with Cross River Rail is if we sell our assets.

"The Palaszczuk Government said we won't sell Queensland's income-generating assets and we are keeping that promise.

"Today, we are drawing a line in the sand and have written to Minister Fletcher to terminate the Memorandum of Understanding with the Commonwealth for the Planning and Development of Cross River Rail.

"The LNP have utterly failed to meet their obligations under the MOU and have not even contributed the paltry $10 million for planning Queensland was promised in October last year.

"We don't need money or support that we know is conditional on asset sales. That's not what Queenslanders want.

"It's clear that the LNP, at all levels of government, don't know how to deliver the infrastructure that Queensland needs without asset sales.

"While we build Cross River Rail and other critical infrastructure across our state, all Tim Nicholls and the LNP are thinking about is what they can sell off."

ENDS

[ozbob]

Queensland Parliament Hansard Ministerial Statements

https://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/documents/hansard/2017/2017_09_05_DAILY.pdf

<Cross River Rail

Hon. A PALASZCZUK (Inala—ALP) (Premier and Minister for the Arts) (9.38 am): My
government is getting on with the job of delivering Cross River Rail. It is Queensland's No. 1
infrastructure project and we are acting now to keep the south-east moving. South-East Queensland's
population will increase by 1.9 million people over the next two decades, and more than four in five—
83 per cent—will live outside the Brisbane local government area, but in the next 10 years almost half
of all new jobs created in the south-east will be in the Queensland local government area. This will put
pressure on our rail and bus services and our road networks. Train passenger numbers alone will more
than triple. Our current rail network will be unable to cope with the demand.

We have seen 10 years of talk and negotiations and still no funding from the Turnbull
government. Frankly, we are fed up with waiting. It is essential we get on and start building this vital
piece of infrastructure without further delay. My government is ready to fully fund Cross River Rail and
it is this government that is making it a reality.

Today marks an important milestone in getting this transformative project happening.
Registrations of interest for the first major packages of work for the project—the tunnel, stations and
development—have opened today. An invitation for expressions of interest will commence in the middle
of September, after the registration process. While we are prepared to fully fund this project, we are
open to public-private partnerships, and the tunnel, stations and development package will be open to
EOIs for a PPP. We want to work together with the private sector to ensure such a major transformative
infrastructure project realises its full potential.

Finally, I remind all those in the private sector who want to help us build Cross River Rail that our
Buy Queensland procurement policy is now in place. >

[ozbob]

Queensland Parliament Hansard Ministerial Statements

https://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/documents/hansard/2017/2017_09_05_DAILY.pdf

<Cross River Rail

Hon. JA TRAD (South Brisbane—ALP) (Deputy Premier, Minister for Transport and Minister for
Infrastructure and Planning) (9.43 am): I rise to update the House on the progress of Cross River Rail.
Cross River Rail will mean turn-up-and-go rail services across the South-East Queensland network.
Cross River Rail will mean more jobs and apprentices. Cross River Rail will mean faster travel times to
the CBD. Cross River Rail will help relieve bus congestion by taking up to 18,500 car trips off the road
by 2036—the equivalent of more than 300 full buses a day.

As the Premier has outlined, construction has now started at the Woolloongabba Goprint site.
Fencing is now up—

Mr Crandon interjected.

Mr SPEAKER: Member for Coomera, you are warned under standing order 253A. It is not
appropriate. The Deputy Premier has the call.

Ms TRAD: As the Premier has outlined, construction has now started at the Woolloongabba
Goprint site. Fencing is now up, and local businesses are on-site to deal with vegetation and hazardous
material. Local fencing company Advanced Temporary Fencing, based in Yatala, won the tender to
secure the site of the future Woolloongabba train station and local arborists Arbor Operations at
Zillmere, a South-East Queensland business with more than 30 years experience, is managing
vegetation on the site.

The tender for the demolition of the Goprint building closed on 31 August 2017 and the results
from that tender will soon be finalised. This paves the way for demolition to proceed. Last week more
than 500 industry leaders attended a briefing to learn more about the procurement and delivery strategy.

Mr Bleijie interjected.

Mr SPEAKER: Member for Kawana, you are now warned under standing order 253A. You have
had a good go and we are only up to the second minister.

Ms TRAD: Industry travelled from all over the country to attend the briefing and more than 170
people registered to watch the live stream. At this briefing I announced that the tunnel, stations and
development package would go to the market as a public-private partnership. This approach has been
used in Australia and on other similar sized infrastructure projects internationally. Here in Queensland
this includes projects like Gold Coast Light Rail, the Sunshine Coast University Hospital, Airportlink and
the Toowoomba Second Range Crossing. A PPP will encourage innovation and world-leading practice
on Cross River Rail while minimising the government's risk and taxpayers' risk. The industry response
to the briefing was incredibly positive. As the Premier has said, from today businesses can register for
the formal expression of interest process for this PPP

Cross River Rail is also the first major project that will go to the market under the Palaszczuk
government's Buy Queensland policy. I want to make sure that as many local businesses as possible
get involved. At the industry briefing Steve Abson from Infrastructure Australia Queensland said—

I think there's a collective sigh of relief that the state has had the courage to fund this project in full

He went on further to say—

After eight years and three different incarnations of this project we're entitled to now call on the LNP to get fully behind it and
provide industry with improved certainty.
Industry understands that we cannot afford to wait, and our window for action is closing fast.

Cross River Rail will take seven years to build. Even though we are starting now, it will not be up and
running until 2024. If we wait, one in three commuters will be standing on their train journeys, including
on long trips from places like the Gold Coast.

For too long governments have waited to build infrastructure until there is a crisis. Only the
Palaszczuk government will deliver Cross River Rail for South-East Queensland before there is a crisis.
Commuters and road users need the extra capacity that this project will deliver to our transport system.
The choice for Queenslanders is clear: Labor builds; the LNP sells. >

[ozbob]

Queensland Parliament Hansard Questions Without Notice

https://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/documents/hansard/2017/2017_09_05_DAILY.pdf

<Cross River Rail

2596 Questions Without Notice 5 Sep 2017
010
Mr KING: My question today is for the Deputy Premier. Can the Deputy Premier update the
House on how Cross River Rail will help tackle congestion and improve public transport for residents
in my electorate and any other alternative approaches?

Ms TRAD: I thank the member for Kallangur for the question. I note his commitment and
enthusiasm for this project because he knows that for the people of his electorate it means more time
at home with their families at the end of the day. It means that there will be turn-up-and-go services.
For many people in his electorate it means that they might even find a job building Cross River Rail.
That is what the Palaszczuk Labor government is all about. We are about building the infrastructure
that our communities need for the future.

It is absolutely clear that the benefits of this project speak for themselves. It is absolutely clear
that industry and the business community just want us to get on and build it, which is what we are doing.
More than that, they want those opposite to make clear where they stand on this issue. They want the
certainty and the confidence that comes with bipartisanship around key infrastructure projects that our
economies and our people need for their future.

Unfortunately, I do think those opposite are genetically predisposed to not supporting it—to
opposing it—because we know that cutting, sacking and selling is in their DNA. We know that is in the
LNP's DNA. As the Premier has already detailed for the benefit of the House, when Paul Fletcher, a
federal senior minister of the Turnbull government, came up to Brisbane last week and lectured us
about why we were not getting a fair share of Commonwealth infrastructure funds it was because we
did not sell our assets. Federal minister Paul Fletcher laid out for the Infrastructure Association of
Queensland the fact that we were not getting as much—

Mr Minnikin interjected.

Mr SPEAKER: Member for Chatsworth, you are warned under standing order 253A for that
unbecoming language. If you persist I will take the appropriate action.

Mr HINCHLIFFE: Mr Speaker, I rise to a point of order. You were clearly on your feet, Mr Speaker,
seeking order from the House and the Deputy Leader of the Opposition called out across the chamber
very clearly in defiance of your authority so I ask you to rule.

Mr SPEAKER: Thank you, Leader of the House.

Honourable members interjected.

Mr SPEAKER: Thank you, members. I know it is the first day back. I think I have been here a
little while now and am able to make a call, so thank you. I think I will be right. It is not like the first day
I was in the chair.

Ms TRAD: Again, for the benefit of the House, federal minister Paul Fletcher came to
Queensland and lectured us about why we do not get as much as New South Wales and that is because
New South Wales sold their assets. We are not going to sell our assets.

Honourable members interjected.

Mr SPEAKER: Pause the clock. Thank you, Deputy Premier. Thank you, members.

Ms TRAD: We are not going to sell our assets to fund the infrastructure we need. Last October
the federal minister made a big announcement about giving us $10 million to further the planning work
for Cross River Rail. Unfortunately, I have to advise the House that that $10 million has not materialised.
I have also taken the liberty of writing to minister Paul Fletcher detailing the fact that we will not be
selling our assets to pay for infrastructure.

Tabled paper: Letter, dated 5 September 2017, from the Deputy Premier, Minister for Transport and Minister for Infrastructure
and Planning, Hon. Jackie Trad, to the Federal Minister for Urban Infrastructure regarding Cross River Rail, Mr Paul Fletcher.
We will not be lectured to by the Turnbull government about selling our assets. Do honourable
members know what? They can keep their $10 million.>

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Queensland severs federal Cross River Rail ties

Queensland's Labor government appears to have written off any chance of getting federal funding for Cross River Rail, announcing it was pulling out of the funding agreement for the project.

Deputy Premier Jackie Trad announced on Tuesday she was "drawing a line in the sand" on the issue.

Deputy Premier Jackie Trad believes the decision was related to the state's refusal to sell assets.

Ms Trad said comments from federal Infrastructure Minister Paul Fletcher, in which he appeared to suggest Queensland had missed out on Cross River Rail funding because it wouldn't consider asset sales, prompted the move.

"Comments last week by Mr Fletcher made it clear the only way the LNP will get on board with Cross River Rail is if we sell our assets," Ms Trad said on Tuesday.

"The Palaszczuk government said we won't sell Queensland's income-generating assets and we are keeping that promise."

The memorandum of understanding was signed by the state and federal governments in October last year, promising $10 million in federal funding for the project.

However the Commonwealth did not allocate any funds for Cross River Rail in its May budget, which prompted the state government to announce it would go it alone and fund the full $5.4 billion cost.

Ms Trad told state parliament Mr Fletcher's comments had spurred her to finally write off any federal money from the federal government.

"You know what? They can keep their $10 million," she said.

Earlier on Tuesday Ms Trad updated parliament about the start of works for the project, with the beginning of demolition works at the former GoPrint site at Woolloongabba.

The deputy premier also took the opportunity to have a dig at the opposition, comparing their proposal for a Very Fast Rail network in southeast Queensland to the famous monorail scam storyline from The Simpsons.

She urged the LNP to support Cross River Rail, and declare clearly what their plans for the project would be if the LNP wins the upcoming state election.

[300LA]

Curious observation about the CRR business case (p141, fig.6-12)
The rail network diagram has been revised to include Caloundra, Flagstone and School Rd (Redbank Plains?), yet there is no indication of the Northwest Transport corridor.
Could this be an indication of the government's future priorities?


(NWTC does get a mention on pg 79).
"Also, capacity constraints on the northern lines reduced the potential benefits offered by a northern
connection. These factors deferred the inclusion of the northern connection in the first phase of work until
northern capacity issues could be resolved (via the proposed North West Transport Corridor) and further
planning work through Mayne Yard could be completed."

[aldonius]

Translation: they think they can get away capacity-wise with not putting in the NWTC, so other works take priority.

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> State Government tears up agreement with Feds for Cross River Rail funding help

THE State Government has torn up an agreement with the Commonwealth over Cross River Rail as the funding brawl continues to escalate.

Deputy Premier Jackie Trad has accused the Federal Government of failing to make good on its promise to contribute $10 million to the Cross River Rail project and moved to terminate a memorandum of understanding signed by both levels of government regarding the project.

It comes just months after the Commonwealth was kicked off the CRR board by the State after the Palaszczuk Government announced it was going it alone and would fully fund the $5.4 billion rail tunnel project.

"We are drawing a line in the sand and have written to Minister (Paul) Fletcher to terminate the memorandum of understanding with the Commonwealth for the Planning and Development of Cross River Rail," Ms Trad said, accusing the Federal Government of attempting to force the State to sell assets in order to receive infrastructure funding.

Mr Fletcher hit back, accusing Ms Trad of engaging in a "transparent political stunt".

He said the $10 million in Commonwealth funds pledged so far for the project was conditional on certain milestones being met and that process was under way.

"It is perfectly clear that this is about positioning for the Queensland state election."

[Stillwater]

Well, where to from here?  On the one hand, federal government politicians must be congratulating themselves that they stared down Jackie Trad to get an outcome where CRR will be built at little or no cost to the Australian taxpayer.  By tearing up the Commonwealth-state agreement over CRR, Ms Trad really can't go on about how the Coalition and LNP has 'failed Queensland' because there is now no mechanism whereby they can assist.  She has torn it up!  It means that the current arrangements re road funding and special 'one off deals' will be honoured, but that just skews Commonwealth funding towards road-based solutions, not rail ones.

We perhaps shouldn't assume that all deals are off as far as Commonwealth funding for PT infrastructure is concerned.  That is because there is a state election looming and there will be all sorts of goodies promised to people in marginal electorates.

Labor has pitched its big spend infrastructure on Brisbane seats, which is where it needs to shore up support.  The LNP will have to stave off an assault from PHON in the bush and in the near Brisbane seats.  It has adopted a cute position that CRR is needed, but not jet yet.

That means it leaves its powder dry to redirect funding that otherwise would have been spent on CRR to be carved up into dollops and spread all over the place -- maybe SCL duplication (although Tim Nicholls has not confirmed support when asked directly by the media) or regional rail to Toowoomba, Beaudesert, Maryborough etc.

It's possible the feds will buy back in at election time, saying that the Commonwealth will put $xx dollars to this project or that (LNP), provided an LNP government is elected at the state level.  In other words, dear voter, support LNP and get some PT money, or vote Labor and continue to get nothing from a Coalition government in Canberra.

[SurfRail]

It's possible the feds will buy back in at election time, saying that the Commonwealth will put $xx dollars to this project or that (LNP), provided an LNP government is elected at the state level.  In other words, dear voter, support LNP and get some PT money, or vote Labor and continue to get nothing from a Coalition government in Canberra.

This has happened at past elections, and when it ended up being cast in this fashion in the press it cost them votes.

[ozbob]

Which is basically why Ms Trad said stick it. The Feds are playing blatant polyticks too but I don't think it is really going to matter much now. Turnbull et al are ' dead government walking '. Tim is floundering...

Tim was against stage 2 GC light rail too.

[Stillwater]

Utopia nails it!  We put all the nastiness and negativity of Cross River rail behind us by renaming it BrizLink.  Brilliant.

[Monster]

Utopia nails it!  We put all the nastiness and negativity of Cross River rail behind us by renaming it BrizLink.  Brilliant.

A great example of "Blue Sky thinking". 

[red dragin]

Utopia nails it!  We put all the nastiness and negativity of Cross River rail behind us by renaming it BrizLink.  Brilliant.

I was a great episode to finish the season on (though I think BrizLink was a road tunnel)

[verbatim9]

^^I think Brizlink will happen but after CRR. A new road tunnel will be on the agenda from Buranda to Toowong. 3 lanes each way. Then bye bye Riverside expressway.

[ozbob]

Queensland Parliament Hansard

https://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/documents/hansard/2017/2017_09_07_DAILY.pdf

Questions without notice

Cross River Rail

Mr RUSSO: My question is to the Deputy Premier. Will the Deputy Premier update the House on
the Cross River Rail procurement and is the Deputy Premier aware of any alternative policies?

Ms TRAD: I thank the member for Sunnybank for that important question because I know, like
all members on this side of the House, we are keen to build and create jobs for Queenslanders. This is
about delivering the infrastructure that Queenslanders need. It is also about driving economic growth
and job opportunities in Queensland.

As we reported to the House, expression of interest registrations are now open for the tunnel,
stations and development package to be delivered as a PPP with the private sector—and we will soon
award the contract to start demolition works on the Goprint site. This means 1,500 jobs a year during
construction and 3,000 during the peak of construction. That is a lot of Queenslanders employed on
this project. That is a lot of apprentices and trainees getting their qualifications on this job.

Sadly, today we see the latest evidence in the LNP's campaign to destroy Queensland jobs again
and again. In the Australian Financial Review there is a report that some major contractors want greater
certainty about Cross River Rail because they are concerned about the LNP cuts. They are concerned
about the LNP once again cutting this critical infrastructure project for Queensland.
No wonder contractors are concerned about this when the member for Clayfield refuses to
commit to the Cross River Rail project. Steve Abson from the infrastructure peak body IAQ said last
week—

... after 8 years and 3 different incarnations of this project we're entitled to now call on the LNP to get fully behind it and provide
industry with improved certainty.

Unfortunately, because the Leader of the Opposition refuses to commit to infrastructure, refuses to
commit to jobs and refuses to commit to investing in Queensland, there is a climate of concern. I table
for the benefit of the House the Australian Financial Review report that was published today.

Tabled paper: Media article, undated, titled 'Contractors stall on Qld rail project'.

There is only one way to make sure that we invest in critical infrastructure in Queensland, create
the Jobs Queenslanders that need and continue to keep our region and our state moving, and that is
by making sure that the member for Clayfield does not become the Premier of Queensland with the
help of One Nation. There is one way to secure Queensland's economic future to make sure
Queenslanders have the jobs, services and the infrastructure they need, and that is to stop the cutter,
the seller and the sacker from becoming Premier.

(Time expired)

Mr SPEAKER: The member for Chatsworth and the member for Albert are now warned under
standing order 253A. I find your interjections were designed to disrupt the minister from answering the
question. If you persist, I will take appropriate action

[Stillwater]

Time to call out the LNP ..... If CRR is substantially underway such that cancellation of the PPP deal is likely to result in a net loss to taxpayers will LNP give an undertaking that it will allow all substantive contracts, signed and underway, proceed to the agreed timetable, and too fruition?

The LNP cannot afford to be duplicitous on this. As the opposition Transport spokesperson can attest, contracts for the duplication of the SCL had been signed and the work was underway to build dual tracks to Landsborough when a state election was called.  The ALP lost the seat of Glass House, but gained government.  The duplication stopped at Beerburrum and the LNP cried foul.

Now it seems to be threatening the same thing if it gets into power -- cancel CRR midstream.

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

10th September 2017

Cross River Rail and the Brisbane ' Metro '

Good Morning,

The Couriermail has been publishing a series of articles: Future Brisbane

It certainly has been an interesting series, some grand visions, some hope, some sensible grounded ideas.  But one thing that is crystal clear from the Future Brisbane series is that both Cross River Rail and Brisbane Metro are seen as essential for driving the future Brisbane.  As we suggested last March (see below) both projects are vital for improved transport and will drive a much better future.

It will be a tragedy for Queensland, should an incoming LNP Government stop Cross River Rail.  We call on the Queensland LNP to get onboard Cross River Rail.  We cannot wait any longer.

Best wishes,
Robert

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

Sent to all outlets:

16th March 2017

CRR and Brisbane ' Metro ' are an integrated public transport solution

Good Morning,

It is now appropriate to join Cross River Rail (CRR) and the Brisbane ' Metro ' Bus Rapid Transport (BRT) plans together conceptually and promote the integrated public transport solution they are for Brisbane and SEQ. Both projects are integrated from an operational perspective, CRR and BRT ' Metro'  should not be seen as competing projects, but as two elements of the single public transport solution.

Presenting both projects in this light will be seen by many, including the Federal Government and Infrastructure Australia, as the correct path now to public transport resilience, capacity, and hence successful delivery and outcomes. Both projects will provide the economic stimulus that is needed.

It is sad that the  Queensland LNP seem to be the only major player that does not understand the need for Cross River Rail.
[ LNP Opposition Media release  STATEMENT: Brisbane Metro http://www.timnicholls.com.au/statement-brisbane-metro/ ]

The Queensland LNP has previously stamped their public transport credentials as very mediocre with such absurd proposals as the ' Cleveland Solution ' and the ' Bus and Train ' tunnel.  They are consigning themselves to irrelevancy once again unless they come on board with the integrated public transport solution that CRR and the BRT ' Metro ' now promises for SEQ and Brisbane.

Best wishes
Robert

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

References:

1. Cross River Rail --> https://www.crossriverrail.qld.gov.au/

2. Brisbane ' Metro ' -->  https://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/traffic-transport/public-transport/brisbane-metro

[HappyTrainGuy]

Forgot to mention but a couple weeks back surveyors started work on the Exhibition line. I believe the drill rigs are still there taking core samples.

[v6hilux]

This approved application has appeared on the EDQ web site; https://edqdad.dsdip.qld.gov.au/developmentAssessments/view/front/931/

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Cross River Rail: First job advertisements posted online

HIGH-level jobs are being advertised for the politically charged Cross River Rail project in perhaps the strongest sign yet that the major infrastructure venture will go ahead.

Expatriate Queenslanders working interstate or overseas are among the hundreds to express interest in working on the $5.4 billion public transport game-changer.

With both the LNP and One Nation voicing their opposition to Cross River Rail, the job advertisements indicate the Labor Government intends forging ahead with the project in the face of the looming election.

Job details were posted online this month, followed by a swag of roles advertised last week by specialist recruitment agency Robert Walters on behalf of the Cross River Rail Delivery Authority.

Positions advertised include several executive roles, including project director, and promise an "attractive salary package".

Language used in the recruitment drive is politically laden, with the several starting with: "Cross River Rail. It's happening."

Infrastructure Minister Jackie Trad said interest in the roles had been strong as Cross River Rail shifted from planning to delivery.

"These new roles are a unique opportunity to work on a landmark infrastructure project, the kind that Queensland has not seen in a generation, and interest in them has been very strong," she said.

"In particular there's been lots of interest from expatriate Queenslanders who have either been working interstate or overseas, and are looking to return home."

One Nation's Steve Dickson, who expects the party to hold the balance of power following the election, has said he believed "Cross River Rail is dead".

The former Liberal National MP said the eight-minute travel time saving was not enough to justify the hefty price tag.

Ms Trad said Queensland could not afford to have to project axed again.

"Tim Nicholls needs to make it clear — does he support Cross River Rail or is he going to cut it again after pressure from One Nation to secure a dodgy preference deal?" she said.

Infrastructure Association of Queensland chief executive Steve Abson recently put politics aside in a speech at an industry event and backed the project, calling on the LNP to do the same.

"I think there's a collective sigh of relief that the state has had the courage to fund this project in full and we're now moving quickly beyond the detailed business case and into the implementation phase," he said.

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

18th September 2017

Cross River Rail needs all party & candidate support

Good Morning,

It will be a disaster for Queensland if there is a change of Government to one that wants to scrap Cross River Rail.

Cross River Rail is essential to future proof the rail network for SEQ, and indirectly generate the economic benefits for all of Queensland.
It is pleasing to note that the State Government is fully committed to Cross River Rail and it is underway.
[ Couriermail --> Cross River Rail: First job advertisements posted online]

One Nation and the LNP apparently do not support Cross River Rail, they are trapped in yesterday's transport paradigm of road centric failure.  It is not working now and will not work in the future.  No jurisdiction has managed rampant urban congestion by a roads only approach. Look around Australia, major public transport projects are well advanced with actual construction in all mainland states.  In Queensland we have a shining star - the Gold Coast Light Rail stage 2 with more planning already underway for stage 3 and beyond.  It is worth noting that Opposition Leader Tim Nicholls and former Treasurer was not really committed to stage 2 of the light rail. The heavy rail track duplication between Coomera and Helensvale nears completion.

But we need to properly secure the future of the entire rail network.  Future rail extensions and improved rail frequencies, as well  as new mass transit capability for SEQ will flow on from Cross River Rail.

Both the Brisbane Metro and Cross River Rail are essential to properly secure our transport future. The projects are complementary and will allow for a high frequency network.

Clearly the Queensland Election is going to be critical for the future of Cross River Rail.  The LNP and One Nation are on the wrong train and have missed the bus!

Best wishes,
Robert

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


References:

Cross River Rail --> https://www.crossriverrail.qld.gov.au

Connecting Brisbane  --> https://www.dilgp.qld.gov.au/infrastructure/connecting-brisbane.html

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/909458967012679681

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/909461541577097216

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/CrossRiverRail/status/910376867710095361

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/CrossRiverRail/status/910769837336436736

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/CrossRiverRail/status/911119874994270209

[v6hilux]

If you believe this media stunt is actual work progress, then you are a fool. Anyone can hire a EWP and it's delivery truck for a photo shoot and be sure to have some tradie looking persons in hard hats outside the work area in frame as well!

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> More than a dozen groups keen on partnership to build $5.4b Cross River Rail

MORE than a dozen companies and consortiums are keen on building parts of Brisbane's $5.4 billion Cross River Rail transport system as a public-private partnership (PPP).

Registration closed on Friday for formal expressions of interest to construct the 5.9km train tunnel under the river and CBD, and four underground stations.

A spokeswoman for Deputy Premier and Infrastructure Minister Jackie Trad said more than 12 groups had thrown their names into the hat.

The PPP will cover the tunnel, stations at Boggo Road, Woolloongabba, Albert St and Roma St, as well as commercial and retail developments in and above stations.

Ms Trad said there was "an enormous amount of interest'' from companies wanting to know how to become involved in the project.

The Cross River Rail network, running 10.2km from Dutton Park to Bowen Hills, is the state's number one infrastructure project.

"When complete, Cross River Rail will transform our rail network, meaning more trains more often," Ms Trad said.

"It will unlock the bottleneck at the centre of the southeast's transport system, busting congestion for road users and delivering faster travel times for public transport users.

"It's the missing piece of infrastructure we need to deliver a more integrated transport system, and provide southeast Queenslanders with a 'turn-up-and-go' experience,'' she said.

A $300,000 contract to demolish the former government Goprint building to make room for the new Woolloongabba station and commercial developments has been awarded to Lawnton-based Caylamax Demolitions and work will start next month.

Ms Trad said it fitted with the Government's "Buy Queensland'' procurement policy to preference local companies.

"Cross River Rail is more than just a rail project, it is already generating Queensland jobs and stimulating our local economy.''

The Woolloongabba station will service The Gabba stadium and fast-growing suburb, and link to the future Brisbane Metro system on the adjacent busway.

The Government Landcare building and South Brisbane Dental Hospital will also be demolished.

The LNP has not committed to going ahead with Cross River Rail if it wins the next state election, saying the business case needs to be re-examined.

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/911635696510578688

[dancingmongoose]

I work in commercial real estate and an increasing number of places are promoting themselves with a proximity to CRR. Makes me nervous for the election

[Cazza]

It's very promising that plenty of companies are putting their hand up to be part of construction. It shows that they can see the benefits of the project.

[Marshal]

Curious observation about the CRR business case (p141, fig.6-12)
The rail network diagram has been revised to include Caloundra, Flagstone and School Rd (Redbank Plains?), yet there is no indication of the Northwest Transport corridor.
Could this be an indication of the government's future priorities?


(NWTC does get a mention on pg 79).
"Also, capacity constraints on the northern lines reduced the potential benefits offered by a northern
connection. These factors deferred the inclusion of the northern connection in the first phase of work until
northern capacity issues could be resolved (via the proposed North West Transport Corridor) and further
planning work through Mayne Yard could be completed."

I would guess its to do with the scale of work the NWTC would require in itself. You have a reasonably easy run between the start of the corridor and the Ferny Grove line, but unless you want to run the trains along the Ferny Grove line you'd need to tunnel from there to the city, and I think running them along the existent line would defeat the purpose.

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/RailExpressNews/status/912804300606152705

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/BrackenwayQld/status/916028952321318912

[techblitz]

one things for sure........theres no denying that flagstone and its surroundings WILL be one of the boom housing areas down the track as the mad scramble for affordable land ramps up.....brisbane is fast heading down the path of melbourne and sydney where a population ponzi model...combined with people moving from vic/nsw to escape the melbourne/sydney outer suburb median house price clusterf#*k...... ultimately forcing brisbane detached housing prices up...... eventually pushing everyone further out into no-mans-land to score available land...and it could happen much earlier than 40yrs....

http://www.msn.com/en-au/money/homeandproperty/soaring-sydney-house-prices-to-spark-mass-migration-north-macquarie/ar-AAsYe2G?li=AAabC8j&ocid=spartanntp

http://www.msn.com/en-au/money/homeandproperty/house-hunters-turn-to-brisbane/ar-AAsRq9u?li=AA54Gb&ocid=spartanntp

The politicians have a LOT of work to do if this situation eventuates....as our roads/public transport will be vastly underprepared.
Brisbane/gold coast roads will be much worse in a years time.More tradie utes,trucks on the road due to new housing construction and the renovator/fixer upper onslaught from the south...

[Derwan]

Woolloongabba update:

Electrical work taking place this weekend (presumably to disconnect the GoPrint and/or dental hospital buildings from the grid that includes the Landcentre building).

Queensland Shared Services staff have just been advised (formally) of their new location.  The move is expected to take place in early 2018.

I overheard some DNRM employees in the lift the other day.  It sounds like they don't know where they're going yet.  (No doubt lots happening but nothing formal as yet.)

[ozbob]

Just heard my first advertisement for Cross River Rail on the wireless ( 4BC 1116AM ) .. ad on behalf of Queensland Government.

[kram0]

Woolloongabba update:

Electrical work taking place this weekend (presumably to disconnect the GoPrint and/or dental hospital buildings from the grid that includes the Landcentre building).

Queensland Shared Services staff have just been advised (formally) of their new location.  The move is expected to take place in early 2018.

I overheard some DNRM employees in the lift the other day.  It sounds like they don't know where they're going yet.  (No doubt lots happening but nothing formal as yet.)

Hi

When is the 8 floor building getting demolished?

[Derwan]

When is the 8 floor building getting demolished?

After Labor wins the next election.......

Officially, the current tenants have until September 2018 to move out, but as just mentioned, at least some will be out long before then.  If the LNP wins the election, who knows!  Perhaps DNRM are waiting until then.