Cross River Rail Project

[ozbob]

CRRDA Annual Report 2019 – 2020

https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/cross-river-rail/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/29155942/CRRDA-Annual-Report.pdf

Interesting that CRRDA is using Amazon Web services.

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

Problems with Cross River Rail hidden

8th November 2020

Good Morning,

RAIL Back On Track has previously raised concerns with the lack of transparency regarding Cross River Rail ( https://www.facebook.com/RAILBackOnTrack/posts/3899100510104107 ).

A particular issue for us is the lack of transparency regarding the lack of a publicly accessible current rail operational service plan (how the project will mesh with the rest of the network).

RAIL Back On Track has made Right To Information (RTI) requests seeking this information (August 2020).  Both of these requests were recently refused.  We are currently following review processes for one of the RTI requests.

There has been a recent history of significant problems with rail related projects in Queensland.  We have little confidence that the outcomes of Cross River Rail will be satisfactory unless we can see the proof that indicate otherwise. Hiding behind an anti-RTI firewall causes us grave concerns.  We believe there are significant deficiencies with the operational plan for the rail network when Cross River Rail is commissioned.

We note that Minerva Transport Planning Company Limited has released their document:

'The Minerva Plan - a rail strategy for Southeast Queensland'
Copy available here > https://backontrack.org/docs/crr/db/MinervaPlan1.0.pdf PDF 7.1MB

Foreword:

"The history of rail in Australia is dotted with pivotal moments which have had far-reaching implications. From Bradfield's vision and predominant realisation of his railway scheme for Sydney which has served our biggest city for nearly a century, to the pre-Federation break of gauge debacle which took almost one hundred years to resolve, the long term implications – both good and bad – of railway planning decisions are clear to see. In 2020, Queensland is facing its own pivotal moment with the design of the Cross River Rail project. Cross River Rail has been approved, had contracts signed, and early works have commenced to deliver the second river crossing in Brisbane's CBD by 2024.

However, rather than relieve the current capacity bottleneck and form the backbone of a transformation of the rail network as it was long intended and currently promoted as delivering, Cross River Rail in its current iteration will itself become the bottleneck and prevent almost all future expansion of the Southeast Queensland rail network.

Southeast Queensland has been without a detailed rail strategy since the Connecting SEQ 2031 regional transport plan was dis-endorsed. It is in this absence of a rail strategy that Cross River Rail has been allowed to come to its current form, with no guiding framework with which to measure its suitability in the long term.

Major inner-city rail infrastructure has a lifespan extending beyond a century, with the potential to increase the efficiency and liveability of a city, and it is important that the project is designed to deliver on these objectives. Unfortunately, Cross River Rail is not fit for purpose.

Fortunately, through minor changes to the project, it will be possible to increase capacity in both the short and longterm, allowing Cross River Rail to play the role in enhancing the network for which it was always intended.

This document will present the case of change, demonstrating in detail how the current design for Cross River Rail is flawed, and how it can be modified to meet its target criteria more effectively while improving cost efficiency. Further, the lack of a rail strategy in Southeast Queensland will be addressed, describing the envisioned development of the network over the coming decades – with a modified Cross River Rail at its core.

This document is the Minerva Plan, a rail strategy for Southeast Queensland. The Minerva Plan will revisit previous works, including Connecting SEQ 2031, to present a rail strategy that is 'familiar, yet different', and for which considerable investigation has already been undertaken.

This plan will set out the logical sequencing of projects to enhance the capacity and functionality of the rail network into four distinct phases, without being prescriptive about specific years. In this way, the development of the rail network will be able to correspond to patronage growth and economic conditions.

The Minerva Plan is not sanctioned by government; however, we welcome and encourage government to adopt the recommendations listed here."

Minerva Transport Planning
Company Limited, June 2020

We call on the Premier to direct that Cross River Rail Development Authority detail how the SEQ rail network will operate when Cross River Rail is commissioned.

The type of information we believe should be released can be viewed at https://metrotunnel.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0017/40481/MM-Business-Case-Feb-2016-APPENDIX-04.PDF for the Metro Tunnel project presently underway in Melbourne.  This public  document outlines the proposed service plans and demonstrates how the project will be integrated with and improve the Melbourne railway network. Why is there no equivalent information for Cross River Rail?

The lack of such information for Cross River Rail is why we made the RTI applications in the first place.

Best wishes,
Robert

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

[HappyTrainGuy]

One big hurdle is that the next ngr tender hasn't gone ahead. This would have been know for a while so maybe they don't want to lock themselves into something that can be used against them such as the vague turn up and go. You can always turn up and go at any station. Just some stations have longer waits then others

[ozbob]

One big hurdle is that the next ngr tender hasn't gone ahead. This would have been know for a while so maybe they don't want to lock themselves into something that can be used against them such as the vague turn up and go. You can always turn up and go at any station. Just some stations have longer waits then others

[ozbob]

Facebook ...

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/railbotforum/status/1325148884830621701

[ozbob]

Governance and the Cross River Rail Delivery Board

Further to the Ministerial Direction available here, the Cross River Rail Delivery Board reports directly to the Minister responsible for Cross River Rail, the Honourable Kate Jones MP.

https://crossriverrail.qld.gov.au/about/our-people/

The Cross River Rail Delivery Board

Membership of the Board is:

Mr Damien Walker, Director-General, Department of State Development, Tourism and Innovation (Chair)
Mr Dave Stewart, Director-General, Department of the Premier and Cabinet
Ms Rachel Hunter, Under Treasurer, Queensland Treasury
Mr Neil Scales OBE, Director-General, Department of Transport and Main Roads
Dr Sarah Pearson, Deputy Director-General, Department of State Development, Tourism and Innovation
Mr Matthew Longland, Deputy Director-General, Department of Transport and Main Roads
Ms Amanda Yeates, Deputy Director-General, Infrastructure Management and Delivery, Department of Transport and Main Roads

====

In all seriousness, how is this board of any value?

The Board is not independent in my opinion.

The Department of the Premier and Cabinet Roles and responsibilities ( https://www.premiers.qld.gov.au/publications/categories/policies-and-codes/handbooks/welcome-aboard/public-employee-roles/responsibilities.aspx ) states where public service employees are members of Government Boards this in part:

" When appointed to a Government Board in an official capacity, the public service employee should be aware of the government's policy imperatives and should not present a personal opinion or position that is contrary to either the Minister's directives or the government's policy agenda. "

[ozbob]

G'day lurkers.  Great day hey?  Enjoy this ditty ....

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/TransLinkSEQ/status/1326737125534953473

[ozbob]

https://crossriverrail.qld.gov.au/about/our-people/

The Cross River Rail Delivery Board

Membership of the Board is:

Mr Damien Walker, Director-General, Department of State Development, Tourism and Innovation (Chair)
Mr Dave Stewart, Director-General, Department of the Premier and Cabinet
Ms Rachel Hunter, Under Treasurer, Queensland Treasury
Mr Neil Scales OBE, Director-General, Department of Transport and Main Roads
Dr Sarah Pearson, Deputy Director-General, Department of State Development, Tourism and Innovation
Mr Matthew Longland, Deputy Director-General, Department of Transport and Main Roads
Ms Amanda Yeates, Deputy Director-General, Infrastructure Management and Delivery, Department of Transport and Main Roads

This board is comprised of high calibre public servants DG/DDG level.   There is no external quality assurance on the project.  In fact information that is available on the important aspects of the project is hidden from public examination.

The board should have individuals that have competency in rail operations, rail construction, engineering and the like that are OUTSIDE THE TENT ie. not part of the public service and Government of the day.

QAO does financial audits but there is no ongoing external assessment of technical outcomes.   The only formal external evaluation I am aware of was by IA and they rejected it.

I am also advised that a recent request made for a performance audit of CRR by the QAO has been turned down.

( see Premier, Transport Minister unaware expert referred Cross River Rail to Auditor-General  https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/national/queensland/premier-transport-minister-unaware-expert-referred-cross-river-rail-to-auditor-general-20201016-p565w1.html for background).

If you recall the QAO also turned down our request to audit the NGR Project in March 2017.  Look what happened after that! 

I am considering making a request to the QAO for a performance audit of CRR. 

[Fares_Fair]

Please do so. 

[ozbob]

Sent to Minister Bailey and cc. to the Premier

Problems with Cross River Rail hidden

13th November 2020

Dear Minister Bailey

RAIL Back On Track has previously raised concerns with the lack of transparency regarding Cross River Rail ( https://www.facebook.com/RAILBackOnTrack/posts/3899100510104107 ).

A particular issue for us is the lack of transparency regarding the lack of a publicly accessible current rail operational service plan (how the project will mesh with the rest of the network).

RAIL Back On Track has made Right To Information (RTI) requests seeking this information (August 2020).  Both of these requests were recently refused.  We are currently following review processes for one of the RTI requests.

There has been a recent history of significant problems with rail related projects in Queensland.  We have little confidence that the outcomes of Cross River Rail will be satisfactory unless we can see the proof that indicate otherwise. Hiding behind an anti-RTI firewall causes us grave concerns.  We believe there are significant deficiencies with the operational plan for the rail network when Cross River Rail is commissioned.

We note that Minerva Transport Planning Company Limited has released their document:

'The Minerva Plan - a rail strategy for Southeast Queensland'
Copy available here > https://backontrack.org/docs/crr/db/MinervaPlan1.0.pdf PDF 7.1MB

Foreword:

"The history of rail in Australia is dotted with pivotal moments which have had far-reaching implications. From Bradfield's vision and predominant realisation of his railway scheme for Sydney which has served our biggest city for nearly a century, to the pre-Federation break of gauge debacle which took almost one hundred years to resolve, the long term implications – both good and bad – of railway planning decisions are clear to see. In 2020, Queensland is facing its own pivotal moment with the design of the Cross River Rail project. Cross River Rail has been approved, had contracts signed, and early works have commenced to deliver the second river crossing in Brisbane's CBD by 2024.

However, rather than relieve the current capacity bottleneck and form the backbone of a transformation of the rail network as it was long intended and currently promoted as delivering, Cross River Rail in its current iteration will itself become the bottleneck and prevent almost all future expansion of the Southeast Queensland rail network.

Southeast Queensland has been without a detailed rail strategy since the Connecting SEQ 2031 regional transport plan was dis-endorsed. It is in this absence of a rail strategy that Cross River Rail has been allowed to come to its current form, with no guiding framework with which to measure its suitability in the long term.

Major inner-city rail infrastructure has a lifespan extending beyond a century, with the potential to increase the efficiency and liveability of a city, and it is important that the project is designed to deliver on these objectives. Unfortunately, Cross River Rail is not fit for purpose.

Fortunately, through minor changes to the project, it will be possible to increase capacity in both the short and longterm, allowing Cross River Rail to play the role in enhancing the network for which it was always intended.

This document will present the case of change, demonstrating in detail how the current design for Cross River Rail is flawed, and how it can be modified to meet its target criteria more effectively while improving cost efficiency. Further, the lack of a rail strategy in Southeast Queensland will be addressed, describing the envisioned development of the network over the coming decades – with a modified Cross River Rail at its core.

This document is the Minerva Plan, a rail strategy for Southeast Queensland. The Minerva Plan will revisit previous works, including Connecting SEQ 2031, to present a rail strategy that is 'familiar, yet different', and for which considerable investigation has already been undertaken.

This plan will set out the logical sequencing of projects to enhance the capacity and functionality of the rail network into four distinct phases, without being prescriptive about specific years. In this way, the development of the rail network will be able to correspond to patronage growth and economic conditions.

The Minerva Plan is not sanctioned by government; however, we welcome and encourage government to adopt the recommendations listed here."

Minerva Transport Planning
Company Limited, June 2020

We request that Cross River Rail Development Authority detail how the SEQ rail network will operate when Cross River Rail is commissioned.

The type of information we believe should be released can be viewed at https://metrotunnel.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0017/40481/MM-Business-Case-Feb-2016-APPENDIX-04.PDF for the Metro Tunnel project presently underway in Melbourne.  This public  document outlines the proposed service plans and demonstrates how the project will be integrated with and improve the Melbourne railway network. Why is there no equivalent information for Cross River Rail?

The lack of such information for Cross River Rail is why we made the RTI applications in the first place.

Best wishes,
Robert

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

[ozbob]

^

acknowledgement of receipt received from both Minister for Transport & Main Roads, and Premier's offices.

[ozbob]

Good morning lurkers!   

[ozbob]

Welcome to the corrupt state of Queensland.

Also, was speaking to my mate working on the project, and while he did not disclose any information re Dutton Park station, he eluded to the plans not being released until post election as they might not be popular........this has me concerned.

Possible closure even though they said this would not be an option?

Give this man a prize!  Changes on the way ....

Wait.  Out.

[ozbob]

From https://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=2034.msg238789;topicseen#msg238789

Interview 11 Aug 2020  ABC Brisbane Radio Drive

Host Steve Austin with Robert Dow RAIL Back On Track

https://backontrack.org/docs/abcbris/abcbris_rd11aug20.mp3 MP3 14.1 MB

In this interview I mention Dutton Park station ( about 2 minutes in ) ...

[kram0]

Welcome to the corrupt state of Queensland.

Also, was speaking to my mate working on the project, and while he did not disclose any information re Dutton Park station, he eluded to the plans not being released until post election as they might not be popular........this has me concerned.

Possible closure even though they said this would not be an option?

Give this man a prize!  Changes on the way ....

Wait.  Out.

I might be meeting him for a beer tonight, so will ask again now the election is over.

Also you will notice on the state development website, there are no general construction plans for Dutton Park as there are for the other stations. Link below.

https://www.statedevelopment.qld.gov.au/coordinator-general/assessments-and-approvals/coordinated-projects/completed-projects/cross-river-rail-project/project-changes.html

[ozbob]

Thanks. Might be something on this Sunday.

[kram0]

Thanks. Might be something on this Sunday.

What do you mean? They might announce something re Dutton Park?

Have you heard any 'rumours' re what's going on?

[ozbob]

Yo.  Not sure of the exact details but something might be out on Sunday.

[kram0]

News is, they are moving the station slightly closer to Fairfield, on a straighter piece of track. They have also made changes to the crossovers in this area in line with general track improvements.

He wasn't aware of any announcements in the next few days, but said it is possible as they are close to finishing station designs.

[paulg]

News is, they are moving the station slightly closer to Fairfield, on a straighter piece of track. They have also made changes to the crossovers in this area in line with general track improvements.

He wasn't aware of any announcements in the next few days, but said it is possible as they are close to finishing station designs.

Thanks for the news, from a selfish perspective it should suit me well!

Sent from my Pixel 4 XL using Tapatalk

[ozbob]

News is, they are moving the station slightly closer to Fairfield, on a straighter piece of track. They have also made changes to the crossovers in this area in line with general track improvements.

He wasn't aware of any announcements in the next few days, but said it is possible as they are close to finishing station designs.

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Cross River Rail: 'Design flaw' to cause months of commuter chaos

A "design flaw" in billion Cross River Rail will cause months of pain for commuters and see noisy freight trains diverted through Brisbane's suburbs, with the opposition claiming the "bungle" will see the $5.4 billion mega-project's costs blow out.

COMMUTERS will face months of chaos and noisy freight trains could divert through the suburbs after the government was forced to change its Cross River Rail construction plans because of an alleged planning "blunder".

The Opposition are claiming a "design blunder" will blow out the project's $5.4 billion price tag after the government overruled expert advice to build the station in a difficult spot.

But the Cross River Rail Delivery Authority (CRRDA) says its not unusual to change construction methods on big projects, the change won't cost taxpayers any more, and it'll do its best to manage disruptions.

The Courier-Mail can reveal a planned tunnel curve that's too tight for passenger trains has seen a changed alignment that means planned tunnel construction can no longer go ahead.

Instead, workers will use a different 'cut and cover' excavation to build the new underground Cross River Rail line under four existing lines, causing serious disruption to Gold Coast and Beenleigh services.

Documents seen the The Courier-Mail say Gold Coast and Beenleigh services would be forced to use just two tracks only, one in each direction, and some services will be restricted or cancelled over about a two-month period.

A CRRDA spokesman admitted last (sic)The leaked documents also say "some freight trains" would be "diverted via Toowong" for 7 to 8 months.

But the CRRDA spokesman said noisy freight trains would remain on the Tennyson line, but said the authority would "continue to work with Queensland Rail on any freight service changes".

The news follows previous Cross River Rail Minister Kate Jones defending the government's decision to build the new Cross River Rail Station at Boggo Road, made when former deputy premier Jackie Trad held the portfolio.

But he said the authority was working with Queensland Rail to minimise network impacts, and would target closures to times of low patronage like holiday periods.

"We will work with TransLink to provide alternative transport options for commuters, and this will be supported by early and frequent engagement and notification of travel advice to customers," he said.

Leaked documents in August showed bidders for the multibillion-dollar project warned the Boggo Road station was littered with engineering and safety problems that would cause construction headaches.

Despite that, the Palaszczuk Government shot down a proposal for a single station on land behind the Princess Alexandra Hospital that would have been cheaper, forging ahead with its plans to build at Boggo Road and redevelop the old Dutton Park Station.

Ms Jones argued the New Dutton plan would have seen people on the Cleveland line have to walk 9 minutes down the road to change trains to connect to the Cross River Rail line and that was not suitable.

LNP Leader David Crisafulli said Transport Minister Mark Bailey, who is now in charge of the project, needed to fully detail the "design flaw".

"It's not unreasonable to ask when this problem first came to light and why such a major change in scope was revealed only a fortnight after the election," Mr Crisafulli said.

"The government must tell Queenslanders when it first knew about this flaw and what the financial cost will be."

LNP transport spokesman Steve Minnikin said Labor had had five years to get the planning right but were failing.

"Queenslanders will pay the price for Labor's incompetence with more train delays, more traffic chaos and more taxpayers' money wasted."

Work will also see a significant increase in local construction traffic and comes after follows a request from the Cross River Rail Delivery Authority to include nearby Kent Street as an approved haulage rote with vehicles permitted 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

====

Courier Mail 14th November 2020 pages 1 & 9

[ozbob]

Well, we did suggest there were problems with the southern part of the tunnel last August.

They have obviously known for months, guess they wanted to get #qldvotes done first before 'breaking the news' ...

[Gazza]

Cool, so if they are doing cut and cover can they design it so a southern tunnel extension can be added on more easily.

Im cool with the shut down, hopefully they time it with the Coopers Plains LX works.

[ozbob]

In terms of disruptions I think the Gold Coasters will go via Tennyson during the periods of line closures around Dutton Park.

The real impact will be on the Beenleigh line inner southern.  Hopefully they will work up a good rail replacement bus strategy.

[HappyTrainGuy]

In terms of disruptions I think the Gold Coasters will go via Tennyson during the periods of line closures around Dutton Park.

The real impact will be on the Beenleigh line inner southern.  Hopefully they will work up a good rail replacement bus strategy.

In the past Beenleigh/Gold Coast trains have used Tennyson without issue. Any closure should be quite straight forward to deal with replacement buses due to the handful of stations inbetween Mooroka and Park Road. Many freight trains are already run via Tennyson too to avoid the 2x 25kph cross overs or conflicts.

[BrizCommuter]

In terms of disruptions I think the Gold Coasters will go via Tennyson during the periods of line closures around Dutton Park.

The real impact will be on the Beenleigh line inner southern.  Hopefully they will work up a good rail replacement bus strategy.

I'm a bit concerned about via South Bank services in this scenario, in particular counter-peak (e.g. Roma St to South Brisbane in am peak) where trains can be quite busy.

[achiruel]

I'd assume FG line trains would originate/terminate at South Bank during the shutdown. Is this still possible?

[BrizCommuter]

I'd assume FG line trains would originate/terminate at South Bank during the shutdown. Is this still possible?

Yes, and possibly also at Park Road (depending on power supply), unless Ferny Grove to/from Beenleigh Line services are routed via Tennyson.

[JimmyP]

Doubt there is room on the west for the Beenleigh - Ferny trains to run via Tennyson in peak. Coast trains would struggle enough in morning peak.

[mufreight]

There is ample room for Gold Coast services to be operated between Corinda and Roma Street through the AM peak

[verbatim9]

Just 48 hours into his leadership, David Crisafulli is tonight taking aim at Labor's handling of the Cross River Rail. @meggillespie9 #9News https://t.co/jgcQHGkRe4

https://twitter.com/9NewsQueensland/status/1327524480101601286

[verbatim9]

What does everyone think they will do? Cut and cover tunnel and move Dutton Park Station South?  Demolish and delete  Dutton Park Station?

If the line is going to be closed for 2 months from Park Road to Coopers Plains? They might as well work on the Station upgrades at Fairfield, Salisbury etc.. at the same time. Less closures and disruptions in the future.

They did a major closure of the line between South Yarra and  Caulfield in relation to the Melbourne Metro project and managed to get a whole lot done in a short space of time..

[Andrew]

There is ample room for Gold Coast services to be operated between Corinda and Roma Street through the AM peak

Theoretically yes but it is a lot harder in practice. The all stations trains cross over to the easterly lines. To facilitate the Gold Coast trains joining the fray, some trains will have to cross over somewhere which could cause conflict and most likely delays somewhere. If you can get a good path to Milton, then it could easily slot back into a path at Roma St on the older tracks in theory but getting that would be harder than it may seem. PM peak would be much easier with frequencies operating at 12 mins for both express and all stations trains.

[ozbob]

Couriermail Letters to the Editor 16th November 2020 page 18

Rail fail in the making

[BrizCommuter]

Just 48 hours into his leadership, David Crisafulli is tonight taking aim at Labor's handling of the Cross River Rail. @meggillespie9 #9News https://t.co/jgcQHGkRe4

https://twitter.com/9NewsQueensland/status/1327524480101601286

Well we can blame the last LNP government for the 3 track section from Dutton Park to Salisbury.

[achiruel]

I can't believe some people seriously believe that not having a station at Park Rd/Boggo Rd is a good idea.

On what planet should an interchange station between two lines require an ~800m walk?

[BrizCommuter]

I can't believe some people seriously believe that not having a station at Park Rd/Boggo Rd is a good idea.

On what planet should an interchange station between two lines require an ~800m walk?

Absolutely.  Removing Dutton Park is far more sensible than removing Park Rd/Boggo Rd.