Cross River Rail Project

[ozbob]

Queensland Parliament

https://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/documents/tableOffice/questionsAnswers/2021/442-2021.pdf

Question on Notice
No. 442
Asked on 21 April 2021

MR S MINNIKIN ASKED MINISTER FOR TRANSPORT AND MAIN ROADS (HON M BAILEY)

QUESTION:
Will the Minister provide a breakdow
n of Cross River Rail Delivery Authority staff by role (reported
by number and not percentage)?

ANSWER:

I thank the Member for Chatsworth for the question.

Cross River Rail is Queensland's largest infrastructure project and work is now underway at
12 worksites across Brisbane. This includes excavation at all four underground station sites, both
the northern and southern tunnel portals, and early works at three separate above ground stations
at Exhibition, Yeronga and Fairfield.

2021 is the 'Year of Tunnelling' with Merle—the second of the project's two Tunnel Boring
Machines—joining Else and starting her journey from Woolloongabba north to Albert Street earlier
this month. TBM Else and TBM Merle, will tunnel 3.6 kilometres from Woolloongabba under the
Brisbane River and CBD and through to the northern portal, emerging from underground later
this year.

The Delivery Authority was established to plan, carry out, promote or coordinate activities to
facilitate economic development, and development for community purposes, in a Cross River Rail
Priority Development Area; and to facilitate the efficient delivery of the Cross River Rail project
and transport-related projects. Cross River Rail would not be happening if the opposition were in
office. Economies worldwide are enduring the harshest economic downturn in generations, and
Queensland's economy is not immune. Every job counts more than ever right now. The
Palaszczuk Government will always back Queenslanders and jobs, especially as we rebound
from a global pandemic.

Thousands of construction workers on Cross River Rail would have been robbed of their jobs if
Cross River Rail was stopped. The Palaszczuk Government will always back commuters and
jobs, which is why we chose the most sensible Cross River Rail route that benefits the greatest
number of commuters consistent with our 2017 commitment. That's in contrast to the LNP who
cut driver training, sacked 1700 Queensland Rail staff and ordered trains from overseas that were
non-disability-compliant.

The Delivery Authority is charged with delivering the Palaszczuk Government's $5.4 billion priority
infrastructure project, and as at 31 March 2021, the Delivery Authority had the following occupied
roles.

Roles Number

Project Delivery (including Safety, Compliance, Technical and Design, Systems Integration,
Stakeholder Communications) 109

Corporate Services (including Finance, Governance and Risk, Information Technology, and
Facilities) 37

Strategy, People and Planning (including Precincts, Planning, Land, Environment and Approvals) 28

Executive Management Office (Executive Office and Executive Services) 8

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/ozbob13/status/1409310561133727745

[ozbob]

^ Both projects due to complete 2025.  Metro Tunnel all operational details are known in contrast to Cross River Rail,
even though it is more complex than Cross River Rail.

What and why are they hiding the operational details for Cross River Rail Lurkers?

Drop me a line, anytime ...  admin@backontrack.org

[BrizCommuter]

And the failure to resubmit  an improved business case as invited to by IA is scandalous.   

It shows that they lacked the confidence in the project outcomes to get it over the line.  Perhaps they should have listened and acted on the feedback they got not only from IA but other experts, who were largely ignored.

The ludicrous Cleveland Solution would probably have a better business case than CRR now.

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Deadly dust fears prompt walk-off at Cross River Rail worksite $

Queensland's powerful construction union has called for ministerial intervention to stop work on one of its key Cross River Rail tunnelling sites until concerns about the potential release of dangerous silica dust can be probed by the safety regulator.

Workers downed tools one weekend, between June 18 and 21, while the Cross River Rail Delivery authority and major contractor CPB addressed what the CFMEU said were long-running issues at the Woolloongabba site involving dust from the conveyor belt carrying tunnel spoil to the surface. ...

[ozbob]

And the failure to resubmit  an improved business case as invited to by IA is scandalous.   

It shows that they lacked the confidence in the project outcomes to get it over the line.  Perhaps they should have listened and acted on the feedback they got not only from IA but other experts, who were largely ignored.

The ludicrous Cleveland Solution would probably have a better business case than CRR now.

Ha ha ... you know my soft spot Briz.  Luv those trams in the Brisbane River ...   

Meanwhile, a ditty for you Lurkers   Join in!

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> 'Extremely concerned': Law firm backs calls for action over Cross River Rail dust $

A national law firm behind numerous cases involving dust diseases has backed union calls for an investigation into a major Cross River Rail tunnelling site in Brisbane's south, as the safety regulator revealed it has issued more than 250 warnings over the infrastructure project.

Concern from workers reached a tipping point this month when some downed tools for the weekend while the Cross River Rail Delivery Authority, which is overseeing construction of the new rail line, acted on complaints about the potential of dangerous silica dust around its Woolloongabba station site. ...

... WHSQ said since the Cross River Rail project began, 246 notices have been issued for incidents at multiple sites, including 186 improvement notices, 33 prohibition (stop-work) notices, 26 infringement notices, and one electrical safety protection notice.

In August last year alone, the regulator reportedly issued almost 150 notices.

[ozbob]

Not looking good is it Lurkers? 

https://twitter.com/ozbob13/status/1409934327958237184

[Stillwater]

And this from a Labor Government ... that it would put workers health at risk on one of its own projects -- the same government on whose watch the disease Black Lung returned as a threat to the health of coal miners.

Where is the leadership and oversight on this matter from a CRR Delivery Authority board filled with lapdog appointees?

The story reads: "Water pumps, meant to dampen the rock transported by conveyor belt from deep beneath the bedrock, were not being used, in an effort to lighten the load required to be carried away by trucks."

Two hundred and fifth warnings from the Safety Regulator!

It just beggars belief. To the cost of CRR, we should add in the payouts likely to go to workers in future years for health conditions they will be suffering as a result.

But it is not just about dollars and cents, there is a moral element involved.

We have a government that is taking strict measures, such as lockdowns, to prevent us breathing in an insidious bug while not taking sufficient precautions to protect workers from breathing in silica dust that is a known and proven silent killer. TWO HUNDRED AND FIFTH warnings! The Safety Regulator is screaming at the CRR Authority and the State Government.

[ozbob]

Interesting, CRR has now hidden the details of the Cross River Rail Board Membership.  Used to be listed.

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

... The Cross River Rail Delivery Board
In line with the Cross River Rail Delivery Act 2016, membership of the Cross River Rail Delivery Board consists of the Director General for Department of Transport and Main Roads (lead agency responsible for Cross River Rail and Chair), the Director General for Department of the Premier & Cabinet and the Under Treasurer as representative of Queensland Treasury, as well as additional representatives who can be appointed on the recommendation of Government.

For more information on current board members, please contact The Cross River Rail Delivery Authority using our contact details. ...

It just gets worse hey?  What an embarrassment!!  Will not work lurkers, will just cause even more grief.

CRR Board still not updated ...

I guess the impending departure of the DDG TransLink is another little problem for them ...   

https://twitter.com/ozbob13/status/1402638287559270404

Stand by ...   

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/railbotforum/status/1410008778137751556

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/ozbob13/status/1410118725961879554

[ozbob]

And this from a Labor Government ... that it would put workers health at risk on one of its own projects -- the same government on whose watch the disease Black Lung returned as a threat to the health of coal miners.

Where is the leadership and oversight on this matter from a CRR Delivery Authority board filled with lapdog appointees?

The story reads: "Water pumps, meant to dampen the rock transported by conveyor belt from deep beneath the bedrock, were not being used, in an effort to lighten the load required to be carried away by trucks."

Two hundred and fifth warnings from the Safety Regulator!

It just beggars belief. To the cost of CRR, we should add in the payouts likely to go to workers in future years for health conditions they will be suffering as a result.

But it is not just about dollars and cents, there is a moral element involved.

We have a government that is taking strict measures, such as lockdowns, to prevent us breathing in an insidious bug while not taking sufficient precautions to protect workers from breathing in silica dust that is a known and proven silent killer. TWO HUNDRED AND FIFTH warnings! The Safety Regulator is screaming at the CRR Authority and the State Government.

Well said Mr Stillwater.

" ... Where is the leadership and oversight on this matter from a CRR Delivery Authority board filled with lapdog appointees? ... "

i don't think there really is any!  The issues that are now manifest are perhaps another sign of the lack of leadership and oversight.

[ozbob]

Others have identified issues with the make up of the CRR Delivery Board.

Cross River Rail Project Review of Challenges and Opportunities
Australian Institute for Progress 28 October 2020

https://aip.asn.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/CRR_Charles_and_Sayeg_Final_20_10_28.pdf

" 3.5 Governance
The CRR project had an independent Board reporting to the Minister responsible for
Cross River Rail, however the Board was replaced by a board of senior public
servants in April 2020.

Independent governance arrangements need to be instituted for the CRR project to ensure
accountability and value for money. "

Agree with this.

===

Cross River Rail Delivery Board
https://governmentbodies.premiers.qld.gov.au/BodyDisplay.aspx?Parameter=858

Members
FamilyName   GivenNames   PositionTitle   AppointmentStartDate   AppointmentEndDate
Director-General   Department of Transport and Main Roads   Ex-Officio   14-04-2017   01-01-2050

Director-General Department of the Premier and Cabinet Ex-Officio 14-04-2017 01-01-2050
Under Treasurer   Queensland Treasury   Ex-Officio   14-04-2017 01-01-2050
Deputy Director-General, Translink Department of Transport and Main Roads Member   14-04-2020 13-04-2023
Deputy Director-General, Innovation   Department of Tourism Innovation and Sport Member 14-04-202013-04-2023
Deputy Director-General, Infrastructure Management and Delivery   Department of Transport and Main Roads Member   02-10-2020 13-04-2023

Last updated:18/11/2020

===


Sent to all outlets:

Call for proper public scrutiny of the Cross River Rail Delivery Authority

31st July 2020

Good Morning,

RAIL Back On Track Members are concerned that the Cross River Rail Delivery Authority (CRRDA) is not subject to the Right To Information Act 2009.

From  https://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/view/html/inforce/current/act-2009-013#sch.2

Reprint current from 18 November 2019 to date (accessed 28 July 2020 at 16:18)

Schedule 2

Entities to which this Act does not apply:

"the Cross River Rail Delivery Authority established under the Cross River Rail Delivery Authority Act 2016, section 8, in relation to its functions, except so far as they relate to community service obligations under that Act"

Further more the old Cross River Rail Delivery Authority Board was replaced with a board comprised of Senior Public Servants April 2020.
The current Cross River Rail Delivery Board was appointed on 14 April 2020.

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
Ms Liza Carroll, Director-General, Department of Housing and Public Works
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

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

We have concerns that the Board is no longer independent in our 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. "

We are therefore rightly concerned that activities of the CRRDA are not subject to proper public scrutiny.  We call on all political parties to consider amending legislation to remove CRRDA from Schedule 2 of the RTI legislation and make it subject to proper scrutiny.

Consideration should also be given to replace the board with members, that are in our opinion, seen to be independent of the Government of the day.

There has been a recent history of major problems with rail and rail related projects in SEQ, expensive to fix.

The last thing we need is another one.

Best wishes,

Robert

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

====


" We have concerns that the Board is no longer independent in our 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. " "

^ This clarification statement about appointment to a Government Board is very concerning.  The public servants are obviously ineffective as board members. The CRR Delivery Board is in my opinion a ' Claytons ' Board.  Neither effective, able to exercise proper supervision, and  no doubt designed to further propagate the non transparency with Cross River Rail, particularly operational aspects and costs.

[ozbob]

^ On. it. Lurkers. 

#youareverywelcome

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/railbotforum/status/1410249706974765065

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/ozbob13/status/1410307072403537920

[ozbob]

CRR youtube channel

>> https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-ZB291iDmFYlUeBZKsJfOA

[ozbob]

ST Engineering to supply platform screen doors for Cross River Rail project

https://www.railway-technology.com/news/st-engineering-supply-psd-cross-river-rail/

ST Engineering has been awarded a contract to supply platform screen doors (PSD) for the Cross River Rail project in Queensland, Australia.

The firm will supply 96 sets of PSDs for four new underground stations on Cross River Rail, which is claimed to be the Australian state's largest public infrastructure project.

The new PSDs will feature a control system with Safety Integrity Level (SIL) 3 certification for all critical safety functions to meet the heavy-duty needs of the rail stations.

They serve as a safety barrier between the train track on the Cross River Rail and underground railway station platforms.

ST Engineering stated that its PSD helps prevents cool air leakage from air-conditioning systems to the underground tunnels to improve temperature control in the stations. It also improves energy efficiency and reduce energy costs.

ST Engineering Smart Mobility head Chew Men Leong said: "Having built smart metro systems that have helped to connect transport networks, ease traffic congestion and enhance commuter safety all over the world, we are excited to participate in this signature public infrastructure project, which will improve connectivity and quality of life for communities in South East Queensland.

"Australia is a new market for our metro business, and we are confident that this win will serve as a springboard to future opportunities in the country."

Cross River Rail is a new 10.2km rail line from Dutton Park to Bowen Hills that includes 5.9km of twin tunnels under the Brisbane River and Brisbane Central Business District.

====

AGIL Platform Screen Door

https://www.stengg.com/platform-screen-door

====

[kram0]

The Singapore MRT uses the same supplier for their platform screen doors, so this a win and an area they don't seem to be cutting costs yet.

It would be good to see them using the half height platform doors at Exhibition and maybe Dutton Park stations.

[Gazza]

If we're going to put platform screen doors at overgound stations wouldn't places like Central, Valley, Toowong etc deserve them before Dutton Park.
Even Yeerongpilly would warrant them before Dutton Park on that line

[#Metro]

Trad wanted to fend off the greens. This is what happened.

[kram0]

If we're going to put platform screen doors at overgound stations wouldn't places like Central, Valley, Toowong etc deserve them before Dutton Park.
Even Yeerongpilly would warrant them before Dutton Park on that line

In theory all the above stations mentioned would warrant them, but these stations are part of CRR and will exclusively be operated by the NGR's/NGR's 2.0 with the technology needed to make this happen.

[ozbob]

A good read Lurkers ... 

Cross River Rail Delivery Board > https://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=14329.0

#youarewelcome

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/MarkBaileyMP/status/1412542409515233280

[timh]

https://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/planning-and-building/planning-guidelines-and-tools/neighbourhood-planning-and-urban-renewal/neighbourhood-plans-and-other-local-planning-projects/nathan-salisbury-moorooka-neighbourhood-plan

https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.abc.net.au/article/100250232

New neighbourhood plan for Moorooka includes rezoning for up to 8 stories mixed use across the road from Moorooka station, and up to 5 stories mixed use around Salisbury station.

I'm very supportive of the plans for Moorooka. The "magic mile", while a local icon of sorts, is a poor use of prime land so close to the CBD and within walking distance of a newly renovated train station. This is just a draft at the moment but this sort of density around train stations is something we should absolutely get behind. There will be some NIMBY opposition

Sent from my SM-G780F using Tapatalk

[verbatim9]

https://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/planning-and-building/planning-guidelines-and-tools/neighbourhood-planning-and-urban-renewal/neighbourhood-plans-and-other-local-planning-projects/nathan-salisbury-moorooka-neighbourhood-plan

https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.abc.net.au/article/100250232

New neighbourhood plan for Moorooka includes rezoning for up to 8 stories mixed use across the road from Moorooka station, and up to 5 stories mixed use around Salisbury station.

I'm very supportive of the plans for Moorooka. The "magic mile", while a local icon of sorts, is a poor use of prime land so close to the CBD and within walking distance of a newly renovated train station. This is just a draft at the moment but this sort of density around train stations is something we should absolutely get behind. There will be some NIMBY opposition

Sent from my SM-G780F using Tapatalk

[ozbob]

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Speculation is growing that Cross River Rail boss Graeme Newton will quit for another plum rail job $

Is the boss of Brisbane's troubled $5.4bn Cross River Rail project about to bail out?

We hear Graeme Newton is poised to tackle another plum job in the sector as the new head of the Australian Rail Track Corporation.

He would take over from Richard Wankmuller, who is about to wrap up a three-year stint at the helm of the ARTC, which is building a 1700km rail line linking Brisbane to Melbourne.

Newton was appointed to lead the Cross River Rail Delivery Authority in 2017 and did not return a call seeking comment Thursday. ...

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/ozbob13/status/1415682700980068362

https://twitter.com/railbotforum/status/1415683509381844998

[Stillwater]

Chasing more prestige and dollars or friction with the board?  I suppose we will never know.  If true, it would be interesting to see who replaces him.

[ozbob]

Chasing more prestige and dollars or friction with the board?  I suppose we will never know.  If true, it would be interesting to see who replaces him.

Yes, never know.  But my feelings are that things are not going that well at CRR despite the glossy PR image. 

ARTC has a lot of problems too.

#carryon ...

https://twitter.com/ozbob13/status/1415754670161547266

[ozbob]

Minister for Transport and Main Roads
The Honourable Mark Bailey

26th July 2021

Cross River Rail tunnels halfway there as machines pass under King George Square

Cross River Rail's tunnel boring machines are now more than halfway through their mammoth task of excavating twin tunnels beneath the Brisbane River and CBD.

The project's two 1350-tonne Tunnel Boring Machines are already two kilometres into their roughly four-kilometre journey from Woolloongabba to the project's northern exit point at Normanby.

Meanwhile, two 115-tonne roadheaders have progressed more than 500 metres along their almost 900 metre journeys south from Woolloongabba to the new Boggo Road station.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey announced the milestone at King George Square in the Brisbane CBD, where TBM Else has already made her way directly beneath the inner-city landmark, with TBM Merle following not far behind.

"Cross River Rail will be a critical part of our transport task for the 2032 Olympic Games," Mr Bailey said.

"This is a project that is 100 per cent funded by the Palaszczuk Government and the progress we've made so far has given us a handy head start on building the infrastructure that will carry spectators to key venues like the Gabba and the new indoor arena planned at Roma Street.

"To have these mega machines already more than halfway through excavating the project's twin tunnels is a huge milestone.

"While Cross River Rail's progress might be obvious above ground, many people might not realise the sheer scale of work taking place beneath our feet.

"The project team is at King George Square today to give passers-by a sense of the work taking place below ground to build this transformational project.

"The TBMs will breakthrough at Roma Street in coming weeks before emerging at Normanby near the RNA showgrounds, while the roadheaders will reach Boggo Road by the end of 2021 as well."

Mr Bailey said the construction below ground was a tangible example of the economic benefits of Cross River Rail, which was injecting more than $4 million a day into the economy.

"More than 2900 workers are currently employed on Cross River Rail and more than 1350 Queensland businesses have benefitted from the project so far," he said.

"This project is providing employment opportunities and an economic boost right when our state needs it the most."

To track Cross River Rail's TBMs and roadheaders, visit https://crossriverrail.qld.gov.au/construction/guide-to-tunnelling/tbm-tracker/

Cross River Rail tunnelling fast facts:

    The two TBMs are named in honour of two ground-breaking Queensland women – trailblazing engineer Else Shepherd AM and pioneering feminist Merle Thornton AM
    Each TBM weighs 1,350 tonnes and is 165 metres long
    A crew of up to 15 people work in a TBM at any one time
    TBMs work at a rate of 20 to 30 metres per day
    TBMs excavate the bulk (about 3.8km) of Cross River Rail's 5.9km of twin tunnels
    115-tonne roadheaders excavate the rest of the tunnels, including the station caverns and almost 900-metres of twin tunnels between Woolloongabba and Boggo Road
    The TBMs will install over 25,000 concrete segments weighing 4.2 tonnes each along the tunnel walls as they go
    At their deepest points, the tunnels are 58 metres below the surface at Kangaroo Point, and 42 metres below the Brisbane River
    Each TBM is fully equipped with crew facilities, offices and toilets
    The TBMs will generate 315,000 cubic metres of spoil, and the roadheaders will generate 86,000 cubic metres of spoil as they make way for the twin Cross River Rail tunnels.

ENDS

====

^

https://twitter.com/ozbob13/status/1419724472282599434

[verbatim9]

https://twitter.com/9NewsQueensland/status/1419547325932965889

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/AnnastaciaMP/status/1419605649424408580

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/9NewsQueensland/status/1419575885502590976

[verbatim9]

https://twitter.com/7NewsBrisbane/status/1419939024945311746

[Stillwater]

Why would the government duck-shove additional projects to be part of Cross River Rail?  It is a wonderful way to make the add-ons not subject to scrutiny and not able to be accountable because anything to do with their operational functions (as CRR components) are not subject to RTI requests. And all overseen by a board of public servants whose No.1 priority is total loyalty to the government. If you are a controlling government, it's absolutely perfect.

[#Metro]

Queensland does not have a senate where things could be scrutinised properly. That is one factor.

The other factor is the opposition is more or less absent. Incoherent, focused on all the wrong things, no real thread of logic.

Just read some of the Member for Burleigh's views, and you will know what I mean.

If people want actual scrutiny of Cross River Rail and the rail service plans, it will have to come from academia.

I would suggest getting into contact with Bent Flyvbjerg, a Danish Geographer at the Oxford Saïd School of Business.

His specialty is exactly projects like this, and the Olympics, and given that Brisbane has both, its perfect for that sort of rigorous

scrutiny. Here is his profile page:

Bent Flyvbjerg https://www.sbs.ox.ac.uk/about-us/people/bent-flyvbjerg

[ozbob]

Queensland Government under fire over Cross River Rail costs blowout | 7NEWS