Joint Statement: Ipswich scores Queensland Rail's new-look passenger HQ

[ozbob]

Joint Statement:

Premier and Minister for the Arts
The Honourable Anna Bligh

Minister for Transport
The Honourable Rachel Nolan
08/12/2009

Ipswich scores Queensland Rail's new-look passenger HQ

In a return to its historic origins Ipswich will be the operational headquarters for Queensland Rail's new passenger business.

Premier Anna Bligh and Transport Minister and Member for Ipswich Rachel Nolan said as one of Queensland's fastest growing regions and as the traditional home of QR, Ipswich was the perfect home for the Government's new passenger train business.

"This is part of our government's commitment to staged decentralisation of government services, which will reduce pressure on the Brisbane CBD," Ms Nolan said.

"This process will commence with Executive staff only. I can assure all QR Passenger staff that the process will be staged and be carried out in close consultation with employees.

"Ipswich is where it all began. In 1865, Ipswich was QR's administrative centre."

Ms Nolan said the preparation for the public float of the nation's newest transport giant - including QR's coal tracks and trains and QR's freight, services and operations businesses - will begin in the new year.

However, she said that QR's passenger services will be separated out by June 2010 and retained in 100 per cent state ownership.

Ms Nolan said the move to Ipswich would return Queensland Rail to its historic roots and also contribute not only to an increased focus on passenger services but to the on-going sustainable development of the South East Queensland region.

"In 1865, Queensland Rail began in Ipswich when the first railway to Grandchester was opened.

"For nearly 150 years the city and the railway have retained their strong ties.

"Headquartering the new passenger-focussed Queensland Rail in Ipswich will cement that connection.

"It is also a major step in our government's strategy of creating sustainable growth and decentralising jobs across the SEQ region."

December 8 2009

==============================================================

[ozbob]

 ,   .... need some time to collect my thoughts ... 

[ozbob]

Premier and Minister for the Arts
The Honourable Anna Bligh
08/12/2009

New QR National to be one of Australia's biggest companies

A listed Queensland Rail - to be called QR National - is set to be a top 50 ASX company and Australia's biggest coal transport and freight business.

Announcing the future structure of QR's businesses today, Premier Anna Bligh said the QR coal and freight network would be floated through a share offer, giving Queenslanders the chance to buy a stake in one of their own.

"The journey Queensland Rail starts today is also the start of a journey toward a new, stronger Queensland," Ms Bligh said.

"And this offers an opportunity for Queenslanders to own their own piece of a Queensland icon.

"Through their investment, they will get the opportunity to watch this business grow into a truly national and international company.

"QR's coal and freight businesses have a proud history of more than140 years. Now is the time for a brand new era for a true Queensland champion."

Ms Bligh confirmed the government would retain passenger services in public ownership, but would push through with its plan to sell the remaining businesses.

"This structure will see us establish a brand new Government-Owned Corporation exclusively for our passenger network.

"This GOC will be entirely focused on delivering the public transport system Queenslanders need. It will also hold the balance of the network."

Ms Bligh today also confirmed three other assets would be leased progressively from next year.

"We have taken advice from our commercial advisors, and they firmly believe that there is a growing appetite for these businesses in the market - the time is right."

Time frames

    * Port of Brisbane (a 99-year lease) - to market in mid 2010
    * Abbot Point (a 99-year lease) - to market in December 2010
    * QR coal and freight business (QR National) - list on the stock market at the end of 2010
    * Queensland Motorways Limited (up to 50 year franchise) - to market in mid 2011

The timber business, Forestry Plantations Queensland, was put to market on 26 November with the process expected to be completed by June.

8 December 2009


==============================================================

Ms Bligh confirmed the government would retain passenger services in public ownership, but would push through with its plan to sell the remaining businesses.

"This structure will see us establish a brand new Government-Owned Corporation exclusively for our passenger network.

"This GOC will be entirely focused on delivering the public transport system Queenslanders need. It will also hold the balance of the network."

This part looks promising ...

[WTN]

Interesting times ahead.  I wonder what will happen to Mayne depot.  Will QR Passenger merge with QR Network?  Or even Translink? 

[Jon Bryant]

The separation of operators from network from coordinator has worked sucessfully in other parts of the world.  The key here is not organisation structure it is a lack of infrastructure investment. It is hard to soar like an eagle when your wings are clipped.

[Derwan]

Good timing as it was the end-of-year combined QRG tonight - and Paul Scurrah gave us some information on this.

QR Passenger will become "Queensland Rail".  Parts of QR Network will move across to Queensland Rail.  This means that the single organisation will be responsible for both trains and track.  A good outcome.

TransLink remains an authority of the Government and is not affected.

[ozbob]

Treasurer and Minister for Employment and Economic Development
The Honourable Andrew Fraser
08/12/2009

ALL QUEENSLANDERS INVITED TO SHARE IN QR FLOAT

All Queenslanders will be offered the opportunity to join the new-look, publicly-floated, nationally-focussed transport giant QR National and existing QR coal and freight workers will be gifted $1000 worth of shares, Treasurer Andrew Fraser announced today.

"This priority share package is a reflection of the government's recognition of the workers' contribution to making QR what it is today," Mr Fraser said.

"It also gives them a tangible stake in its exciting privately-owned future."

The staff share package is not an uncommon approach in such public floats - recent examples include the Commonwealth Bank, Qantas, Telstra and Myer.

"The design of the public float process for this business - taking in QR's coal tracks and trains, and QR's freight and services businesses - begins today.

"QR's passenger services will however be separated out from the rest of the business by June 2010 and be retained in 100 per cent state ownership.

"This will give QR passenger services a clear and better dedicated focus.  This will be run as a new Government Owned Corporation."

Mr Fraser said the State Government will initially retain a 25 to 40 per cent shareholding in the publicly-floated coal and freight businesses.

"Just as with the Suncorp float in the 1990s, the new company's headquarters will be here in Brisbane.

"By retaining the 25 to 40 per cent of the new company, the government will offer the new entity short to medium term stability. There is every confidence that QR will be a success on the listed market, providing a boost to Queensland's balance sheet.

"It is, however, not our intention to remain a shareholder in the longer term.

"Today's QR float announcement is part of our government's plan to lease four other major assets which began last month with Forestry Plantations Queensland. It is planned the FPQ process will be concluded by June.

"The time is right.  It is not the Government's role to own and operate coal businesses.

"Instead of putting money towards new coal trains, the Government can better focus on its key role delivering social infrastructure and services for the public - like schools and hospitals.

"These assets need billions of dollars of ongoing Government investment over the next five years.

"It is the Government's view that the private sector is better placed to take on the expense and risk of running these commercial businesses."

Key elements of the eligible employee share offer include:

    * Free allocation of shares up to the value of $1000
    * The opportunity to purchase an additional $4000 in shares at a discounted rate
    * Eligible employees - permanent employees who have transferred to the new business and be in the business at the point of sale
    * Shares must be held for a minimum period of three years
    * Assistance will be provided in accessing financial (including taxation) planning advice
    * Pre-float seminars will be developed for QR staff

The actual shares will be issued at the time of the new company's float.

8 December 2009

==============================================================

[ozbob]

From the Courier Mail click here!

Bligh rolls in share float to appease opposition to asset sales

Bligh rolls in share float to appease opposition to asset sales
Article from: The Courier-Mail

Steven Wardill

December 08, 2009 11:00pm

ONE of the biggest public floats in Australian history will hit the market next year under ambitious State Government plans to sell parts of Queensland Rail to mum and dad investors.

Premier Anna Bligh yesterday announced QR's coal and freight business would be packaged and sold and Queensland residents will be given first access to the share offering.

While the Government will initially retain a controlling stake of up to 40 per cent in the new company - QR National - the sale late next year is expected to still reap more than $4 billion, dwarfing Myer's recent $2.4 billion sell-off.

Amid a fierce union campaign against the sale, the Government will give about 9000 QR employees forced to switch to the new entity $1000 in shares and offer them a further $4000 worth at a discount.

Ms Bligh said Queenslanders would have the opportunity to own a piece of an "icon" and be part of a business with international potential.

However, the plan provoked an instant rebuke from privatisation critics, including a member of Ms Bligh's own back bench.

Bundamba MP Jo-Ann Miller, whose electorate includes the Redbank Railway Workshops, said Ms Bligh had given QR workers years of employment uncertainty as a pre-Christmas present.

"I am very concerned that it has put a dampener on their Christmas," Ms Miller said.

She said workers did not want short-term gain in exchange for long-term job uncertainty.

"They can't plan for their future now," she said.

The Government insisted QR workers, as well as employees of other assets up for sale, would be guaranteed jobs for two years.

Two other assets, the Port of Brisbane and Abbot Point Coal Terminal, will be sold on 99-year leases next year, while Queensland Motorways will be sold as a franchise for up to 50 years in 2011.

Ms Bligh said the lease arrangements should help quell some of the concerns by ensuring the assets remained in state ownership.

"What this does is help to alleviate some of the concerns that Queenslanders have had about this and still deliver an outcome that the budget needs if we are going to keep delivering what Queenslanders want," she said.

[ozbob]

Media Release 8 December 2009

QR

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web based community support group for rail and public transport and an advocate for public transport commuters has long opposed the sale of the States rail assets (1).  A public float of the QR's coal tracks and trains, and QR's freight and services businesses has begun.  We note the intention of the Government to retain initially 25 - 40% of the float but not for the longer term.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"The float of QR's coal business and freight and services has commenced. We would encourage the Government to remain a key shareholder to ensure future prosperity and stability."

"Not withstanding the float, we welcome the formation of the Government Owned Corporation QR to take full control of rail passenger operations including the passenger network. Of the possible outcomes post sale we think this is the best one for moving forward with sustainable rail passenger transport for the future. QR will have combined corporate knowledge  and  once barriers are removed can get on with the business of moving people safely, efficiently and in a sustainable manner with modern passenger rail."

"Rail passengers throughout Queensland will be concerned about the future though.  We call on the Government to guarantee that rail passenger and local general freight services will be kept affordable and accessible throughout Queensland."

References:

1.   http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=2360.msg11371#msg11371

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

[ozbob]

From Queensland Times click here!

Ipswich will become rail HQ

Ipswich will become rail HQ

9th December 2009

PREMIER Anna Bligh yesterday announced Ipswich will become the new headquarters for Queensland Rail's passenger services.

QR comes home Ipswich will be rail HQ

PREMIER Anna Bligh yesterday announced Ipswich will become the new headquarters for Queensland Rail's passenger services.

The move will see 400 Brisbane-based workers transfer to the city at a CBD location still to be decided.

Transport Minister Rachel Nolan hailed the news as QR returning to its historic roots – the very first railway line in Queensland was opened between Ipswich and Grandchester in 1865.

But in the same announce- ment Premier Bligh said she would press ahead with controversial plans to sell off QR's coal and freight division.

The business will be rebranded QR National and publicly floated in the second half of 2010.

Unions have fought a bitter campaign against the privatis- ation, claiming that up to 600 rail workers' jobs could be lost at the Redbank rail depot alone.

Ms Nolan said while no date had been set for the move, QR was looking for a central Ipswich location to base its passenger headquarters – with a building in the soon-to-be-redeveloped Ipswich CBD a possibility.

"There will be 400 jobs moving to Ipswich. Initially that will be executive staff and we will work closely with other employees and the union to draw up a timetable for their move," Ms Nolan said.

"This is a move that has many benefits, one of which is that it's a start to the decentralisation of government services.

"This will also be a real catalyst for the development of the Ipswich CBD – these are 400 good jobs that will be forever based in the heart of Ipswich.

"I'm sure it will open up more job opportunities for Ipswich as well. This announcement is good news for the people of Ipswich."

QR National – which the government will initially retain 25 to 40 per cent of for some time before selling off its shares – will have a 99-year lease over the State's coal and general freight networks.

An initial public offering of shares will go ahead in the second half of next year, with a guaranteed allocation for Queensland residents.

QR coal and freight workers will get $1000 worth of shares and will have the option of buying an additional $4000 of shares at a discounted price.

Ipswich Mayor Paul Pisasale said the announcement was an early Christmas present for the people of Ipswich.

"To have QR's headquarters come back to Ipswich, its original home, is absolutely fantastic – this is one of the best decisions I've heard in a long time," Cr Pisasale said.

"We've been working hard with Rachel Nolan and the Government to bring this here to Ipswich, and now that hard work has paid off."

He said council would do whatever it could to assist QR and the State Government with the relocation and establishment of QR's head office in Ipswich.

State Opposition leader John-Paul Langbroek said the new structure for Queensland Rail was a very complicated structure and the "devil was in the detail".

"This whole fire-sale process raises more questions than answers," he said.

"What guarantees can Bligh and Labor give that this won't turn into another Airport Link/ Brisconnections-style debacle?

[ozbob]

From the Brisbanetimes click here!

Lobby group backs new rail structure

Lobby group backs new rail structure
TONY MOORE
December 9, 2009 - 5:38AM

Passengers would get a better deal from the State Government's decision to make the passenger rail services a government-owned corporation, commuter lobby group Rail Back on Track said last night.

Spokesman Robert Dow said the decision to keep 100 per cent ownership of QR's passenger services and regroup it as a GOC, gave it the chance to invest in the Citytrain network.

"What it will do is it will give the passenger business control of the network - the track - and things that they don't have any direct control over at the moment," Mr Dow said.

"So we think that will endear to an improved rail passenger business and will actually position it for expansion," he said.

"Which is going to have to happen in terms of the increased services they will need if they are going to have to move people."

A Queensland Treasury officer said there was no planned changes to Translink, itself a government-owned corporation, which manages rail, bus and ferry services.

Rail Back on Track has been scathing of the frequency of faults on Brisbane's passenger rail network in the past six months.

After signal faults on Friday and Sunday trapped rail commuters for hours, Mr Dow said commuters could make their feelings known at the ballot box.

"Another major failure last Friday afternoon peak pushed the ontime train performance down to 54.75 per cent," he said.

"These constant failures are impacting at a very significant level in terms of many folks additional expenses for child care, taxi fares, and the cost of missed appointments both financially and in terms of the constant stress and worry."

Meanwhile, the decision to publicly float the coal and freight arm of QR has been criticised by unions but supported by major infrastructure lobby organisation Infrastructure Partnerships Australia.

IPA executive director Brendan Lyon - who has publicly supported the government's asset sale position - used Canada as an example to support the listing of the coal and freight arms of QR under a 99-year lease.

"Canada undertook similar reforms to Canadian National Railways in the 1990s and also used a public float, delivering strong value for money to taxpayers and an efficient freight network to feed its economy," Mr Lyon said.

"It was the largest privatisation in Canadian history, raising (Canadian) $2.26 billion for Canadian taxpayers," he said.

"The Canada National IPO was eight-times oversubscribed, and it has grown ten-fold since privatisation."

In June, the Queensland Government estimated the privatisation Queensland Rail's coal and rail freight area could raise $7 billion.

[ozbob]

From the Brisbanetimes click here!

Union slams QR's Ipswich move

Union slams QR's Ipswich move
CAMERON ATFIELD
December 9, 2009 - 5:38AM

The Rail, Bus and Tram Union has hit out on plans to relocate 400 Queensland Rail employees to Ipswich, saying there had been no consultation and the move was simply a "smokescreen'' to cover up the State Government's partial privatisation of QR.

Transport Minister Rachel Nolan yesterday announced that Ipswich would become the operational base of Queensland Rail's new passenger train service.

"This is part of our government's commitment to staged decentralisation of government services, which will reduce pressure on the Brisbane CBD,'' she said.

But RTBU Queensland secretary Owen Doogan last night told brisbanetimes.com.au that the plans had been announced without any consultation with the union.

"This is just a get-out, it's not about regionalisation - it's about providing a smokescreen to hide their disgraceful decision about the privatisation of Queensland Rail,'' he said.

Mr Doogan said the union intended to "take this up'' with QR and the State Government on the employees' behalf.

"They've made this call and now hundreds of employees will be forced to go out to Ipswich, because their jobs (in Brisbane) will be made redundant,'' he said.

"There are hundreds of employees in Brisbane and they can live in Caboolture or anywhere and it's disgraceful thing to do to people.

"I can't understand the logic that the government would be so cruel.''

Last night, a spokesman for Ms Nolan conceded the relevant unions were only informed yesterday, but said consultation would need to occur and that was why there was no firm timeframe for the move.

[Derwan]

I don't agree with the move to Ipswich.  The "core" of the whole QR Passenger network is the city.  How can a business function if they're forced to operate from a location so far from the core of their network?

There are plenty of government departments and sub-agencies (dare I say it, even the Shared Service Agency) that do not rely so heavily on having a presence in the city.  If this is part of Anna's decentralisation scheme, I don't think it was thought through thoroughly.  (Say the last three words 5 times very quickly!)

[O_128]

Wont if anything this make even more people drive rather than catch a train due to the terrible of peak frequency to ipswich that people travelling there will have to put up with

[mufreight]

Perhaps it could mean that this desperate action to try to save Minister Nolan from political oblivion might mean that the Ipswich line will now see improvements in service ans frequency similar to those of the Gold Coast line with a flow on to Cabolture line services.
The concept of selling off the best performing rail operator in Australia QR / QR National / ARG is again total stupidity and bloody mindness from a government that no longer has the excuse of the effects of a recession.

[Arnz]

I can't see Rosewood line being massively improved in the near future to a 2-tier type service similar to the Beenleigh/South Coast Line. 

As recent government reports had said they were planning/proposing to eliminate the Rosewood shuttle, but instead extend the Ipswich (all-stopper) service to Rosewood.

[ozbob]

From the brisbanetimes click here!

QR strike the first of many: unions

QR strike the first of many: unions
MARISSA CALLIGEROS
December 9, 2009 - 12:22PM

Unions have warned today's stop-work action by rail workers protesting the Bligh Government's rail sell-off could be the first in a series of strikes to come, with calls for the entire QR network to be shut down sometime in the new year.

More than 600 rail workers in Redbank, west of Brisbane, walked off the job after 400 of their colleagues in Rockhampton did so this morning, all "furious" that they had been dragged into the Government's privatisation scheme.

Workers in Townsville downed tools soon after with 200 walking off the job.

The Queensland Council of Unions were meeting today to discuss the next step in their campaign against the asset sales.

The action comes less than 24 hours after Premier Anna Bligh announced that QR's coal and freight business would be sold in a public share float.

The Electrical Trades Union warned today's strike would be the first of many amid claims between 4,000 and 5,000 jobs are risk as a result of the share float.

"They're selling their assets and selling our jobs with them. We have no choice but to protest," ETU Queensland secretary Peter Simpson said.

"It is likely today's stoppage is only the first of many in the weeks and months ahead."

Mr Simpson could not say whether the QR passenger network would be affected in future strikes.

"We're trying to minimise any effect on the public, but we can't rule that out at this stage."

He said maintenance workers would have a subdued Christmas after yesterday's announcement.

"Our workers are very nervous about their futures. Two years job security is nothing."

Rail, Tram and Bus Union secretary Owen Doogan said the State Government initially promised the maintenance workshops in Rockhampton, Ipswich and Townsville would not be sold off.

But he said the final QR sale plan, released yesterday, included the workshops.

"Until yesterday we were only fighting over coal," Mr Doogan said.

Queensland Treaurer Andrew Fraser refuted claims the Government promised to maintain ownership of the railyards.

"We did not say that, we said we would look to sell the coal business above and below and that we would undertake an assessment of the other parts of QR," Mr Fraser told ABC Radio.

Mr Doogan said workers were nevertheless concerned about their job security.

"[The workers] have no knowledge whether or not the private companies will continue to use the workshops, or whether they will access the goods from overseas or interstate. They have no idea how bad an effect it could have, but they're pretty sure that there will be a negative effect."

RTBU spokesman Les Moffitt said more meetings would be held across the state today to discuss further co-ordinated strike action.

"We have now declared war on the Queensland Government. We're not going to sit back idly and allow this all to happen. It's not just rail workers we're talking about it's Queenslanders in general, because at the end of the day QR is a public service."

[Ace]

Image if QR Passenger and Brisbane Transport went on strike at the same time.  Now that would be true chaos in Brisbane.

[ozbob]

From the Queensland Times click here!

Chance for improved QR service

Chance for improved QR service

10th December 2009

IPSWICH commuters could face less disruptions and delays after privatisation splits QR in two, according to train lobby group Rail Back on Track.

Spokesman Robert Dow said privatisation issues aside, QR Passenger only controlled trains, not the tracks and above ground infrastructure – which is operated by QR Network, a separate entity.

Under privatisation, QR Passenger would change its name simply to QR and would take back control of the network's tracks and other infrastructure, which would be a win for passengers, according to Mr Dow.

"It would be better for commuters, because I think QR Passenger currently try hard to run services without disruption, but are often let down by QR Network," he said.

"If they controlled everything in the network, there would be no communication barriers, maintenance work could be carried out quicker and, overall, I think it would run smoother.

"Whether or not you agree with privatisation, this gives QR the opportunity to improve its rail service.

"It could run better than the way it is going now, because at the moment there too many disruptions, faults and delays that are slowing the network right down."

Mr Dow called on the state government to assure rail passengers that privatisation would not raise rail prices.

"We call on the government to guarantee rail passenger and local general freight services will be kept affordable and accessible throughout Queensland," he said.

[justanotheruser]

I don't agree with the move to Ipswich.  The "core" of the whole QR Passenger network is the city.  How can a business function if they're forced to operate from a location so far from the core of their network?

There are plenty of government departments and sub-agencies (dare I say it, even the Shared Service Agency) that do not rely so heavily on having a presence in the city.  If this is part of Anna's decentralisation scheme, I don't think it was thought through thoroughly.  (Say the last three words 5 times very quickly!)

can you explain this statement please? I don't understand what is so vital that they remain in the CBD for. Considering the way the use technology to monitor things remotely now there is no reason that can not still happen. It could also be a bonus as there will be empty CBD office space that could be rented out at a higher price than office space at ipswich.

On a side note this could mean more services on the ipswich line which is good for me!

As I've said before. The unions are saying two years job security is not enough. I have never in my life had that much job security. Live in the real world please you unions. I don't mind unions when they stand up for good things like they used to but these days they fight everything. A former railway employee friend of mine was telling me about the union threatning to go on strike when money went missing from a train station with just one staff member. The staff member claimed they left the safe open and someone broke into the office and stole the money. The union reckoned the guy wasn't at fault because there should have been a station master there. What rubbish. The staff member was in the wrong by either stealing the money or failing in his duty to keep it safe. Either way it is gross misconduct which is instant dismissal. Yet the unions were calling for a strike!

[Derwan]

can you explain this statement please? I don't understand what is so vital that they remain in the CBD for. Considering the way the use technology to monitor things remotely now there is no reason that can not still happen. It could also be a bonus as there will be empty CBD office space that could be rented out at a higher price than office space at ipswich.

QR Passenger has been realigning its approach.  It sees its core function now as customer service, rather than a provider of facilities.  Providing a customer service is difficult when you're so far away from your customers.

There are probably many areas of QR Passenger that aren't dependent on location (HR, Finance, etc) but for management and areas such as communication/marketing, the city seems a more logical location.

If something goes wrong, it would be easier to have senior staff on hand in the city to face the angry mobs - rather than so far away in Ipswich.

[mufreight]

If properly implemented there would be a presence of middle management customer service staff in satellite offices such as at Central, Roma Street, Eagle Junction, Petrie and Beenleigh.  Locations such as these should have customer service managers (station masters) in any case and there is no necessicity to have the executive officers even within walking distance of the main rail centers.
Phones and emails provide more than adequate communication to manage difficulties that arise.
The location of the nerve centre is under todays avaliable technology realy irrelevant.

[justanotheruser]

can you explain this statement please? I don't understand what is so vital that they remain in the CBD for. Considering the way the use technology to monitor things remotely now there is no reason that can not still happen. It could also be a bonus as there will be empty CBD office space that could be rented out at a higher price than office space at ipswich.

QR Passenger has been realigning its approach.  It sees its core function now as customer service, rather than a provider of facilities.  Providing a customer service is difficult when you're so far away from your customers.

There are probably many areas of QR Passenger that aren't dependent on location (HR, Finance, etc) but for management and areas such as communication/marketing, the city seems a more logical location.

If something goes wrong, it would be easier to have senior staff on hand in the city to face the angry mobs - rather than so far away in Ipswich.

I agree with mufreight. Station masters would (make that should) have that included in their job description. Regular station staff have radios so they can easily be told what is happening by the SM's office. If the SM does not know then it won't do any good having executives there. It really is part of the regular station staff job to inform customers anyway.  TV stationshave roaming crews that would have somebody close to ipswich so if they really wanted to interview someone at short notice they could. Finally your approach seems to be stuff anybody who isn't in the city. I realise that is where the majority of customers are but that is no excue to ignore the others. Any solution you suggest of letting people in the suburbs know what is happening could also be used the other way around as well. So no reason I can see to keep it in the city.
This move would also decrease congestion by having staff stay away from CBD. This is also a good thing.

[#Metro]

  Not another name change for QR. I hope that they don't waste millions on reprinting the business cards, stickers, logos and re-painting things...

[mufreight]

Well the government wastes millions on Translink to pay non-productive beauracrats, so if it was to take the Translink name off everything it could be a good move but it would be reasonable that under the management of the present QR Passenger head who has an exceptional record of doing as much as possible with the restricted budger that has been to this time controled by Translink, that there will be no wholesale rebranding or replacement of stationary, as the name change will be from QR Passenger to QR and will be assuming control of of other divisions of the existing QR no doubt it will be a case of them also using up existing stocks then changing as new stocks are required.
There are a lot of other areas that any avaliable funds will be expended on first to improve the reliability of the system.

[Tavt]

I agree with Derwan.
Although CSMs are the face of decisions to customers, I'd prefer that the people making those decisions were on hand should anything go wrong. Brisbane CBD is the transport hub of SEQ, it is important to note that while DTMR, TransLink and other Transport GOCs are occupying office space in Brisbane, so too should QR.
On top of that discussion, how is it fair to the people who already commute from outwards of the CBD? Are Sunshine Coast and/or Gold Coast workers really going to enjoy their 4 hours a day commute?
Although I'm 90% sure that there's nothing to worry about anyone moving. This seems like a convenient topic change to take our minds away from the asset sell off (not that I'm against that, I'm just stating that more than a few people do not view it in a positive light). We'll see how things settle in the new year...

[justanotheruser]

I agree with Derwan.
Although CSMs are the face of decisions to customers, I'd prefer that the people making those decisions were on hand should anything go wrong. Brisbane CBD is the transport hub of SEQ, it is important to note that while DTMR, TransLink and other Transport GOCs are occupying office space in Brisbane, so too should QR.
On top of that discussion, how is it fair to the people who already commute from outwards of the CBD? Are Sunshine Coast and/or Gold Coast workers really going to enjoy their 4 hours a day commute?
Although I'm 90% sure that there's nothing to worry about anyone moving. This seems like a convenient topic change to take our minds away from the asset sell off (not that I'm against that, I'm just stating that more than a few people do not view it in a positive light). We'll see how things settle in the new year...

Just like Derwan you seem to ignore the fact that passengers existy in places other than the city. That is a major problem. It is so city focused.
What also seems strange is that if these people are already in the city where are they now when things go wrong. Do they come down and man the gates? No of course not. They leave it to the staff whose job it is to man the gates and help customers. So essentially you are arguing to have two people doing the same job the way I see it.

[Tavt]

Justanother, I'm not implying that at all. If you had read my post, you see that I clearly state my opinion Brisbane CBD is the transport hub of SEQ, can you really refute the idea that Brisbane PT is much larger that Ipswich? Of course not. Places like Ipswich city may be growing fast, but realistically Brisbane will continue to lead the way in population growth, and so too the PT will increase in the city heart.
Without making an assumption on your connection to those who have executive managerial positions at QR, they do often travel to a location to provide guidance and assistance to the front line staff, as well as make visits to affected areas to ensure directions are being carried out. Obviously their role is not to have a face to face with the customer (not really sure where you got that one from?), but to support their staff who are that interface. These aren't high level paper pushers who lock themselves in an office and hide under the desk everytime something goes wrong. I feel the move to distance them from the central areas of business and customer service is certainly not a move for the better.
Yes, you may argue that the possibility of QR's closer proximity to Ipswich may mean that Western region issues will be resolved faster, but I highly doubt that. Brisbane CBD will always remain the focus, and so it should. With the highest number of pax travelling through the four CBD stations, that's just good business.
In any case, like I said, I'd be interested to see if it does happen. I definitely have my doubts... It's possible infrastructure and planning would move out, but I'd like to see customer service and stations retained in the CBD. 

[skippy]

I can't see Rosewood line being massively improved in the near future to a 2-tier type service similar to the Beenleigh/South Coast Line. 

As recent government reports had said they were planning/proposing to eliminate the Rosewood shuttle, but instead extend the Ipswich (all-stopper) service to Rosewood.

I bet the afternoon services will be improved. Currently staff missing the 4.38pm from Ipswich have to wait 1 hour 13 minutes for next train! No wonder the patronage is so poor.

[ozbob]

From the Queensland Times click here!

Union to fight QR move to Ipswich

Union to fight QR move to Ipswich

Zane Jackson | 19th December 2009

STAFF at Brisbane's Queensland Rail headquarters have been told that it could be several years before their jobs are moved to Ipswich.

The plan to move 400 staff to Ipswich was announced last week as the State Government confirmed it was pressing ahead with plans to privatise QR's coal freight division.

Union leaders believe the move was announced to deflect attention from the 500 job losses they claim the sell-off will lead to at QR's Redbank workshops.

But the planned move to Ipswich has provoked a backlash among Brisbane-based QR employees, who learned their jobs were being relocated through media reports.

In a memo to staff leaked to The Queensland Times, QR's interim chief executive Paul Scurrah sought to allay employees' fears by revealing that no positions will be relocated to Ipswich for at least two years after the break-up of QR's freight and passenger businesses. That is expected to happen in mid-2010.

Mr Scurrah said in that two-year period, the government would consult with staff to identify the specific jobs that would be relocated.

The letter states a voluntary relocation program would be made available during the two-year period, while the possibility of creating "local working hubs"– outside of Ipswich – will also be investigated.

Rail Tram and Bus Union secretary Owen Doogan said the decision to move QR's headquarters was rushed and would be opposed by his union.

"Most QR staff heard about the planned move to Ipswich through the media, not from QR hierarchy, and coming before Christmas it has left a lot of people in limbo," Mr Doogan said.

"They have mortgages, partners who work in their local area, kids in schools, and all these things they don't want to and can't uproot.

"We're very concerned – we're asking the government to step back from this."

Mr Doogan said his members did not have a problem with Ipswich itself, just its location from their current homes.

Shadow Minister for Transport Fiona Simpson said the move seemed like an "ad hoc" and rushed plan.

"It's one thing to give a voluntary option of moving your job to another city, but if you have no choice it's naturally upsetting," she said.

[justanotheruser]

another case of unions needing to live in the real world. So what if staff wearn't told beforehand. So what if it was announced just before christmas. Means nothing. Makes no difference at all. As for things like being moved to another city without being told well this happens to other people. I have a friend who was told he would either be retrenched or he could move from sydney to brisbane if he wanted to keep his job. What makes QR people think they are so special they should get special treatment? If they want that kind of special treatment they should take pay cuts as compensation for the security they have. It is awful to be in the situation but others have no choice but to deal with it so they can too. Sorry if this sounds heartless but I as a taxpayer am sick and tired of govt employees wanting the same pay (often higher) and special treatment. You can't have your cake and eat it.

[O_128]

i think chermside or even bowen hills would be alot smarter

[#Metro]

Well they could be moved to some yucky place after the Doomben line (Australia Trade Coast) where there is lots of land; but it is a truly HORRIBLE place, no PT, surrounded by smelly mangroves, landing aircraft overhead and chemical/fuel tank farms/trucks etc.

There are lots of people who travel from Ipswich to Brisbane every day.
At least they will be travelling counter-flow in the morning and at night. And I would think that they would get the latest and greatest brand new building in Ipswich. And the land prices/cost of living over that way might be cheaper as well. And more Ipswich people can get a job with QR; Paul Pisale must be happy. (Perhaps upping the frequency to 15 minutes will follow?).

2 years seems very very generous. I don't know any company who would bend that far.
If it were me, I would be grateful the job is only going to Ipswich, and not be outsourced overseas.
(Remote control of rail operations by people overseas has not been tried; but with today's internet technology I wouldn't be surprised at all. If hospitals can do surgery by remote...).

[O_128]

2 years seems very very generous. I don't know any company who would bend that far.
If it were me, I would be grateful the job is only going to Ipswich, and not be outsourced overseas.
(Remote control of rail operations by people overseas has not been tried; but with today's internet technology I wouldn't be surprised at all. If hospitals can do surgery by remote...).

exactly ive had friends who have been told you have one week to move to sydney or your fired. typical government workers thinking they deserve more than everyone else.

[Derwan]

typical government workers thinking they deserve more than everyone else.

Oh but we do!   

[somebody]

exactly ive had friends who have been told you have one week to move to sydney or your fired. typical government workers thinking they deserve more than everyone else.

Doesn't sound like the company was very keen to hang on them then!  Does that sort of behaviour get you around the need to pay redundancy?  Seems like an attractive end-run if it does.

[O_128]

what about telstras outsourcing of call centres at least they get to keep there jobs

[justanotheruser]

exactly ive had friends who have been told you have one week to move to sydney or your fired. typical government workers thinking they deserve more than everyone else.

Doesn't sound like the company was very keen to hang on them then!  Does that sort of behaviour get you around the need to pay redundancy?  Seems like an attractive end-run if it does.

In Australia if the job is under an award (IT jobs generally aren't) then if the company wants you to move interstate they are obliged to pay your moving costs and 12 weeks rent. I can not imagine this would get the company out of paying redundancy however some companies will try to pull the wool over the employees eyes so it is not out of the question.

[somebody]

I can't see Rosewood line being massively improved in the near future to a 2-tier type service similar to the Beenleigh/South Coast Line. 

As recent government reports had said they were planning/proposing to eliminate the Rosewood shuttle, but instead extend the Ipswich (all-stopper) service to Rosewood.

I bet the afternoon services will be improved. Currently staff missing the 4.38pm from Ipswich have to wait 1 hour 13 minutes for next train! No wonder the patronage is so poor.

The service is miles better than the Nambour line, and gets much less patronage.  It's not where improvements should be sent, although I do see through trains rather than the change at Ipswich.

[ozbob]

From the Queensland Times click here!

QR CEO has tour of city

QR CEO has tour of city

13th January 2010

RACHEL Nolan took new interim Queensland Rail chief executive Paul Scurrah on a whistlestop tour of Ipswich yesterday.

Transport Minister and Member for Ipswich Rachel Nolan shows interim chief executive of Queensland Rail, Paul Scurrah, around Ipswich.
Sarah Harvey

RACHEL Nolan took new interim Queensland Rail (QR) chief executive Paul Scurrah on a whistlestop tour of Ipswich yesterday.

The Transport Minister and Member for Ipswich said the visit was the first step in relocating the headquarters of QR's passenger service.

Last month, the State Government announced plans to gradually move 400 staff to Ipswich over the next two years.

"Paul has been appointed the interim CEO of QR and this is his first visit to Ipswich in that capacity," Ms Nolan said.

"I'm essentially showing him around.

"The point of today is to get a feel of the place and the people because this is where this very big organisation is going to be headquartered."

The relocation was panned by unions, but Mr Scurrah said QR was "committed to a consultation process with the staff".

"Quite a few people are very positive about doing this sooner rather than later and we're committed to making sure that's possible provided it makes sense," Mr Scurrah said.

"We have committed there will be no forced relocations in the next two years. We have to find a site and we have to make sure it is able to handle the growth needs of our business."