Richlands to Springfield Central - Stage 2

[ozbob]

From the Queensland Times click here!

Rail line extension vital to success of Ripley Valley plan


http://media2.apnonline.com.au/img/media/images/2013/04/03/9-1782356-ips030413rail03a_fct1024x630x72_t460.jpg

Rail line extension vital to success of Ripley Valley plan
Geoff Egan 4th Apr 2013 3:00 AM

THE new Springfield train line must be extended to Ipswich for the Ripley Valley housing development to take off, according to an urban planning expert.

Springfield Central station is set to be opened before the end of the year, but University of Queensland planning associate professor John Minnery believes the new line doesn't go far enough.

Prof Minnery said Ripley needed access to rail to properly flourish.

The first housing estate in the Ripley Valley, Ecco Ripley, is set to welcome new residents next year and while the extension of the Springfield line to Ipswich via Ripley is in the Department of Transport's long-term plans, the State Government has no date finish the line.

According to State Government plans the Ripley Valley will see 50,000 homes and 120,000 people, a target Prof Minnery said could be achieved in the long term.

"A lot of the development depends on whether the rail line is extended to Ripley," Prof Minnery said.

"Ripley will not work unless there is good supporting infrastructure. People need to access jobs in Ipswich, Springfield or Brisbane. They aren't in Ripley."

Prof Minnery said the plan for 120,000 people to live in the area was "ambitious", but possible with the right infrastructure.

"It is ambitious, but it's achievable in the long term," he said.

An Economic Development Queensland spokesman said the bulk of the development was scheduled to finish within 20 years.

"The Ripley Valley Priority Development Area (PDA) which was declared in 2010 has been identified as a major long-term growth area for the Ipswich region," he said.

"While the progress of development is subject to market forces, it is expected that significant development of the 4680 hectare site will occur by 2031 with full development by 2057."

Ipswich Mayor Paul said he wanted to see the State and Federal Governments support Ripley Valley by investing in infrastructure. "I agree 100% that we need rail," he said. "Completing the loop from Springfield, through Ripley, to the aerospace precinct at Ipswich is important."

Cr Pisasale has been a prominent supporter.

"Investing in infrastructure is the best gift a government can give Australia," he said.

"We need to encourage more spending by Governments in growth areas rather than in marginal seats."

The QT was still awaiting a response from the office of Minister for Transport Scott Emerson's last night.

[ozbob]

From the Queensland Times click here!

Debate rages over car parking for train station

Debate rages over car parking for train station
Kieran Banks 4th Apr 2013 3:00 AM

SPRINGFIELD Central train station is beginning to take shape with the construction of the station and rail line progressing, but car parking is still a concern for residents.

Major milestones have been reached at Springfield Central Station, work on the ground level structural slab in progress and expected to be finished this month.

All seven rail bridges are complete and 8.3km of the 9.6km of rail has been laid.

Work on three road bridges for the Centenary Hwy upgrade, part of this integrated rail and road project, is well under way.

Debate over the number of car parks at Springfield Central continues, with Oxley MP Bernie Ripoll and state shadow transport minister Jackie Trad fighting for additional parks.

The station has plans for 200, but the Labor MPs want funding released to build 500 parking spaces to cater for the 20,000 strong population.

More than 240 commuters have signed a petition.

A spokesperson for Transport Minister Scott Emerson said Opposition leader Annastacia Palaszczuk rejected the calls for additional car parks when she was the minister.

"It is strange that the Member for South Brisbane would now oppose her leader's views," the spokesperson said.

"The plan for parking around Springfield is appalling and was poorly handled by the former government. Despite Labor's debt and deficit we will continue to consider a suitable parking solution for commuters."

[ozbob]

 

Sent to all outlets:

3rd April 2013

Springfield

Greetings,

Had a look at the rapid progress on the railway to Springfield Central yesterday.  -->  http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=3940.msg123403#msg123403

A very impressive railway line particularly with the 0.9km bridge.  Stations at Springfield and Springfield Central progressing well.

Unfortunately there are only 100 park n' ride spaces planned for Springfield Central, 200 at Springfield.

In view of the collapse of the bus review as proposed by TransLink, it is unlikely that an adequate feeder bus network will be available to support the railway line.

There is been some talk of increased park n' ride being made available at Springfield Central.  As it is, there will be limited patronage for the rail line.

This project is shaping up as another transport planning failure.  So characteristic of Queensland.

Best wishes
Robert

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

Media release 17th October 2012

SEQ: Springfield, Simpsons' or South-east Queensland?

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web based community support group for rail and public transport and an advocate for public transport passengers has said the Springfield Railway line is being set up for failure (1).

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"The railway line from Richlands to Springfield is presently being constructed.  Of great concern to the community is the failure to build Ellen Grove station 'greenfield' and limited park and ride facilities planned for Springfield and Springfield Central railway stations (1).  It also appears the planned train frequency on the line will replicate the poor service on the bulk of the rail network."

"The recent decision to not construct the bicycle path from Richlands to Springfield as planned, has just further highlighted the diabolical situation with transport planning in south-east Queensland (2).  It is presently a paradigm for failure and congestion."

"Richlands has 650 car parking spaces, Springfield will have 200 and Springfield Central 100, a total of 950 spaces. Compare this to the Mandurah railway line in West Australia, that has 3700 car parking spaces for a similar demographic and situation (1)."

"A billion dollars is being spent on the railway line but it is being set up for less than optimal usage.  What is wrong with the planners in Transport and Main Roads?  Are they captured by the car-centric congestion chaos paradigm?  No jurisdiction has solved congestion by building more roads.  Optimising public transport will."

"The State Government is distinguishing itself as one that is focussed on achieving transport mediocrity. A major disappointment to Queenslanders."

References:

1. http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=3940.msg110773#msg110773

2. http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=3940.msg110809#msg110809

Contact:

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

[Derwan]

Feeder buses don't suit everyone.  A colleague at work has been fined a couple of times for parking illegally at Richlands.  She's a mother.  She has to get kids to school before heading to work.  By the time she arrives at Richlands, all the set car spaces are full.

Imagine you have kids at both primary and high school - and you need to get into the city for work.  Sure you could put the kids on buses, but how much will that cost every day?  (That's assuming there are buses that stop close enough.)  For many it's far more convenient to drive the kids to their respective schools and then park at a train station to head to work.

It all depends on where people live and how close facilities such as schools are.  For some, feeder buses would work fine.  For others, it's really not convenient.  We need a mix of feeder buses and park'n'ride facilities to cater for everyone.

Also, with current frequencies, feeder buses simply won't do.  It adds an unknown (uncontrolled) factor to the equation that could result in having to wait a significant amount of time.  Frequencies need to be improved before feeder buses become a viable alternative to driving to stations.

[somebody]

So your solution then is more free parking spaces?

[ozbob]

Mandurah is interesting.

They have these  general car parks

533 Pay 'n' display bays

551 Free park 'n' ride bays

http://www.transperth.wa.gov.au/TimetablesMaps/Maps/StationMaps.aspx

There is also an excellent feeder bus network:

http://www.transperth.wa.gov.au/Portals/0/docs/2013%20Docs/Sheet%209.pdf

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

Springfield stations need both ...  park and ride and bus.  I would like to see the same approach used as in Perth.  Some pay some free.

Why can other jurisdictions do it well, but everything seems such a struggle here in SEQ??

[#Metro]

Nobody has spine these days. Its wither and wilt. Charge them. Disabled etc free. Free off peak and the lady.s money would be better spent on paid parking than paying fines. people need to stop being so precious.

[Derwan]

So your solution then is more free parking spaces?

My personal opinion... no...  fund multi-storey car parks by charging for parking.... possibly with a mix of free and paid like Mandurah.  (Unfortunately that just favours the early-risers.)

A small $2 or $3 fee is affordable.  A 1000-space car park would gross $15,000 per week at $3.

Also, the closer the station is to the city, the higher the parking fee should be.

[dammit]

Hi All
First post here. I have been watching/reading the Thread on Richlands -> Springfield rail development with great interest. It's getting very close!! Below I have pasted a small piece of text I wrote and submitted to local newspapers/facebook Springfield groups to try and increase # of people who have signed the e-petition for more car bays at Springfield Stations. I know a lot of people have been commenting on this issue on this thread so thought it would be of interest to some.


Link to e-Petition: http://bit.ly/XrbTAZ

Springfield rail line construction is nearing completion, an investment of approx. $1.2 billion dollars has gone into the rail line. The State Government has planned a measly 100 car parking spots at Springfield Central Station (near Orion Shopping Centre), and a further 200 parking spots at the Springfield Station (near Woodcrest College).

This is a total of only 300 car bays serving a major rail link for the region to the Brisbane CBD and beyond. Considering Richlands Station has 650 car bays, this short sightedness by Government planners is abysmal, especially considering these stations will be the start of the line so will capture commuters from nearby suburbs/regions as well as locals. The majority of users of the rail line would be travelling by car and parking at the station as opposed to utilising buses as it is going to take years for feeder buses to be properly set up at high frequency levels to serve the community in travelling to the station.

There are over 20,000 residents in Greater Springfield, plus additional rail users will travel and park from Greenbank, Ripley, Redbank Plains and so forth. Population is growing rapidly and further development afield (Ripley Valley) is going to create additional load on Springfield's stations until the line is extended. This needs to be taken into account in construction of these stations to allow an adequate number of car bays.

Federal MP Bernie Ripoll has put a petition in place for all to sign which is to be presented to the Queensland State Parliament. I urge you all to sign the e-partition in support of further car parking bays at these stations to improve accessibility for all.

Link to e-Petition: http://bit.ly/XrbTAZ

[ozbob]

Welcome dammit,  more needs to be done I agree ...

[colinw]

A small $2 or $3 fee is affordable.  A 1000-space car park would gross $15,000 per week at $3.

Having observed paid park & rides running absolutely full in the UK, I am inclined to agree with this. A few dollars to park at a station plus your fare is still far cheaper than parking in the city unless you are one of the privileged few with employer provided parking.

It would be nice if the parking could be integrated with Go Card.  Tag in & out of the carpark with your Go Card.  If there isn't a matching journey then charge a LOT more for the parking.

[SurfRail]

The comments further up about Mandurah really do not obtain for Springfield Central.  Mandurah is not smack-dab in the middle of town.  It's basically vacant and semi-industrial land (even has the local Transperth bus depot right next to it).

[ozbob]

Springfield Central will be eventually in the centre of a busy CBD area, presently it is more isolated than Mandurah ...
http://www.transperth.wa.gov.au/Portals/0/docs/2013%20Docs/Sheet%209.pdf

I think what will happen is that a temporary facility will probably be made available for additional park n' ride at Springfield Central for a number of years, as development occurs and buses stepped up.  Eventually with the construction of a large park n' ride at Redbank Plains South will be phased out.

View Larger Map

[somebody]

A small $2 or $3 fee is affordable.  A 1000-space car park would gross $15,000 per week at $3.

Also, the closer the station is to the city, the higher the parking fee should be.

Better than nothing, but the parking is still highly subsidised in that scenario.

[HappyTrainGuy]

I think what will happen is that a temporary facility will probably be made available for additional park n' ride at Springfield Central for a number of years, as development occurs and buses stepped up.  Eventually with the construction of a large park n' ride at Redbank Plains South will be phased out.

I think that's how Lawnton's unofficial park and ride now operates. The vacant block of land now has some metal rails for parking spots and the ground has been resurfaced with that blue dirt (I forget what its called but without a doubt I'll remember it while I'm doing something after this post). The area is reserved for the rail corridor (quad) and its unlikely anyone anytime soon would develop the area directly surrounding that side knowing that the railway corridor can resume that land.

For those that don't know what I'm talking about - http://goo.gl/maps/hNs0O

[Old Northern Road]

Pretty much every single car park on the Caboolture line is completely full by around 7am. When I used to live at North Lakes I had to drive all the way to Albion to get a park.

But people will scream if you suggest parks should be paid for.  Go figure!

And so they should. As I have said and brought up countless times before for us people that use the Caboolture line there are hardly any or no alternative ways to get to and from the train stations because of a p%ss poor feeder network and unsafe lighting away from the station. If you live at Narangba and you get on the 5.56pm Caboolture service there's a chance you won't meet any futher connecting feeder buses to Narangba (IIRC the last bus that is schedulled to leave Narangba is at something like 6.30 with the 7pm bus being a request only service - Burpengary is the exact same with the last bus at 6.30 and the 7pm bus being request only). Strathpine-Lawnton feeder network is hourly during peak hour and that stops when the sun sets. North Lakes is slightly better by being able to get on a 8pm bus from Petrie but still 8pm final bus. Dakabin has houses close by. There is also a large carpark near by for the sports ground. But as soon as the sun sets you better make sure you have a torch. Fix up the cruddy quality network first before trying to fleece customers out of more money because of poor planning.

Actually the last bus to North Lakes departs at 7.55pm. The worst thing though is that after 5.50pm there isn't another bus until 6.37pm and during that time 8 trains arrive at Petrie.

[Old Northern Road]

Springfield Central will be eventually in the centre of a busy CBD area, presently it is more isolated than Mandurah ...
http://www.transperth.wa.gov.au/Portals/0/docs/2013%20Docs/Sheet%209.pdf

I think what will happen is that a temporary facility will probably be made available for additional park n' ride at Springfield Central for a number of years, as development occurs and buses stepped up.  Eventually with the construction of a large park n' ride at Redbank Plains South will be phased out.

The problem is that once these car parks are built they will be there forever. Robina and Helensvale are a good example of this.

Perhaps a solution could be to build a car park some distance away from the station and have a feeder bus connecting it to the station. This car park would be free while the car park next to the station would cost money.

[ozbob]

From the Queensland Times 9th April 2013 page 9  Letters to the editor

Planned 300 park bays won't work

[ozbob]

From the Queensland Times click here!

Commuter victory: 400 extra parking spaces for station

Commuter victory: 400 extra parking spaces for station
Joel Gould 10th Apr 2013 3:00 AM

TRAIN commuters will now have extra incentive to use public transport with 400 extra car park spaces set to be built at Springfield Central railway station.

The extra car parks will be funded by the State Government with Ipswich City Council owning most of the land.

Ipswich Mayor Paul Pisasale and Transport and Main Roads minister Scott Emerson were both critical of the former Labor Government's plans to commit just 100 spaces for cars.

But now there will be 500 car park spaces to enable residents living in nearby suburbs to park their cars and use the train into Brisbane or other places of work.

The QT has reported how hundreds of commuters have also petitioned for extra spaces to be built.

The $7 million car park will have easy access for both vehicles and pedestrians and will be constructed by TrackStar Alliance, an alliance between Queensland Rail, Thiess, Auricon and Aecom.

"It was abysmal planning by the previous government to put in just 100 car park spaces," Mr Emerson said. "But I'm very pleased that by working closely with Mayor Pisasale we've been able to come up with a solution to have these extra 400 spaces in place. I'm sure they will fill up pretty quickly."

Cr Pisasale said the previous planning had resulted in "a potential disaster of enormous proportions".

"It is fantastic that we have a minister in Scott Emerson who was born in Ipswich, could see the problem ... and fixed it. If you want to encourage people to use public transport you have to have reliable parking. This also means people will not take their cars and clutter up Brisbane."

Cr Pisasale said the selected site was "predominantly owned by Ipswich City Council, and we will negotiate a peppercorn arrangement for the State Government in acknowledgement of the community benefits this project will bring".

Mr Emerson said his government would "find the savings within the project budget to deliver the additional spaces" and that it was hoped the new car park would be open around the same time as the rail line being completed. The rail line and the two stations slated for Springfield and Springfield Central are due for completion in December, 2013.

[ozbob]

Minister for Transport and Main Roads
The Honourable Scott Emerson

Parking boost for Springfield Station

The Newman Government and Ipswich City Council will deliver an additional 400-space park 'n' ride at Springfield Central station.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson said the new park 'n' ride site would solve a looming parking crisis with just 100 spaces committed under the former Labor government's original station design.

"We have been able to work with Ipswich City Council to deliver a total of about 500 spaces," Mr Emerson said.

"Former Transport Minister and now Leader of the Opposition Annastacia Palaszczuk planned a train station that was doomed to fail because it didn't have enough parking.

"Ms Palaszczuk rejected requests to increase parking capacity even dismissing calls from her own colleagues to address the limited parking.

"We've been able to find the savings within the project budget to deliver additional spaces."

The additional parking will be located at the Springfield sports precinct and will include a pedestrian bridge connecting commuters to the station.

Ipswich Mayor Paul Pisasale welcomed the decision to boost the parking at the station.

"This is a positive outcome for everyone involved, and demonstrates the benefits of the state government and council working closely together to find the best possible solution," Cr Pisasale said.

"The selected site is predominantly owned by Ipswich City Council, and we will negotiate a peppercorn arrangement for the state government in acknowledgment of the community benefits this project will bring."

Detailed site planning for the park and ride is now underway with construction expected to cost about $7 million.

Delivery date for the park 'n' ride will be determined once planning is complete and will be part of the $475 million Darra to Springfield Transport Corridor - stage two project.

[ENDS] 10 April 2013                       

[SurfRail]

 

Less than one trainload.

[#Metro]

Will people be charged to park? Car park will fill up again quickly if it isn't.

[Jonno]

If I look at the major sustainable transport developments around the world the big paradigm shift is to get people onto bikes with proper infrastructure.  Both commuter and local trips.  This is an area that no level of Govt is really focused on. Generally around 50% of trips are short & local and best suited to walking & cycling.. Yes even the kids to school.  Frequent routes on major roads (even windy ones) connecting to train stations and other major road routes are required then. We now have a culture of 'Drive first until it is I convienient and then drive to public transport". 

This is not financially sustainable let alone socially! 

If we start down the paid parking path we are locking in the Drive culture into economic gains and we are down a parh of no return.  If it is free the Govt is more likely to ask "Is there a better use if these millions" and let it be redeveloped at a later stage as there is no income from it!

I don't expect anything positive from all levels of Govt at the moment as collectively they are driving our country back into the 1970's

[ozbob]

From the Couriermail Quest click here!

400 car parking spaces to added to 'grossly inadequate' orginal 100

400 car parking spaces to added to 'grossly inadequate' orginal 100

    by: Douglas Estwick, Sprinfield News
    From: Quest Newspapers
    April 10, 2013 3:03PM

Commuters are breathing a sigh of relief with an additional 400-space park 'n' ride allocated to Springfield Central station.

The $475 million Richlands to Springfield rail project is scheduled to be completed by the end of the year but many in the community feared the original 100 spaces was grossly inadequate.

The additional parking will be located at the Springfield sports precinct and will include a pedestrian bridge connecting commuters to the station.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson said the new park 'n' ride site would solve a looming parking crisis.

"We have been able to work with Ipswich City Council to deliver a total of about 500 spaces," Mr Emerson said.

"We've been able to find the savings within the project budget to deliver additional spaces."

Ipswich Mayor Paul Pisasale said it was a positive outcome.

''The selected site is predominantly owned by Ipswich City Council, and we will negotiate a peppercorn arrangement for the State Government in acknowledgment of the community benefits this project will bring."

Rail Back On Track spokesperson Robert Dow said the increased parking facilities would encourage more people to use the rail line but the State Government and council must now put priority on an effective bus feeder network.

Detailed site planning for the park and ride is now underway with construction expected to cost about $7 million.

Delivery date for the park 'n' ride will be determined once planning is complete.

[somebody]

I still feel the major policy failure with this line is not charging for parking at Richlands.  Charge for 500 parks at Springfield Central and they'd probably go empty.

[HappyTrainGuy]

Pretty much every single car park on the Caboolture line is completely full by around 7am. When I used to live at North Lakes I had to drive all the way to Albion to get a park.

But people will scream if you suggest parks should be paid for.  Go figure!

And so they should. As I have said and brought up countless times before for us people that use the Caboolture line there are hardly any or no alternative ways to get to and from the train stations because of a p%ss poor feeder network and unsafe lighting away from the station. If you live at Narangba and you get on the 5.56pm Caboolture service there's a chance you won't meet any futher connecting feeder buses to Narangba (IIRC the last bus that is schedulled to leave Narangba is at something like 6.30 with the 7pm bus being a request only service - Burpengary is the exact same with the last bus at 6.30 and the 7pm bus being request only). Strathpine-Lawnton feeder network is hourly during peak hour and that stops when the sun sets. North Lakes is slightly better by being able to get on a 8pm bus from Petrie but still 8pm final bus. Dakabin has houses close by. There is also a large carpark near by for the sports ground. But as soon as the sun sets you better make sure you have a torch. Fix up the cruddy quality network first before trying to fleece customers out of more money because of poor planning.

Actually the last bus to North Lakes departs at 7.55pm. The worst thing though is that after 5.50pm there isn't another bus until 6.37pm and during that time 8 trains arrive at Petrie.

Close enough but that's still... s**t! haha. Well, hopefully the local feeder buses can operate longer into the night once the North-South East Arterial Road is finished and the MBRL spur goes through as they don't have to run so far to get to the railway line at Petrie or transfer onto another bus at the North Lakes interchagne ie off peak.

[ozbob]

From the South West News 17th April 2013 page 3

Bus feeder runs help boost rail

Bus feeder runs help boost rail   
17 Apr 2013

BUS feeder services to and from the Springfield Central station must be boosted in order to maximise train patronage, public transport advocate Robert Dow said.

The spokesman for Rail Back on Track said more car parking at Springfield would encourage more people to use the rail line but effective bus services were also important.

"That (increased parking) is only going to be part of the solution," Mr Dow said.

"We must keep a close focus on getting feeder buses there as well. That is what is ultimately going to be needed there, particularly as Springfield develops, you will need really good feeder bus networks."

He labelled the $475 million Richlands to Springfield project "a very impressive railway line" with construction at Springfield and Springfield Central progressing well.

"Springfield has 200 (car parks) which, with proper bus support, is probably enough. We'd like to see thousands of people using trains to come in from (the) Ripley and Greenbank side as well."

A spokesperson for Minister for Transport and Main Roads Scott Emerson said TransLink was reviewing the feedback from the latest round of consultation from the SEQ Bus Review.

[ozbob]

From the South West News 17th April 2013 page 3

Carpark plan set to expand

[BrizCommuter]

From the South West News 17th April 2013 page 3

Carpark plan set to expand

Good to see that common sense has finally prevailed.

[somebody]

From the South West News 17th April 2013 page 3

Bus feeder runs help boost rail

Bus feeder runs help boost rail   
17 Apr 2013

BUS feeder services to and from the Springfield Central station must be boosted in order to maximise train patronage, public transport advocate Robert Dow said.

The spokesman for Rail Back on Track said more car parking at Springfield would encourage more people to use the rail line but effective bus services were also important.

"That (increased parking) is only going to be part of the solution," Mr Dow said.

"We must keep a close focus on getting feeder buses there as well. That is what is ultimately going to be needed there, particularly as Springfield develops, you will need really good feeder bus networks."

He labelled the $475 million Richlands to Springfield project "a very impressive railway line" with construction at Springfield and Springfield Central progressing well.

"Springfield has 200 (car parks) which, with proper bus support, is probably enough. We'd like to see thousands of people using trains to come in from (the) Ripley and Greenbank side as well."

A spokesperson for Minister for Transport and Main Roads Scott Emerson said TransLink was reviewing the feedback from the latest round of consultation from the SEQ Bus Review.

Feeder buses at Springfield Central?  Can't see where they would go, except to Springfield lakes via some back streets.  It's Springfield lakes where feeder buses may make sense.  But a bigger issue is that the free parking at Richlands prevents feeder buses from being effective.

[ozbob]

Huh? There is to be a proper bus interchange st S. Central ...

Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2

[somebody]

Huh? There is to be a proper bus interchange st S. Central ...

Hard to see where that will serve when the line opens.  If/when development in the area increases it may well become more useful though.

[ozbob]

Yep  ... that is what I commented .. as development occurs ...  will be interesting to  see what happens from the opening too ...

Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2

[somebody]

Yep  ... that is what I commented .. as development occurs ...  will be interesting to  see what happens from the opening too ...

Well it didn't get into the article.

[ozbob]

Huh?  Reread the article ...

Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2

[somebody]

Huh?  Reread the article ...

I have.

[petey3801]

Huh? There is to be a proper bus interchange st S. Central ...

Hard to see where that will serve when the line opens.  If/when development in the area increases it may well become more useful though.

What? The bus interchange at Springfield Central station will do the same as what the interchange at the Orion Centre is doing now: Serve all the buses in the area! So the feeders will be buses like the 522 and (soon to be gone) 530 through Springfield Lakes and Springfield/Camira area, as well as Redbank Plains, Augusta Heights etc.

Edit: For the record, I did also put in a submission in the Translink bus review asking that the 522 be deviated to travel via Springfield station as well, so Springfield is fed properly as well.

[ozbob]

Queensland Times --> 1150 jobs expected with new Orion expansion

[ozbob]

Minister for Education, Training and Employment
The Honourable John-Paul Langbroek

New Springfield TAFE campus officially opened

Education, Training and Employment Minister John-Paul Langbroek today officially opened the Bremer Institute of TAFE's new Springfield campus.

Mr Langbroek said the increasingly popular campus had expanded significantly since 2006 when it began teaching vocational education and training.

"Ninety-six students were enrolled when the Springfield campus first opened its doors. Now I am proud to learn there are more than 460," Mr Langbroek said.

"It is fantastic that student numbers continue to rise as does the development of new diploma programs.

"The increase in TAFE enrolments proves how consultation and collaboration with schools close by, can give local school leavers more options for training and employment".

Mr Langbroek said that's why the Premier established the Skills and Training Taskforce last June, to strengthen Queensland's vocational education and training (VET) sector, in an effort to grow the state's four pillar economy and reduce unemployment.

"One of the Newman Government's highest priorities is responding to community needs to provide specialised training that gives students real career options.

"We want to secure every hard-working Queenslander a job and make us the State of opportunity once again".

The TAFE's first home at Springfield's Education City was located within the University of Southern Queensland, however the area's rapid growth led to the expansion of both the university and the TAFE, resulting in the relocation of the TAFE to the World Knowledge Centre in 2010.

"Springfield's growth outlook is strong, with major government and private investment," he said.

"The planned opening of the rail extension from Richlands to Springfield later this year will also improve access to the campus for students from Ipswich and Brisbane's western suburbs." 

The newly purpose-outfitted building was previously St Peter's Lutheran College which has relocated elsewhere in Springfield.

"TAFE's new Springfield campus locates all of its students in the one building.  As well as seven general learning and three computer training areas, it has a student recreational hub, customer service and various staff administration areas," he said.

"The campus maintains strong links to USQ and now offers a range of diploma programs that will enable students to move directly into Bachelors programs at the university if they wish."

Diploma programs being delivered at the new campus include Justice Studies, Business, Management, Children's Services, Graphic Design and Accounting. Certificate courses are also available in those fields as well as Bookkeeping and Fitness.

The refurbishment of the building cost $290,000.

[ENDS] 8 May 2013                                                     

[ozbob]

From the Queensland Times 15th May 2013 page 7

Stronger case for extra Springfield line station