Articles etc.

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Queensland Police Minister Neil Roberts is eighth Labor MP to quit before state election

[ozbob]

Anthony Green's Election Blog

December 12, 2011
2012 Queensland Election - Retiring Members

Click --> here!

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Anna Bligh pegs back Campbell Newman in latest Newspoll

[Stillwater]

The LNP still presents as an Opposition, not an alternative government.  Campbell Newman and Co. damage themselves the extent to which they eek out policy in dribs and drabs, because it presents as policy on the run.  A party that does not have a comprehensive, and funded, transport policy does not deserve the people's vote.

[ozbob]

The LNP still presents as an Opposition, not an alternative government.  Campbell Newman and Co. damage themselves the extent to which they eek out policy in dribs and drabs, because it presents as policy on the run.  A party that does not have a comprehensive, and funded, transport policy does not deserve the people's vote.

Indeed, and botched support for Cross River Rail has not helped them one little bit ...  IMHO.

[mufreight]

No Policies Newman with his car centric policies has with his recent espousals that a government under him as Premier will not build Cross River Rail as the state can not afford it DESPITE IT BEING A FEDERALY FUNDED PROJECT with the state only meeting $1 billion of the estimated construction costs of $8 billion but will instead spend up to $2 billion dollars on a band aid solution of constructing dual platforms at South Bank and South Brisbane instead, infrastructure that will efectively become redundent when CRR is eventualy built, and upgrading the signaling system while because he is proposing to do nothing to the bottleneck between Roma Street and Albion will at best only achieve an additional three trains per hour of capacity through the CBD from the south side of the river, something that could readily be achieved by instead rerouting Airporter services via Tennyson and the mains on the Ipswich line then talks about saving taxpayers money.
The facts remain that No Policies Newman simply does not have a clue.  His proposal for additional platforms on the south side would have to be funded by the State while CRR would largely be funded by the Federal Government through Infrastructure Australia with the state share about half $1 billion of what No Policies Newman proposes to waste with his proposal.
With the north coast line his silence has been deafening while at the same time he is commiting to spending $billions of as yet uncommitted by the Federal Government Federal funds to Bruce Highway upgrades at some 40 locations while the duplication of the NCL from Beerburrum to Nambour and provision of passing lanes and extended loops between Nambour and Maryborough which would absorb all of the growth of freight to the north and because of reduced transit times and operating cost draw an estimated 10% of the current freight task of the Bruce Highway on to rail within two years.
And this man with an empty bag of hot air promises wants to run the state, his delusional despotic arrogance knows no bounds being every bit as bad as and in some cases worse than the current Premier Anna B Liar, there is no doubt that the current government with its track record of incompetence, duplicity, arrogance and ability to waste taxpayers money must go but it would seem from Mr Newman's actions that as the LNP leader if elected as member for Ashgrove would be worse than the current circus in respect of that linchpin of this states economy, TRANSPORT.

[somebody]

^ Has the amount that the feds are prepared to fund re: CRR been decided?  I thought it was still in the range of 0%-100%?

Must +1 your comments about Newman having no clue about transport.

[mufreight]

^ Has the amount that the feds are prepared to fund re: CRR been decided?  I thought it was still in the range of 0%-100%?

Must +1 your comments about Newman having no clue about transport.

The current ?government was apparently working on the basis that the overall project would cost between $8 and $8.5 billion and the state would only have to contribute up to $1 billion.
It is believed that the project has been massively overcosted and gold plated and could 2011 costings be completed and in service for less than $6 billion.

[Stillwater]

No it has not been decided, and won't until the Queensland Government finalises and submits the CRR business case.  That's why this document is so crucial.  The Queensland Government would be in lala land if it thought the feds would pay 100 per cent of the cost.  A figure of $5 billion from Infrastructure Australia would be a rough guess, leaving $3 billion or so for the state and the private sector to cough up.

[somebody]

With project risk carried 100% by the state?

[Stillwater]

The federal government contribution -- whatever it is -- would be capped at the dollar amount pledged.  Any cost overruns would have to be met by the state government.  That perhaps explains why, as Mufreight says, the project has been 'gold plated' to include contingencies and a bit of fat.  It doesn't look good to run out of money in a tunnel halfway under the Brisbane River, then cry out to the feds to provide more money.  If the project gets into trouble financially, standby for the Qld Govt to argue the case that the feds agreed to contribute a 'percentage' of the final cost.  Of course, if the $8 billion cost is not-spot on, and more money is required to be injected, then the BCR falls.

[ozbob]

Media release 15 January 2012

SEQ: Public transport is firmly on the election agenda

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 release of the GHD report ' Public Transport in SEQ Options to deliver value and innovation in future South East Queensland public transport infrastructure ' coincides neatly with the build up for the Queensland State and Local Government elections (1).

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"RAIL Back On Track welcomes the GHD Report (2). This report examines the cost of public transport projects, not the benefits though, and suggests a number of  approaches.  The corner stone is the conversion of the Ferny Grove - Cleveland lines to a light metro system - the Cleveland Solution.  The cost estimate of this project is estimated to be $2.5 billion, less than the cost of the Cross River Rail Project at $8 billion."

"The cost estimate of the Cleveland Solution we believe is an underestimate, and no mention is made of the necessary level crossing grade separations that would be needed if a true 3 minute frequency was to be achieved."

"Unfortunately the whole premise of the Cleveland Solution is false.  Merivale bridge capacity constraints will not be improved sufficiently by taking out Cleveland services to allow for the growth in the other lines such as Gold Coast, Beenleigh and future improvements such as Flagstone (3), and network wide improvements to the Sunshine Coast line, Moreton Bay Rail Link, and CAMCOS."

"Most services on the Merivale bridge are Gold Coast and Beenleigh lines, together with specials and freights.  And both of these lines will have future significant demands on them, far more so than Cleveland."

"The document does raise issues that we too have highlighted for years such as wasteful busway construction including tunneling when simple bus priority on roads would achieve much the same,  and the need to fix the Cultural Centre Bus station bus-jam."

"The real Cross River Rail project, together with the Trouts Road Corridor will actually give the essential capacity needed for all lines and ease the bus capacity crisis.  Cross River Rail is a realistic and appropriate response to positioning Brisbane and South East Queensland for a sustainable transport future."

"The Cleveland solution is only a short term fix at best, and will lead to further massive catch up infrastructure expenditure if Cross River Rail is further delayed."

"The section in the report that details what commuters want though is spot on (4).  What commuters want is frequency, integration, affordability and reliability!"

References:

1. http://www.councilofmayorsseq.qld.gov.au/docs/Publications/COMSEQ-Public-Transport-in-SEQ_LOW-RES.pdf

2. http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=7475.0

3. http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=7475.msg83366#msg83366

4. http://www.councilofmayorsseq.qld.gov.au/docs/Publications/COMSEQ-Public-Transport-in-SEQ_LOW-RES.pdf page 8

Contact:

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

[ozbob]

http://www.youtube.com/user/CanDoQLD

Responding to Labor's Negative Attack Advertising

Today the LNP unveiled a new television advertisement promoting our positive plans for Queensland's future in response to Labor's smears on LNP Leader Campbell Newman. This advertisement will be screening across the state but you can watch a preview now by clicking on the picture above or by visiting the CanDoQLD youtube channel.

It is a sad state of affairs when after so long in Government, Labor can't run on its record and instead has to resort to nasty, negative personal attacks.

As we get closer to polling day, Labor's attacks will only get more hysterical and more outlandish as they desperately try to cling to power.

Make no mistake – the LNP will be holding Labor to account for its record of waste and mismanagement and pointing out their many failures, but we will also be promoting our positive plans for Queensland's future.

Across the state, LNP MPs and candidates have taken the pledge to:
·       Grow a four pillar economy;
·       Lower the cost of living for families by cutting waste;
·       Deliver better infrastructure and better planning;
·       Revitalise front line services for families; and
·       Restore accountability in Government.

The LNP Team are working hard to earn the trust of Queenslanders. It is time for a change. It's time to get Queensland back on track.

Regards,

Tim Nicholls
LNP Shadow Treasurer
Campaign 2012 Spokesman

[#Metro]

He said... "Investing in services to make PT viable"

Why do I think Ferny Grove may be the first proper TUZ ?! 

http://candoqld.com.au/news/video/campbell-newman-talks-about-public-transport-at-enoggera-station

[Stillwater]

And the pollies say the election has not yet begun.  Take a gander at what we are in for:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eeCJKB-mOw4&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ky6oWCtkV-Y&feature=related

[#Metro]

[Stillwater]

And the mash-ups come thick and fast:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NYeSKkPKw-0&feature=related

This will be the YouTube election campaign.

[somebody]

For more info, see lnp.org.au!  Where on that site?

Public transport seems to be a Labor strength.

[ozbob]

Speculation rife, starter's gun loaded ....

[Derwan]

Strong rumour that the election will be called this Friday (27 Jan).  This means the election date could be 25 Feb (4-week campaign) or 10 March (6-week campaign).

[O_128]

For more info, see lnp.org.au!  Where on that site?

Public transport seems to be a Labor strength.

What, 13 years of Glossy brochures.

The main things that I can think of Public transport wise are

Eastern and Nothern Busways (SE was instigated under LNP wasn't it?)
Ipswich line and richlands
Ferny Grove upgrades
Beenleigh and Gold Coast upgrades
SC upgrades

Feel Free to add but off the top of my head thats all I can think of. Not much to show for 13 years is it? Frequency is still the same, Ive been reading about CRR for years, In any other country the thing would be ready to open next year.

The LNP is weak but just because Labor has a policy doesn't mean it will be implemented.

Also in regards to Londons Cross Rail being similar it really isn't. It makes CRR look very overpriced. Cross Rail has 9 underground stations, all in places much harder to construct than Brisbane, 29 new/rebuilt or refurbished above ground stations. The tunnels are about 20km long and the track which it is connected to will be electrified and upgraded as well. This project is about 14 billion pounds or 20 billion AU.

[STB]

For more info, see lnp.org.au!  Where on that site?

Public transport seems to be a Labor strength.

I think it falls under

Deliver public transport in South East Queensland that works for commuters by delivering a reliable, frequent and safe network.

Can't get any more vague than that!  (found it under the 'Reducing the cost of commuting' policy section.)

[#Metro]

What will the frequency of

Line X under the LNP?

Line X under the ALP?

Doesn't get much simpler.

[Stillwater]

No need for a policy when you just hammer the one liner: "Only an LNP Government will invest in critical infrastructure.  We will put Queensland back on track."  I hear that and a ghostly echo reaches my ears: "Don't you worry about that!"   

[ozbob]

From the Couriermail click here!

Campbell Newman blasts Labor's 'dirty' flyer

Campbell Newman blasts Labor's 'dirty' flyer

    by: Koren Helbig
    From: The Courier-Mail
    January 24, 2012 11:06AM


CAMPBELL Newman has attempted to deflect attention from his latest interests furore by accusing the Labor Party of releasing a "dirty'' flyer implying he condones rape.

The LNP leader this morning said the ALP was "like a wounded animal thrashing around in its death throes'' and had dropped to a new low.

"I have a wife, I have two daughters, I served my country in the Australian Army, I served my city and now I want to serve my state and frankly the suggestion that I condone rape is absolutely outrageous,'' he said.

But when asked what was asserted in the flyer,  which he said was released in the key Ashgrove electorate last night and authorised by Labor assistant state secretary Jackie Trad,  Mr Newman said he could not recall.

More --> http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/campbell-newman-blasts-labors-dirty-flyer/story-fnbt5t29-1226252246067

[Stillwater]

What's emerging is that the choice Queenslanders will face on election day between a government that has run out of ideas about how to govern effectively and a potential government that is not ready to govern.  Hobson's choice.

As to Mr Newman saying that a vote for the ALP will mean "more talk, more politics, more regulation, more broken promises and, today, more dirt campaigns."

His was the party that hired an ex-ALP government staffer to prepare a dirt file on many ALP MPs.  That person accepted 30 pieces of silver for his work, but it was the LNP that offered to pay.  What does this say about the moral compass the LNP will follow in government?

As to 'more talk' -- that is all Mr Newman and Co. have offered in the absence of good policies.  And political slogans -- "only an LNP government will invest in critical infrastructure.  We will get Queensland back on track!"
The LNP believes that the hatred people bear for the ALP will translate into votes and a smooth glide into office.  That is disturbing.

As to broken promises.  Mr Campbell backed CRR as Mayor, but has abandoned that stance in favour of .... well, just what really?

[#Metro]

invest in critical infrastructure

Like more glossy printing presses no doubt!

I have a feeling that the LNP will rip up the SEQ 2031 document and we'll go back to a different plan. CRR might also be shredded, but who knows, they might support it.

It would be dumb no doubt to shelve CRR when the main beneficiaries happen to be Gold Coast Constituents.

[Stillwater]

That is a very good question.  Perhaps some enterprising journalist could ask Mr Newman how he would make Connecting SEQ 2081 work, or what he proposed as its replacement.

[mufreight]

From the Couriermail click here!

Campbell Newman blasts Labor's 'dirty' flyer

Campbell Newman blasts Labor's 'dirty' flyer

    by: Koren Helbig
    From: The Courier-Mail
    January 24, 2012 11:06AM


CAMPBELL Newman has attempted to deflect attention from his latest interests furore by accusing the Labor Party of releasing a "dirty'' flyer implying he condones rape.

The LNP leader this morning said the ALP was "like a wounded animal thrashing around in its death throes'' and had dropped to a new low.

"I have a wife, I have two daughters, I served my country in the Australian Army, I served my city and now I want to serve my state and frankly the suggestion that I condone rape is absolutely outrageous,'' he said.

But when asked what was asserted in the flyer,  which he said was released in the key Ashgrove electorate last night and authorised by Labor assistant state secretary Jackie Trad,  Mr Newman said he could not recall.

More --> http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/campbell-newman-blasts-labors-dirty-flyer/story-fnbt5t29-1226252246067

It would seem that not only does Mr Newman have no policies he also has a glass jaw, can do can dish out the dirt but can not handle it when on the receiving end himself.
Perhaps after the election should he not be elected he could apply for a job with QR clearing out the blocked toilets on the IMU's, by the time the election is over he should be more than proficent at handeling Krapp so would be appropriately qualified.

[mufreight]

That is a very good question.  Perhaps some enterprising journalist could ask Mr Newman how he would make Connecting SEQ 2081 work, or what he proposed as its replacement.

The response from Mr Newman would probably go along the lines of,
" All previous Government policies and projects are now put on hold while the government reviews and re-evaluates them and formulates a new list of infrastructure projects and their priorities, it is anticipated that this review will be completed within the term of the government"

[somebody]

Eastern and Nothern Busways (SE was instigated under LNP wasn't it?)

Indeed it was.  It's a bit cheeky of Labour to claim credit for the busways then!

[Mr X]

Didn't CanDo claim credit for the Green Bridge? I was there at the opening in 2006 and I can recall receiving public consultation sheets in 2003/2004ish...

[somebody]

Didn't CanDo claim credit for the Green Bridge? I was there at the opening in 2006 and I can recall receiving public consultation sheets in 2003/2004ish...

I thought he built that one.

[#Metro]

Indeed it was.  It's a bit cheeky of Labour to claim credit for the busways then!

Not really. Each contributed in a different way. I recall while searching for the Wilbur Smith Plan I came across documents that marked out the route from 8 Mile Plains to Brisbane CBD as a mass transport corridor. They would have been from the 70's or 80's. Transport down that corridor was important I think (and I am trying to recall here) because they didn't want the inner suburbs to go all dense / crowded.

There are many forgotten transport plans --- add to the pile.

Obviously busway does not operate by itself, it needs buses to run on. It isn't either-or.

If anyone is going to claim credit for busways, they also need to claim credit for cultural centre busjam, the tunnel portal exit, congestion within the CBD...  

[SurfRail]

It would be dumb no doubt to shelve CRR when the main beneficiaries happen to be Gold Coast Constituents.

Who are largely conservatives and vote blue anyway (myself happily excluded, which puts me in a very rare bracket of lawyers).

Neither the LNP and ALP reward loyalty when it comes to transport policy (Sunshine Coast line issues, Ipswich bus network restructure etc)

[ozbob]

Speculation rife, starter's gun loaded ....

Premier and Minister for Reconstruction
The Honourable Anna Bligh
24/01/2012

STATEMENT FROM PREMIER ANNA BLIGH ON FLOOD COMMISSION OF INQUIRY

Earlier today I met with Commissioner Cate Holmes.

The Commissioner advised she would be holding further hearings and therefore would require an extension to the Inquiry's reporting date.

I advised I would be prepared to grant an extension.

I also advised the Commissioner the granting of such an extension could have implications for the timing of elections and this would require me to seek urgent legal advice on a number of options.

I am awaiting this advice and will make a further public statement once I have received and considered it.

ENDS.

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

[Gazza]

Fffffffffffffffffffffffffffuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu!!!!!

[p858snake]

I also advised the Commissioner the granting of such an extension could have implications for the timing of elections and this would require me to seek urgent legal advice on a number of options.

What...?! How can it effect the elections... They havn't been called yet...

[Stillwater]

How does it affect the elections:

Premier has said that the Flood Royal Commission final report should be published before the state polls.  The commissioner has asked for more time and this has been granted.  The flood report will now be ready in late March, or thereabouts.

The local government (council) elections are due in late March.

The Electoral Commission is staffed and resourced to handle one election at a time, not two (local government and state government).  It is not helpful that council issues (parks and drains) and state issues are debated in public at the same time, with people confusing their local councillor as a state election candidate.

Therefore about 4-6 weeks needs to be kept between both elections.  As it is, they will; be held one after another.

Presumably, the Premier is seeking legal advice about whether the local government elections can be pushed out beyond its date in late March.

[Fares_Fair]

How does it affect the elections:

Premier has said that the Flood Royal Commission final report should be published before the state polls.  The commissioner has asked for more time and this has been granted.  The flood report will now be ready in late March, or thereabouts.

The local government (council) elections are due in late March.

The Electoral Commission is staffed and resourced to handle one election at a time, not two (local government and state government).  It is not helpful that council issues (parks and drains) and state issues are debated in public at the same time, with people confusing their local councillor as a state election candidate.

Therefore about 4-6 weeks needs to be kept between both elections.  As it is, they will; be held one after another.

Presumably, the Premier is seeking legal advice about whether the local government elections can be pushed out beyond its date in late March.

It is an unusual response, and why the legal advice? - we know the election can be held as late as June 16.
The Premier is on the public record as saying she would not move the local government elections.
It would cement her position as equal to her Federal counterpart when it comes to truth and honesty.

Regards,
Fares_Fair.