Articles: Public transport a hot state issue

[ozbob]

From the AFR 16 August 2011 page 14

Public transport a hot state issue

Public transport a hot state issue
Jason Murphy

The 2010 Victorian election was foremost about public transport, Labor party research has revealed, ringing warning bells for Queensland Labor.

An election review by federal Labor MP Alan Griffin has found that the biggest single issue for voters defecting from Labor at the state election was public transport, including the muchdelayed myki ticketing project.

A survey of 900 people across 20 marginal seats on the eve of the election found public transport scored higher (25 per cent) than water (21 per cent) or crime (6 per cent) among reasons people were changing their vote from Labor.

Crime was one of the top issues covered by the media during the election campaign and the political parties spent a lot of time explaining how they would deal with an increase in crime, especially in central Melbourne.

The review reveals the government knew voters had other concerns. Mr Griffin argues in the document that the Brumby government was too slow to inject capital needed following an unexpected boom in public transport usage. The report says systemic problems created a "perfect storm ... [that] turned public transport into a toxic issue for Labor".

Four marginal seats lost by Labor in the surprise November 2010 election covered Melbourne's worst-performing train line, Frankston.

The report warns the Labor party against believing conventional wisdom that transport users are a minority who can be ignored. "Chronic problems plagued the system and contributed significantly to difficulties in the lives of commuters struggling to get to and from work," the report says. The Brumby government published a $10 billion transport plan in 2006, but it was not wholly implemented and proved too late.

Brisbane public transport could provide a similar issue in the state election. Queensland's recently introduced go card ticketing system has had well publicised teething issues and the head of the public transport agency, Translink, has left to head up transport for the London Olympics. Queensland opposition transport spokesman Scott Emerson said Brisbane voters were upset with ticket price increases of 15 per cent a year.

"The train comes late, it costs a lot of money, I can't get a park at the park and ride, go card doesn't work that's the feedback we're getting," he said. Brisbane's public transport system is in a similar position to Melbourne's. Patronage growth has risen by almost half over five years, from 124 million trips in 2003-04 to more than 180 million in 2009-10, the last full year for which there is data.

The Coalition holds an early lead over the Bligh Labor government and will release infrastructure policies before the state poll, which must be held within the next 10 months.

[ozbob]

The report warns the Labor party against believing conventional wisdom that transport users are a minority who can be ignored. "Chronic problems plagued the system and contributed significantly to difficulties in the lives of commuters struggling to get to and from work," the report says. The Brumby government published a $10 billion transport plan in 2006, but it was not wholly implemented and proved too late.

Brisbane public transport could provide a similar issue in the state election. Queensland's recently introduced go card ticketing system has had well publicised teething issues and the head of the public transport agency, Translink, has left to head up transport for the London Olympics. Queensland opposition transport spokesman Scott Emerson said Brisbane voters were upset with ticket price increases of 15 per cent a year.

Seems a bit like Queensland .... LOL

[#Metro]

"The train comes late, it costs a lot of money, I can't get a park at the park and ride, go card doesn't work that's the feedback we're getting," he said. Brisbane's public transport system is in a similar position to Melbourne's. Patronage growth has risen by almost half over five years, from 124 million trips in 2003-04 to more than 180 million in 2009-10, the last full year for which there is data.

Yawn. I is A.M.A.Z.I.N.G how information / policy content-free these releases can be. Look at the words in bold- they are pure descriptions like "the sky is blue, roses are red and trees have leaves". **THERE IS NO ACTION / POLICY STEPS ATTACHED**

Trains come late all the time- true. What is Mr Emerson proposing? More fat in the timetable? Actually- nothing!
It costs a lot of money. What is Mr Emerson proposing? Discounted or free rotten apples? Actually- nothing!
I can't get a carpark at a park and ride (yeah, we know why, there will NEVER be enough space to fit EVERYONE'S CAR in a P&R). What is Mr. Emerson Proposing? Actually - nothing.

Come back when you have something solid about core frequency and train upgrade zones and I might be more interested than listening to a collective pity party / "I feel your pain" rubbish.

[ozbob]

Yes, we constantly propose the solutions to the festering mess.

But to be fair, be a little careful with media articles, they seldom put all comments made and in the correct context.  But still some real policies from the Opposition would be of much value.

[Jonno]

I love how the review completely misses the growing issue that the current transport policy HAVE FAILED AND HAVE NEVER DELIVERED EVEN A GRAM OF THEIR CLAIMED OUTCOME. It is like they are say "Be careful that you don't ignore those groups screaming at us that we have our transport policies completely wrong!"

[somebody]

From my conversations with normal people, I would suggest it is very very unlikely to happen here that way, without a determined effort to educate the public on the merits of public transport, and also improve services in such a way that a larger share of people actually use it, even if it is only for the normal trip to work.

In Sydney >50% support a congestion charge! Such a thing would be unthinkable here.

[ozbob]

Victoria is not as decentralised as Queensland, but roughly half of the population of Queensland is in SEQ.  Public transport is an issue, and a major one.  The party that really wants to be in Government is going to have address the widespread community discontent with public transport, fares and go card.  It matters little what we think as individuals the masses are really annoyed.  

Public transport was the stand out issue in Victoria as the government changer.  I suggest it is heading this way here in Queensland.

Who would have thought that the Frankston line would loose labor seats?  Who would have thought that the Ipswich line could loose labor seats??  Unless there is some fancy tap-dancing from here watch this space!

[somebody]

Got to agree that people aren't impressed with the fare hikes.

I have to think that when they announced that there would be a hike in January 2012 shortly before the next election had to be called that they must have been assuming that the election was already in the bag. The politics aren't smart at all.

[AnonymouslyBad]

I don't think PT would be as much of a political issue here as in Victoria. Melbourne people especially, seem to take a lot of pride in their public transport system. Even though its mode share is still small, everyone seems to be behind the system. I'm guessing this also means it has bipartisan support politically.

Decades of neglect have meant Brisbane residents are used to having terrible PT, and for a long time would have never even considered it a serious option or cared about it as a political issue. This is still a city where bus lanes are a dirty word and virtually every public transport project is quietly revised to be less and less ambitious, because multi-billion-dollar motorway projects get you far more votes.

This has started changing, I think, because the system has now been improved to a point where it's not good, but more people are actually sitting up and taking notice of PT's potential as a serious travel option, and want to see some government action to make this a reality. (All these improvements have been on Labor's watch, I might add, but the ball's really been dropped over the last few years.)

That said, Brisbane isn't Melbourne, at least not yet.

I do want to see some policies from the LNP. Traditionally the conservative parties have not been as friendly to public transport as Labor, so I'm not expecting much from them. But maybe we are actually at the point where we'll see that change...

[somebody]

I do want to see some policies from the LNP. Traditionally the conservative parties have not been as friendly to public transport as Labor, so I'm not expecting much from them. But maybe we are actually at the point where we'll see that change...

It certainly seems that way in NSW. FWIW.  I can vaguely remember thinking it was pretty disappointing to not have a viable alternative to Labour 2007, even though I wasn't living in the state at the time.

[Stillwater]

In the lead-up to a state election, perhaps it is time for RailBOT to put forward an 'action plan' for each railway line in two timeframes 1-3 years (a single term of government) and 3-5 years.  The issues have been discussed extensively in this forum.  Appoint a 'line captain' for each line, feed information to that person and come up with a 2-3 page dotpoint plan for Beenleigh Line, Ipswich Line etc.  Send the action plans to all political parties, see what elements get picked up in their transport policies.

[ozbob]

In the lead-up to a state election, perhaps it is time for RailBOT to put forward an 'action plan' for each railway line in two timeframes 1-3 years (a single term of government) and 3-5 years.  The issues have been discussed extensively in this forum.  Appoint a 'line captain' for each line, feed information to that person and come up with a 2-3 page dotpoint plan for Beenleigh Line, Ipswich Line etc.  Send the action plans to all political parties, see what elements get picked up in their transport policies.

Any volunteers for line captains?  How would you like to coordinate it please Stillwater?

I'd be happy to do the Ipswich line if no one else wants to do it.  Just start a new topic for each line here in this sub-forum.

[somebody]

Off peak has been discussed to death IMO. 
4tph:
Richlands-Shorncliffe
Ipswich-Caboolture limited stops (you could reverse these pairings)
Coopers Plains-Ferny Grove

2tph
Airport-Beenleigh limited stops (express Park Rd-Coopers Plains & BH-EJ)
Airport-Varsity Lakes limited stops
Manly-Doomben
Cleveland-Bowen Hills

Or similar is the ideal.  Other plans are compromises.

Controversial stops are Milton, Toowong, Corinda, Oxley.

[Stillwater]

Topic for each line, yes.  Deadline for all contributions -- 5 September, Action Plan drafts by 15 September.  Realistically, that is about six months out from a state election.

[ozbob]

Got to agree that people aren't impressed with the fare hikes.

I have to think that when they announced that there would be a hike in January 2012 shortly before the next election had to be called that they must have been assuming that the election was already in the bag. The politics aren't smart at all.

Yes, they are still tracking along to political oblivion (if the polls can be believed ...).  The departure of Mr Strachan and now Mr Scurrah, for what ever reason is another twist.

The other thing I am picking up is the strength of the anti-labor sentiment out west at the state level. At the council level (Ipswich CC) I think the present crop would not be removed by super glue remover. This is really very unusual to the degree, this is labor heartland.  I cannot help but think this is very similar to the Frankston line, and how that was a government changer in the last Victorian state election.

[ozbob]

Got to agree that people aren't impressed with the fare hikes.

I have to think that when they announced that there would be a hike in January 2012 shortly before the next election had to be called that they must have been assuming that the election was already in the bag. The politics aren't smart at all.

Yes, they are still tracking along to political oblivion (if the polls can be believed ...).  The departure of Mr Strachan and now Mr Scurrah, for what ever reason is another twist.

The other thing I am picking up is the strength of the anti-labor sentiment out west at the state level. At the council level (Ipswich CC) I think the present crop would not be removed by super glue remover. This is really very unusual to the degree, this is labor heartland.  I cannot help but think this is very similar to the Frankston line, and how that was a government changer in the last Victorian state election.

Interesting ...

Couriermail Quest --> State Labor members face polling doldrums in Ipswich, where LNP approval ratings have surged

[ozbob]

The great FlexiLink fiasco, the constant track closures, fares, the poor train frequency,  are all significant factors.

[#Metro]

I predict a LNP win. The ALP can't be in power forever.

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

4th December 2011

Ipswich - Rosewood railway line grief is building ...

Greetings,

Concerns are building re the constant track closures on the Ipswich - Rosewood railway.

This weekend there is a yet another closure Corinda <-> Rosewood,  with  more to come this month.  A major track closure is planned 24th to 27th December, with another in January 2012.

It is believed that work for Redbank stabling - commissioning, will be undertaken during the late December closure.  How about telling people what is actually going on?

Despite assurances that closures would be less frequent, the Ipswich - Rosewood line will have 3 major closures in 7 weeks!  The public is becoming very upset.

The bus replacement services add hours to the journey time in many cases.  Will the December closure be properly resourced with adequate numbers of buses?  I fear not.

TransLink also needs to clarify the ticketing situation on the replacement rail buses.  Confusion reigns ....

Where are the improved conditions of use of the Go card?

Recent polling has suggested that Ipswich, former Labor heartland will suffer massive swings away from Labor in the forthcoming state election.  The situation along the Ipswich line is similar to what happened in Victoria, with respect to the Frankston line.  It was the government changer in the recent Victorian election.

We have highlighted the issues --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=6576.msg77712#msg77712.

Only fools pretend all is well.

Best wishes
Robert

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

[ozbob]

I predict a LNP win. The ALP can't be in power forever.

It almost seems that Labor has thrown the towel in already ...  the problem with the 'empty space' is that the opposition gets way with 'empty space' as well ...

If Labor goes down in Ippy, they are going to have a massive loss.

I am becoming very concerned with the future of this state ...

[O_128]

I predict a LNP win. The ALP can't be in power forever.

It almost seems that Labor has thrown the towel in already ...  the problem with the 'empty space' is that the opposition gets way with 'empty space' as well ...

If Labor goes down in Ippy, they are going to have a massive loss.

I am becoming very concerned with the future of this state ...

Agreed, The LNP in VIC and NSW are now focusing on PT, our LNP still can't see it.

[ozbob]

History, but highly relevant ...



Ch7 3/4/2010 - The world's biggest cities and their metros

[#Metro]

I have to agree with the YouTube video. Excuses and justifications to one side, plain and simple, our train network is absolute rubbish. How can Brisbane even BEGIN to call itself new world city when it is running trains at frequencies that belong in last century!? This is very backwards and the movements in the last 6 years have been to simplify the timetable, introduce 15 minute frequency along a very very limited stretch of track (Darra-CBD) and do some extension work (which cost heaps but same awful frequency).

Stark reality highlighed if you happen to live near a busway (so glad I moved house!), services every few minutes all day, fast, convenient, interchange can be done within 30 seconds...not 30 minutes.

Perth, Adelaide and Auckland are coming around. Best we can do? "Oh. We're not like them".

Frustrating.

[ozbob]

From the Queensland Times click here!

Ipswich not a safe bet for ALP

Ipswich not a safe bet for ALP

Kieran Banks | 5th December 2011

THE unimaginable would become reality if the results from a poll conducted in Ipswich come true at the next state election.

The poll by ReachTEL showed Labor MPs Jo-Ann Miller and Rachel Nolan are on the nose in their traditionally safe Labor seats.

The survey in the Bundamba and Ipswich electorates showed Mrs Miller and Ms Nolan's support had slumped since the 2009 election.

In Ipswich, Ms Nolan's primary vote dropped 29% to 31.2%, with 45.5% saying they would vote for LNP candidate Ian Berry.

The picture is brighter in Bundamba, with Mrs Miller holding a 1.3% margin over LNP rival Michael Kitzelmann, but her vote has plunged more than 25% to 35.7% since 2009.

The polling also revealed Bob Katter's Australian Party could attract more than 10% of the vote in Ipswich and Bundamba.

Katter's Australian Party Ipswich branch president Jade Connor said it was time for Mrs Miller to move on.

"Labor has never lost the seat of Bundamba. I think now is the time to kick Labor out, and this time there are real alternatives," Mr Connor said.

Mrs Miller said she was happy to stand on her record of representing her constituents, come what may.

"Polls come and go but the Labor Party is in the underdog position for this election. I'll be running on my proven track record to the Bundamba electorate," she said.

"I have the guts and tenacity to put my own people before party policy. I have always worked hard in the electorate.

"I think when I go around the electorate they certainly appreciate that I stand up for them."

LNP candidate for Bundamba Mr Kitzelmann said the poll reflected the feedback he had received from the community.

"The polls show clearly that voters aren't happy and they want a change," Mr Kitzelmann said.

"If the people of Bundamba want to see a real change they have to vote LNP."

LNP candidate for Ipswich Ian Berry said Ms Nolan may have paid the price for some of the decisions she made as transport minister.

"Polls will come and go. They do no more than reflect what the community thinks right at this moment," Mr Berry said. "When you have 20 years in government you tend to be a bit blasé."

A spokeswoman for Ms Nolan said she was preparing for cabinet meetings yesterday but she would continue to work hard for the electorate as the election approached.

[Set in train]

Nice to see the QT is finally onto reporting Friday's news.

[#Metro]

Er... Ipswich as LNP? Doubtful...

But if it happened, yes, that would be a zap in the bum!

[ozbob]

Amazing as it might sound TT,  there seems to be a lot of support for the independents and LNP this time in the Ippy electorates.  The way Ipswich was treated with the FlexiLink has caused a lot of lingering resentment, and is compounded by the other issues such as fares, poor train frequency which makes bus connections problematical and so forth.  Also the privatisation issue is big in this rail centric part of the world.

If Labor is struggling to hold seats in Ipswich, they realistically have little hope elsewhere. Ipswich is Labor heartland.

[#Metro]

Amazing as it might sound TT,  there seems to be a lot of support for the independents and LNP this time in the Ippy electorates.  The way Ipswich was treated with the FlexiLink has caused a lot of lingering resentment, and is compounded by the other issues such as fares, poor train frequency which makes bus connections problematical and so forth.  Also the privatisation issue is big in this rail centric part of the world.

If Labor is struggling to hold seats in Ipswich, they realistically have little hope elsewhere. Ipswich is Labor heartland.

I will believe it when the poll results close. Ipswich city residents have every right to be annoyed about the bum frequency on trains. Springfield is a recent development, but Ipswich... it has been there since 1904...

[somebody]

If Rachel Nolan goes, as seems virtually certain, she'll have reaped her just rewards IMO.

What about Wayne Wendt in Ipswich West?

[ozbob]

If Rachel Nolan goes, as seems virtually certain, she'll have reaped her just rewards IMO.

What about Wayne Wendt in Ipswich West?

Word on the street is that WW could be in trouble as well ...

[Stillwater]

If true, that is amazing.  However, the reported results must be considered in the light of the polling technique used -- an automated telephone poll.  ReachTEL reports stronger swings than do other polling organisations, such as Neilsens and Galaxy.  Allowing for these differences (by about 3-4 per cent) and the statistical + or - applied to poll results (about 5 per cent), the results may not be as dramatic as people think.  That's not to say a substantial swing isn't underway.

Diehard Labor supporters may express their dissatisfaction when polled, but would find it hard to go against the party when they had the ballot paper before them.  They would not vote LNP, but many would be tempted to place 1 beside the Mad Hatter Katter's Party candidate's name.

[ozbob]

It is true all right.  The other thing is that the independents are expected to do well this time in Ipswich based seats as well. That is not showing up in the published polls so far, I think because they have just focussed on the major parties (mistake).

[ozbob]

I don't think there is much Labor can do or will do at this point in time.  The LNP is getting a free ride.

Fares, played their hand.  Doesn't resonate with the masses, but they take the view free after 9 is better than free after 10 journeys.

They will be going to the election with a further 15% fare increase in the mind of the voters.  This is going to be beat up big time of course by the opposition and others. 

Improvements in train frequency and so forth is a pipe dream under labor and LNP,  They just don't get it.  I fully expect the LNP to do nothing when they are elected, we will be lucky to maintain the present status quo.  Service cutbacks could be on the cards.  They will run the line, the budget position is far worse than what we thought it was in opposition.  The Westlander is going after the election, no matter who wins, I am sure - but if the Mad Hatter mob are in a power share it may survive.  Queensland seems incapable of grasping the real transport needs and future.  I blame the bureaucracy as much as the politics.  The advice given to Ms Nolan was obviously flawed, and I don't think the quality of advice has improved much of late either.

[#Metro]

Fares, played their hand.  Doesn't resonate with the masses, but they take the view free after 9 is better than free after 10 journeys.

They will be going to the election with a further 15% fare increase in the mind of the voters.  This is going to be beat up big time of course by the opposition and others.

Improvements in train frequency and so forth is a pipe dream under labor and LNP,  They just don't get it.  I fully expect the LNP to do nothing when they are elected, we will be lucky to maintain the present status quo.  Service cutbacks could be on the cards.  They will run the line, the budget position is far worse than what we thought it was in opposition.

Re: voting- I don't really care anymore about the frequent discount, the service is rubbish as it is, they could set the fares = 0, it would still be rubbish, in fact I suspect that if you really wanted people to catch PT with that kind of frequency, the fares would actually have to be negative.

They have the BUZ, Perth and perhaps some data on pax improvements Darra-CBD (wonder if data for that can be obtained?), they KNOW what to do.

I still think 4tp to Ipswich, stopping all stations is possible and desirable, but any improvement is an improvement.

[colinw]

Er... Ipswich as LNP? Doubtful...

But if it happened, yes, that would be a zap in the bum!

History lesson time: Ipswich was actually a long term Liberal seat right through the '70s into the '80s.  It was held by Sir Llew Edwards, who was at various times the Health Minister, Deputy Premier & Treasurer, than after politics the Chancellor of UQ and head of Expo '88.

There is nothing remarkable about Ipswich being held by the "blue team", although it has been safe ALP since the Goss landslide in '89.

As for public transport, I think we're r**ted under either major party. Best option I can think of is vote Green and give the majors a fright.  As Bob says, they "just don't get it".

[Stillwater]

Ipswich was not so much a Liberal seat when Sir Llew had it, but THE Llew Edwards seat.  He was a very much respected local man from a prominent retailing family, former electrician who (I think) married the nurse who looked after him in hospital after he fell off a ladder; his hospital stay inspiring him to become a doctor.  Sir Llew's election was not the case of the Liberal/LNP hack being voted in.

It would be unfortunate if the LNP thought it did not have to develop good policies, but merely sat back and relied on voter dissatisfaction with Labor to get across the line.  That would lead to a lazy government that didn't stand for anything.  Just where does the LNP stand on PT and the CRR project?  We don't know.  It may very well be that the LNP wants us to be ill-informed when we traipse off to the polling booth.  It is so much easier if you haven't committed to anything or revealed a policy (apart from a few promises about rail overpasses and a free ride in every 10).

Chances are if we ask 'will you scrap the Westlander', the answer from the LNP would be something like 'we will look at improving the efficiency of passenger rail services in government and examine how we will best obtain value for money.'  Politicians don't like giving straight answers.  Even when they do, the promises are doubtful:

'No Australian child will live in poverty' - Bob Hawke
'There will be no GST.' - John Howard
'There will be no carbon tax under a government that I lead.' - Julia Gillard

To that list we can add the claims from the current lot that SEQ has a 'world class' public transport system.  How dillusional and out of touch is that?

[#Metro]

It would be unfortunate if the LNP thought it did not have to develop good policies, but merely sat back and relied on voter dissatisfaction with Labor to get across the line.  That would lead to a lazy government that didn't stand for anything.  Just where does the LNP stand on PT and the CRR project?  We don't know.  It may very well be that the LNP wants us to be ill-informed when we traipse off to the polling booth.  It is so much easier if you haven't committed to anything or revealed a policy (apart from a few promises about rail overpasses and a free ride in every 10).

Chances are if we ask 'will you scrap the Westlander', the answer from the LNP would be something like 'we will look at improving the efficiency of passenger rail services in government and examine how we will best obtain value for money.'  Politicians don't like giving straight answers.  Even when they do, the promises are doubtful:

'No Australian child will live in poverty' - Bob Hawke
'There will be no GST.' - John Howard
'There will be no carbon tax under a government that I lead.' - Julia Gillard

Trying to figure out what these guys will/won't do if elected is like trying to figure out what next week's horoscope is by analysis of looking at mud splatted on a wall. They're clear as mud.

Personally I think Labor will be turfed out simply because they've reached their electoral expiry date. Doesn't matter if if they ran around handing out wads of cash to every man, woman, child and dog, issued 101 plans and whatever, I think it's over for them.

As for LNP, I agree with Ozbob. No idea...

To that list we can add the claims from the current lot that SEQ has a 'world class' public transport system.  How dillusional and out of touch is that?

We have world class busway infrastructure- but the moment you step off the busway, there's nothing world class about the low suburban bus and WORST class train frequency. GoCard is world class, I will accept that. Busway infrastructure and on-busway service frequency is world class.

There have been improvements- I have been able to live without a car and it is becoming easier now with more Core Frequent Network (Bus) routes. I don't have to spend money on expensive taxi fares in those odd moments of needing a car.

[ozbob]

Finance, Natural Resources and The Arts
The Honourable Rachel Nolan
05/12/2011

I will stand on my record: Nolan

Ipswich MP Rachel Nolan has said she will stand on her record at the upcoming state election.

"The Bligh Labor Government has delivered more for Ipswich than any other in Queensland's history and we will continue to do so," Ms Nolan said.

Ms Nolan said in the last three years the government delivered:

-$73 million new Bremer State High School - opposed by the LNP

-$6 million new Ipswich Ambulance Station.

-40+ additional train services to Ipswich in the past three years.

-More than $1 million in extra bus services for Ipswich.

-$110.9 million new Ipswich courthouse and police station.

-$366 million Centenary Highway extension to Yamanto.

-$56 million in donated funds disbursed from the Premier's Relief Appeal to flooded Ipswich families.

-$128.7 million - 90 bed Ipswich Hospital expansion.

-$1 million for Bell Street upgrade.

-1200 new public servants moving to Ipswich - underwriting the redevelopment of the CBD

-Protection of Flinders Karawatha - a 60km stretch of bushland south of Ipswich.

This government, in which I hold senior ministerial roles, has delivered major public service improvements to Ipswich.

"I am well aware it's been a controversial time, but I am into action, not hype and this record speaks for itself," Ms Nolan said.

-ENDS

[Gazza]

Not trying to play party favourites, but remember a couple of elections ago when Labor did billboards with a Howard quote... "Australian families have never been better off".
LNP should do one of Pazalukas quote: "nobody does Pt better than Qld"
And do it on the billboards at stations.
Trololololol!

[#Metro]

Finance, Natural Resources and The Arts
The Honourable Rachel Nolan
05/12/2011

I will stand on my record: Nolan

Ipswich MP Rachel Nolan has said she will stand on her record at the upcoming state election.

"The Bligh Labor Government has delivered more for Ipswich than any other in Queensland's history and we will continue to do so," Ms Nolan said.

Ms Nolan said in the last three years the government delivered:

-$73 million new Bremer State High School - opposed by the LNP

-$6 million new Ipswich Ambulance Station.

-40+ additional train services to Ipswich in the past three years.

-More than $1 million in extra bus services for Ipswich.

-$110.9 million new Ipswich courthouse and police station.

-$366 million Centenary Highway extension to Yamanto.

-$56 million in donated funds disbursed from the Premier's Relief Appeal to flooded Ipswich families.

-$128.7 million - 90 bed Ipswich Hospital expansion.

-$1 million for Bell Street upgrade.

-1200 new public servants moving to Ipswich - underwriting the redevelopment of the CBD

-Protection of Flinders Karawatha - a 60km stretch of bushland south of Ipswich.

This government, in which I hold senior ministerial roles, has delivered major public service improvements to Ipswich.

"I am well aware it's been a controversial time, but I am into action, not hype and this record speaks for itself," Ms Nolan said.

-ENDS
   

Interesting this came out today. Maybe internal polling actually shows that seat under threat of LNP takeover. ?
Ipswich still has TERRIBLE 30 minute service. What are these 40 services? Can we check this?