The Sunshine Coast Case : Rail duplication Beerburrum to Nambour

[Stillwater]

^^ The government's official line is: "A preliminary NCL Action Plan proposes a 10-year program covering a range of investment initiatives to address corridor deficiencies..."

[James]

Ms Trad has stated that a NCL 'action plan' is being worked up, but no one has seen it and TMR says it can't find it!  What does that say about Ms Trad and her pollie-waffle?  Why work up yet another plan, why put it through the EIS wringer again if the intent is not to fund the blooming thing?

Because of the pressure that Oz Bob speaks of, governments must be seen to be doing something re the Sunshine Coast Line duplication, and that usually is another report.  It has become an industry.  This project analysis churn holds out perpetual hope that something will be done, when in reality this is a project that is being placed on a 10-15 year time horizon.

Very well, then do the planning 7-10 years from now, with a view to commence duplication in 2025.

These 'action plans' are little more than bids sent off periodically to Canberra in the hope that Queensland's numbers will come up in the Infrastructure Lotto stakes.

Stillwater's captured the essence of the situation. All Jackie Trad has done so far in her time as minister is complain about how she has no money and how Canberra won't give her any money.

Building Queensland is just the start of more bureaucracy. There will first be an action plan, which will be reviewed within an inch of its life, then the project will be analysed, further technical studies done after they find Blinky Bill lives in the path of the alignment, and eventually put on a 'to-do' list which is longer than the Bruce Highway.

It is not hard for them to do an EIS. Shouldn't take them that long, TMR needs something to do with its time/a reason to hire graduate civil engineers. Its a realignment through bushland, not the Snowy Mountains Hydro Scheme.

[#Metro]

All of these extra agencies - do they actually do anything that couldn't be done before? How did anything get built before them??

[Fares_Fair]

Reminiscing... 2007

Duplication track works were to continue from Beerburrum to Landsborough, if only.

[Fares_Fair]

or this one from 2009..

The TrackStar Alliance were scheduled to build duplicated rail to Landsborough..
these projects were in significant need, the document says..  4th one still is.

note the 4th project was never delivered.

[Fares_Fair]

This document proves there was a contract to build duplicated rail from Beerburrum to Landsborough.
The 4 projects specified were as listed in the prior uploaded document.

It's dated April 2006 and the works were to be completed over 6 years (by 2012).

[Fares_Fair]

aforementioned Media Release 13 April 2006

Duplication Beerburrum to Landsborough was originally costed at $240 million when announced in 2006.
In January 2015 it was $532 million.

[Stillwater]

Meanwhile Director-General EIS approval for SCL track duplication has lapsed.  Oh well, time for the bureaucrats to climb into the pit and start shovelling sh*t again -- the ever continuing sage of the investigation/report churn for the Sunshine Coast Line.  Must be about time for another media release or another taskforce, or industry briefing -- a show of action without actually breaking ground.  Honestly, on the Sunshine Coast, they hand out awards for phantom transport projects.

[dancingmongoose]

Reminiscing... 2007

Duplication track works were to continue from Beerburrum to Landsborough, if only.

Who are TranskLink?

[Fares_Fair]

Business case stacking up still may not be enough for rail

Sunshine Coast Daily
By Scott Sawyer | 24th Nov 2015 5:40 PM

http://www.sunshinecoastdaily.com.au/news/back-to-the-future-again/2851799/

WHILE the Beerburrum-Nambour rail line duplication goes through business case development yet again, frustrated campaigners have been left dumbfounded at the process.

"They're redoing the business case and that's not due to be done until the end of 2016," Sunshine Coast Rail Back on Track spokesman Jeff Addison said.

"We're going through the process all over again now. We're just going backwards."

The Coast-based commuter said he was finding it hard to understand why history had to repeat itself on the project, and did not hold great hopes for a solution arriving any time soon.

He said based on the Draft Infrastructure Plan, the only reference he'd seen to the line duplication had been as a "possibility" within the next five-to-15 years.

"All the reports that I've read from 2007 and so on talk about the necessity of it," he said.

"I don't see why that business case would've changed."

Mr Addison said if anything, he expected the business case for the duplication would have further strengthened over time, as the Coast's population grew and more and more freight was taken on state roads.

"You can't help but wonder if this really just stalling," he said.

A Building Queensland spokeswoman responded yesterday to questions from the Daily, about what the State Government body would be looking for when assessing the Beerburrum-Nambour rail line duplication, that would see the project 'stack up'.

"Business cases provide a robust assessment, taking into account service need, forecast growth, economic, social and environmental sustainability, cost-benefit analysis and community benefits," the spokeswoman said.

"Government considers the merits of the project when determining its future."

The spokeswoman confirmed both Infrastructure Australia and the Sunshine Coast Council would be consulted by Building Queensland, which looked to provide a "consistent approach to the business case development of significant infrastructure projects across Queensland" in order to enable the State Government to prioritise projects objectively.

The spokeswoman could not guarantee duplication would proceed if the business case was to come back in favour of the project, with the State Government still having the final say.

"Once the business case is complete, the government will make a decision on the future of the project," the spokeswoman said.

[Fares_Fair]

Even if we win the Business case, and we will.. we still lose out on the political whims (or bastardry) of the (Labor) Government of the day.

[#Metro]

http://www.sunshinecoastdaily.com.au/news/duplication-plans-derailed-train/2672548/

Responding to a question on notice put forward by Buderim MP Steve Dickson, Ms Palaszczuk revealed that Sunshine Coast rail duplication plans were back to square one.

"While this government will not be pursuing the Strong Choices asset sales campaign, the Beerburrum to Nambour rail upgrade project will continue to progress via the State's Project Assurance Framework with a view to having a Preliminary Evaluation, including Cost Benefit Analysis, completed by mid-late 2015," she said in response to the question asked on May 7

It is now late November, has this promise actually been fulfilled? 

[Fares_Fair]

Excerpt from Sunshine Coast Daily story: Frustration as Coast rail duplication back at square one
by Scott Sawyer | 16th Jun 2015 Updated: 7:12 AM

A TransLink spokeswoman said a cost benefit analysis was currently underway [June 2015] on the proposal and once complete, sometime before the end of the year, it would form part of the preliminary evaluation. If approved, State Government would explore funding options.

If approved, business case development would begin on the duplication, and while it was clear the State Government's funding plans centred on lobbying Federal Government to finance at least part of the project, Ms Trad's office was also unable to confirm what sort of priority it would be given.

It has progressed to getting a business case, that may answer your question LD.
That could suggest that the preliminary evaluation, including the cost benefit analysis, has been done.

[Stillwater]

Its Groundhog Day for the SCL -- time to have another report and another peer at a problem that has been identified and quantified in umpteen reports already.  One wonders why the Queensland Speaker, Peter Wellington, remains quiet, given that track duplication would benefit his Nambour-based seat.  Sensational allegations in federal Parliament today put the Member for Fisher, Mal Brough, under a cloud.  The man who made them, Clive Palmer, holds the adjoining seat of Fairfax, which the Coalition would love to win back at the next election.  Will it rain (federal) pennies from heaven as the Coalition looks to shore up two critical seats on the Sunshine Coast?

[Stillwater]

Ms Trad's past comments that a request has gone to Canberra for federal funding to duplicate the Sunshine Coast Line to Nambour must be seen in context.

If the business case is still being worked on (see previous posts on this thread), how does Ms Trad know what to ask for and how much money is required for the job?  These are things to be revealed in the business case, which we now know is still in preparation.

How can Ms Trad expect the feds to take Queensland seriously when it comes to the Sunshine Coast Line when the essential groundwork (a properly completed and hard-nosed business case) is yet to be completed.  She is asking Canberra to provide money without knowing that the investment is a sound one (which numerous reports have confirmed previously).  Latest costings, accurate costings, will be shown in the business case.

Once the business case is completed and various funding scenarios worked through, the SCL duplication and NCL upgrade in support of rail freight business must be placed on a trajectory towards construction.

Up until now, various governments have peered beneath the SCL rock every so often, not liked what they have seen cost-wise and then gently placed the rock back.

Just shouting 'show us the money' to Canberra is a political exercise only and not helpful.  How much money?  What will it buy?  Who else is contributing and under what circumstances?  What are the cost comparisons of investing in the Bruce Highway versus the railway line?  What level of freight transference will occur?  In times of flood, is it more feasible moving freight by rail, where the track alignment is largely flood-free, than on the Bruce Highway, which will require mega-bucks to bring it above the waterline.

If the Queensland Government gets more serious about these things, the alignment of the political imperative and the industry/business benefit just might occur.  God knows, this looks like a sound infrastructure investment when the construction sector is crying out for action and jobs.  The business case will prove it.

Ms Trad now needs to spell out the process beyond the business case.  When will it be finished?  Where will it go to from there?  Ideally this should be heading towards the state and federal governments looking to factor in a start of construction in 2016-17 or 2017-18, so the thinking needs to be underway in the budget deliberations which, in this country, start in January for a mid-year announcement.

Lots of things will be in the melting pot, including the possibility of more GST revenue for the states.  Priority-setting is important and we know that, on past analysis, the SCL duplication has a positive BCR of 2.28.  The business case will test the BCR calculations based on new costings.

But one thing must not happen -- the latest business case report on the SCL should not be consigned to the bookshelf with all the other reports (i.e, Coordinator-General EIS sign-off).  There must be a will on the part of government to maintain the continuum -- from business case, to financial models, to selection of one that suits industry, that gets the construction sector involved (in funding, not just building) and the best possible deal wrung for the taxpayer through the tender process.

Handled right, this could be a great economic stimulus for the state - at several levels - and will result in a distribution of investment and jobs into regional areas, where they are needed.  And ... in an area where transference of mining industry skills could move easily to rail construction.

Let's not forget also that there is an awful lot of industry skill, machinery and manpower coming off line from the MBRL that could be put to good use.

[ozbob]

Well said ... 

[Fares_Fair]

A request to the Department of Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning for a copy of the preliminary North Coast Line Action Plan (mentioned by Hon Jackie Trad MP, Deputy Premier and Minister for Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning), was met with a "we cannot find it" response by her department.

It was suggested that I make a request to the Department of Transport and Main Roads.
I have done so (last week) and a response will take 15 working days.

I suspect that somewhere, someone is putting together an action plan...

Today I received correspondence back regarding my request for a copy of this plan.
I was informed that 'at this stage' the "North Coast Line Action Plan" is not a publically available document.

I can say that investigations are continuing with the aim of encouraging more freight on rail along this corridor.

Edit 'at this stage' added. 26/11/2015 at 12:20pm

[ozbob]

^   

[ozbob]

' ... the "North Coast Line Action Plan" is not a publically available document " ... '

What elitist bureaucratic bunkum* ...

* meaningless political claptrap*

* claptrap absurd or nonsensical talk or ideas

Is there really a plan?    :conf

[ozbob]

" At this stage .. " 

Must be still doing the fly through animation hey?   

' Oh no!  Please no!  We don't want an animation with crappy musak ..

We just want the line actually upgraded!! '

[ozbob]

Multiple track railway at Nambour ! 

Rippa!  At about 6 min 40 secs there is a live steam A2 !

[Arnz]

Multiple track railway at Nambour !

Still more frequent than the Westlander, the 314 Bus or the Gympielander 

[ozbob]

^ crikey, I have never seen so many trains at Nambour!   

[Fares_Fair]

Australian Railway Association

A pipeline of (distant) opportunities...
http://www.ara.net.au/UserFiles/file/Publications/Pipeline%20of%20Opportunities.pdf

[ozbob]

I think it is a good thing to be mentioned in dispatches on the ' pipeline ' hey?

Not sure if it is much more than happy feelings, but I am uplifted none the less.   

Goodness, I never thought I would see an A2 in steam running around Nambour.

So maybe one day, the Sunny Coast rail line might actually get an upgrade.

[ozbob]

Australian Railway Association

A pipeline of (distant) opportunities...
http://www.ara.net.au/UserFiles/file/Publications/Pipeline%20of%20Opportunities.pdf

Seems to be more aspirational than actual.  But it is a list of things that could be done.

Few missing .. for starters

Springfield Central - Redbank Plains South

Darra - Redbank

Flagstone

CAMCOS  Caloundra South Light Rail ( ho ho ho ! )

[ozbob]

For ARA publications go here >> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=11816.0

[#Metro]

I was informed that 'at this stage' the "North Coast Line Action Plan" is not a publically available document.

Maybe they are still typing it. LOL

[ozbob]

^

Ctrl+C

Ctrl+V

Ctrl+C

Ctrl+V  keep repeating ....

[verbatim9]

Isn't all that manpower going to Coomera Helensvale duplication?

[Fares_Fair]

^

Ctrl+C

Ctrl+V

Ctrl+C

Ctrl+V  keep repeating ....

That's it in a nutshell..

[Stillwater]

The toilet on that A2 is not working.  The driver had to come to a stop on the mainline while he darted to the gents for a quick slash.   

[red dragin]

Multiple track railway at Nambour ! 

Rippa!  At about 6 min 40 secs there is a live steam A2 !

I remember going up their behind (I think) the Brown Bomber for a day trip, then riding the little trains, before returning to Brisbane. Probably 25 years ago though!

As a steam train addict child, I was in heaven. 

[Stillwater]

Former Queensland MP, Mr Howard Hobbs, when chair of the Transport, Housing and Local Government Committee, commenting on the situation re the Sunshine Coast Line: 'DOING NOTHING IS NOT AN OPTION'.

[Fares_Fair]

Be listening to our very own #SunshineCoast's @abcsunshine news on Monday 30th Nov for the latest on #2tracks rail duplication.
#qldpol

[Stillwater]

I will be in Brisbane, doing the Christmas shopping.    It is too much to hope that Santa may have a train set in his toy sack.

[Stillwater]

Mal Brough, the Federal Member for Fisher, is under a political cloud in respect of the Slipper-Ashby affair.  If he is found to have misled the Parliament, it could be a serious matter, laying the groundwork for his removal as the Special Minister for State.  We will have to await the police investigation now under way and should make no judgement.  However, the electors of Fisher could make judgements on Mr Brough at the next federal election, such that the Libs would be looking to shore up support in that seat.  Why does this matter?  The SCL between Beerburrum and Eudlo lies within the electorate of Fisher.  It seems a perfect time to put pressure on the federal Coalition to fund track duplication from Beerburrum to Landsborough North, and from there to Nambour.

[Stillwater]

It should be noted that the "Beerburrum Landsborough duplication and further upgrades to Nambour" (note wording) is not listed in years 1-4 of the Queensland Infrastructure Plan, although a project business plan is in preparation for submission to Infrastructure Australia.  The very real impression being given is that funding of B-L-North duplication has been pushed off the Canberra to fund.  The plan is that Queensland will not fund it.

[Stillwater]

In an 'updated' status report dated 5 November 2015, TMR says the 'EIS status' for the Sunshine Coast Line, Landsborough to Nambour duplication is 'recommended to proceed, subject to conditions and recommendations'.  These are not stated on the website.
http://www.statedevelopment.qld.gov.au/assessments-and-approvals/landsborough-to-nambour-railway.html

[ozbob]

Media release: 13 December 2015

SEQ: A Christmas wish – Duplicate the Sunshine Coast Line

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 called on the state government to end secrecy over its plans for the Sunshine Coast Line rail track duplication to Nambour and spell out a timetable for its construction (1).

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"If ever there was a collective Christmas gift the Queensland Government could give the people of the Sunshine Coast, it would be certainty over the timetable for construction of dual railway tracks between Beerburrum and Landsborough North, and then onto Nambour."

"The economic benefits of this construction project and the flow-on stimulus to the region and state are enormous and are known to the state government, which is preparing a business case and cost-benefit analysis cloaked in secrecy.  Previous studies have revealed that $1 spent on the Sunshine Coast Line duplication would generate $2.25 for the SEQ economy."

"The new study is doing the calculation based on 2015 dollars, but the result is likely to be very positive. Indeed, it seems a more extensive plan for the North Coast Line (including north of Nambour) is in prospect, but the state government won't reveal any of the detail or likely timings."

"This uncertainty is stifling planning and investment decisions by the private sector.  Also, many of the fly-in, fly-out mining workers employed in other parts of Queensland make the Sunshine Coast home. As the resources boom comes off the boil, affecting their jobs, the track duplication to Nambour would create new jobs for these people and sustain their spending contribution to the Coast economy."

"The latest advice from TransLink and the Department of Transport and Main Roads is that the cost-benefit analysis was due to be completed by the end of the year, with the results being used to inform the business case. The department has cited no reason, except to say it is not publicly available at this stage, in not releasing the details of what it calls the 'North Coast Line Action Plan'."

"Clearly, the government is talking to industry and private financiers about the most favourable solution involving joint private-public funding mixes.  While these may be commercially sensitive, this does not prevent the Palaszczuk government from explaining the timelines and stages for this preliminary work."

"We think it is also time for the government to pin its colours to the mast and stipulate what physical structural works it has in mind and what construction timetable it proposes.  Recent wording in government strategic documents now refers to this project as 'duplication to Landsborough and further upgrading to Nambour', suggesting that the project scope has altered to involve dual tracks to Landsborough only, with longer passing loops on a single track further north to Nambour."

"By not spelling out the detail, the government is creating an impression that it lacks a coherent infrastructure agenda."

"All we want for Christmas is two rail tracks, but it feels more like pulling teeth to get anything done. The time for playing Scrooge with the Sunshine Coast is over."

Contacts:

Jeff Addison
Sunshine Coast Region Spokesperson for RAIL Back On Track

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

Reference:

1. The Sunshine Coast Case : Rail duplication Beerburrum to Nambour
http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=6647.0