The Sunshine Coast Case : Rail duplication Beerburrum to Nambour

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Jeffrey_Addison/status/888514176074653696

[Stillwater]

Apples and oranges ... a fiddle to manipulate the relative BCRs, CRR vs SCL Duplication.

Ms Trad, what is the BCR of CRR over a comparable 50-year appraisal period?  You merely asserted that, over a 50-year period, the BCR of CRR would be higher than SCL Upgrade.  Can we have the actual figure please, to two decimal points?

[#Metro]

The cost benefit ratio is dimensionless. It has no units of measurement attached to it.

It only tells you how efficient the project is in converting dollars to benefits.

They are looking at the wrong metric. If you want to compare projects with broadly similar BCRs, go and look at the NPV.

That is the sum total of the benefits in dollar terms. It captures the quantity of the benefits.

It is all a bit moot, as more trains on the Sunshine Coast line means more congestion in the core as all trains must pass through central

(except if you are on the Rosewood line of course).

[ozbob]

The Sunshine Line upgrade is not really immediately dependent on the CRR as oft touted.

For example the upgrade from Caboolture to Beerburrum (2008) improved reliability and removed some train congestion on that section and cut down travelling times.  In the same way duplication from Beerburrum to Landsborough North will do the same.  Will also allow for more train paths for freight, long distance passenger as well as inter-urban, as well as much improved reliabilty and shorter journey times.  There is nothing stopping the upgrade of the SCL commencing, in the same way the extension from Springfield Central through to Ripley - that is not immediately dependent on CRR either.

[Golliwog]

The Sunshine Line upgrade is not really immediately dependent on the CRR as oft touted.

For example the upgrade from Caboolture to Beerburrum (2008) improved reliability and removed some train congestion on that section and cut down travelling times.  In the same way duplication from Beerburrum to Landsborough North will do the same.  Will also allow for more train paths for freight, long distance passenger as well as inter-urban, as well as much improved reliabilty and shorter journey times.  There is nothing stopping the upgrade of the SCL commencing, in the same way the extension from Springfield Central through to Ripley - that is not immediately dependent on CRR either.

Correct, the only dependency is when such upgrades and extensions cause increased patronage and then overcrowding and then require extra services.

[Stillwater]

Ah yes, and then there is CAMCOS ... another failed promise.

https://www.sunshinecoastdaily.com.au/news/opinion-well-fall-behind-without-action-on-rail/3206048

https://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/Projects/Name/C/Caboolture-to-Maroochydore-Corridor-Study/Caboolture-to-Maroochydore-Corridor-Study-publications

[Stillwater]

Beerburrum-Nambour Upgrade now estimated to cost $780m, but let's say $800m to allow for contingencies.

http://buildingqueensland.qld.gov.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Beerburrum-to-Nambour-June2017.pdf

It's 'shovel ready', awaiting funding decisions.  Maybe at election time, when the LNP is chasing a few seats while staving off PHON.  They are a shoe-in for Nicklin and they would want to win back Buderim from PHON.

Then there is the new seat of Ninderry in the Noosa and Sunshine Coast northern hinterland.  Fast trains to Cooroy perhaps?   

[Stillwater]

Consider the barefaced audacity of the Member for Glasshouse, Andrew Powell, who also happens to be the Opposition transport spokesperson. 

He has issued the media statement below, calling on the ALP to match the 'LNP undertaking of 2014' to fund the duplication of the SCL in circumstances where he and his leader won't themselves commit to funding the project in 2017.  Whether funding is forthcoming from an LNP government depends on the numbers of names on a petition, not a sound business case.

Mr Powell had better watch out ... his seat in marginal following the recent redistribution of electorate boundaries.

Here's his statement:

Member for Glass House, Andrew Powell, is less than impressed that Building Queensland has only now come to the same conclusion that Sunshine Coast residents have known for decades – that the North Coast Rail duplication needs to happen as a matter of priority.

Mr Powell said that the Palaszczuk Labor Government seemed content to present report after report, but continues to fail to make any type of funding commitment to commence the duplication.

"The North Coast Rail duplication is a vital piece of infrastructure and this government has shown little to no interest in making it a priority", Mr Powell said.

The business case states that the freight train paths that meet supply chain needs are expected to reach capacity by 2023 and, without the duplication, will likely be required to switch to road based transport beyond this time to meet requirements.

"The Premier must realise we are running out of time for this project to commence and putting more pressure on our highways is certainly not the answer", Mr Powell said.

"There is no cash on the table from Annastacia Palaszczuk for this much-needed infrastructure project, rather the Government will undoubtedly continue to blame the federal government for not funding it.

"With a commitment already given from my Federal Colleagues, Andrew Wallace, Member for Fairfax, and Ted O'Brien, Member for Fisher, to fight hard for support from the Federal Government to contribute to this vital infrastructure, the Premier is running out of time and excuses.

"The Government has wasted enough money on reports, studies and consultation processes and let's not forget the millions of dollars they have committed to upgrade platforms which will have to be moved when the rail line is duplicated", Mr Powell added.

Mr Powell said his constituents are no longer prepared to accept the Premier's excuses and buck passing and is calling on the Labor Government to make the same commitment the LNP Government made in 2014, when it allocated $540M to fund this project as a matter of urgency.

"Let's hope that this business case does not become another report gathering dust on the mantelpiece and that instead the Government will give a genuine funding commitment," Mr Powell concluded.


All of a sudden we have disappeared down the rabbit hole into la la land.

[SurfRail]

Is the current NCL upgrade being considered the crap version which doesn't even duplicate all the way to Nambour and largely locks in the current alignment, or the proper version a la the Caboolture to Beerburrum section?  That isn't fully clear to me.

[Arnz]

Cut price "crap" version north of Landsborough.  Realignment and duplication only between Beerburrum and Landsborough. 

Crossing loop & Station Upgrades only (permanent dual 6-car platforms) from Landsborough North to Nambour, locking in the late 1800s alignment north of Landsborough.

[Stillwater]

SurfRail -

There have been various iterations of SCL duplication and upgrade.  The latest is duplication of tracks on a slightly better alignment between Beerburrum and Landsborough (North), thereafter a few crossing loop extensions on current alignment to Nambour, plus station improvements, which will lock in the crappy current alignment basically forever.

This seems to suggest that governments are placing a 'pause point' at Landsborough to focus on the possibility of passenger rail branching off between Beerwah and Landsborough to Caloundra South/Caloundra/Kawana along the CAMCOs corridor, although this is unclear.  Under such a scenario, Nambour-Gympie passenger trains to Brisbane might involve a transfer at Landsborough.

The costs are $800m for duplication to Landsborough North and a further $2.1b (or thereabouts) for duplication, realignment, new tunnels and upgraded stations to Nambour.  ALP is baulking at that cost (hence the scaled-back plans), while LNP wants to play mischief around that while promoting some feasibility study into shooting people down a vacuum tube between Hervey Bay and Brisbane.

There is also local agitation for shuttle trains on the current alignment between Nambour and Gympie (currently two return trains a day.)

[Stillwater]

Tip-off: 

LNP candidates for Sunshine Coast seats (including Nicklin/Nambour, to be vacated by the Speaker, and the new seat of Ninderry) have been told by party officials to 'campaign heavily' on the SCL duplication.

Either it is an issue that the LNP polling has indicated as being red-hot and on people's minds.  OR

They are proposing, in the dying days of a state election campaign, to announce LNP funding for Beerburrum-Landsborough duplication.

To distinguish themselves politically, will the ALP continue the line that CRR has priority? OR

Will the ANP also promise SCL upgrade because that directly influences the viability of rail freight in North Queensland (Katter Country) and the duplication to Nambour is a promise of PHON, which the ALP may need for support in government?

[Fares_Fair]

Deputy Premier Jackie Trad (at the opening of the upgraded Nambour Railway Station) called on the Federal Government to fund the rail duplication to the Sunshine Coast, given that the State Government were going it alone (thus far, anyways) on funding the $5.4 billion Cross River Rail. View News (Charles Hodgson's local video news outlet) filmed this.

A fair call I guess, but it is the State Government's choice to ignore other regions and concentrate on Central Brisbane and South Brisbane seats politically.

Now it is incumbent upon the Premier to write to the Federal Government and request just that.
There is a federal fund available for rail infrastructure of $10 billion available over 10 years (in total for all submissions) for appropriate projects.
SCL would fit the bill given its multi-function purpose for passengers, freight and long-distance services.

The LNP have launched a petition website asking Sunshine Coasters what they want by signing the petition for rail duplication.
I know, yet another petition! My head hit the desk too in sheer exasperation, given that there has been a litany of petitions over the years. I can recall at least 4.
One by Peter Wellington MP and 3 by Andrew Powell MP.

This time it is for full duplication to Nambour and not the current half-baked state Government proposal (costed at $780 million) that would lock in a tortuous alignment just north of Landsborough, for decades to come and leaves in place the infamous Eudlo 'S' bends where all trains have to slow to 40km/h.

[Stillwater]

Hope springs eternal when it comes to the Sunshine Coast Line duplication:

https://www.sunshinecoastdaily.com.au/news/pauline-hanson-says-coast-needs-rail-upgrade/3097770/

https://www.sunshinecoastdaily.com.au/news/one-nations-qld-power-play/3206450/

Interesting to see if PHON has sway in a close-call election.

[ozbob]

Just leave this here ...

12th October 2017

Media Release
Premier and Minister for the Arts
The Honourable Annastacia Palaszczuk

State Cabinet to meet on Sunshine Coast next week

State Cabinet will meet on Sunshine Coast next week as part of the Palaszczuk Government's commitment to govern for all Queenslanders.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the Cabinet meeting, followed earlier meetings in Toowoomba, Maryborough, Cairns, Gold Coast, and Rockhampton this year, would focus on the Government's work to restore frontline services and create jobs and opportunities in the Sunshine Coast region.

"The Sunshine Coast – like other regions across Queensland – suffered under the devastating cuts to the frontline between 2012 and 2015," she said.

"In the area of Health alone, more than 100 nursing positions were cut from the Sunshine Coast region.

"I am proud to say that my Government has not only restored these positions, but we have added more. To date, we have employed an additional 180 doctors almost 600 nurses."

"In terms of job creation, we have worked with industry, businesses and the Council to create new opportunities. By working together, the unemployment rate on the Sunshine Coast we have reduced the unemployment rate from 7.3% at the last election to 5%."

"Our Skilling Queenslanders for Work has helped more than 700 people into work on the Sunshine Coast."

"Our Back to Work program, which was extended to the region in the last Budget, has already helped 50 Sunshine Coast employers recruit 54 staff."

"In total, our State Budget in June invested $1 billion in infrastructure in the Sunshine Coast and Moreton Bay region. This investment supports 2700 jobs."

"We are delivering $351 million of road infrastructure in 2017-18 for the North Coast district. Our roads investment program is supporting 2,066 direct jobs just for the North Coast alone, over the next four years."

"We're investing $929 million towards upgrades to widen to Bruce Highway and $132 million towards the upgrade of the Bruce Highway from Caloundra to the Pine River, and $22 million to upgrade Kawana Way and Nicklin Way intersection for the Sunshine Coast University Hospital."

[Stillwater]

Yes Premier, but what NEW commitments will you make?

[ozbob]

Sunshine Coast Daily --> On right track with rail line duplication push

IN RESPONSE to Ken Coulter's opinion: Hinterland rail link makes no sense (Daily, September 30), it's important your readers understand why duplicating the rail line from Beerburrum to Nambour is so important.

Firstly, public transport and railway services and infrastructure are State Government responsibilities and Sunshine Coast Council is strongly advocating for this rail line duplication.

Secondly, the rail line is on an 1890s alignment. Its many twists and turns and aging infrastructure make it impossible for trains to travel at speed.

Being a single line limits train movements and causes further congestion on the busy rail line, and forces more traffic onto the already crowded Bruce Highway.

This rail line doesn't stop at Nambour. It is the state's primary rail corridor and services 58% of the Queensland population.
Duplicating and straightening the rail line will allow faster journeys and better scheduling for passenger and freight services.

While six-laning the Bruce Highway - a Federal Government responsibility - is necessary today, we can't keep adding lanes in the long term and I would hope to see a fast rail service between Sunshine Coast and Brisbane in the not-to-distant future. Again, the duplication will allow that to become a reality.

A connecting light rail system from Beerwah, through Caloundra South, Caloundra and travelling along the Nicklin Way, past the Sunshine Coast University Hospital to Kawana, Mooloolaba, Maroochydore City Centre and the Sunshine Coast Airport provides more public transport benefits than a heavy rail system on the CAMCOS corridor.

For starters, if light rail isn't introduced, a minimum of four lanes each way will need to be added to Nicklin Way to cope with the increased congestion.At $2 billion, a 43 kilometre light rail system is 30% cheaper than heavy rail. Light rail can be delivered by 2025 and there is no timeframe allocated for heavy rail.

Another benefit of light rail, as the preferred public transport system, is that it serves catchments on both sides of its alignment whereas heavy rail on the CAMCOS corridor has population mainly to the east.

And with light rail stations provided at around 800-1000 metre spacings, it provides ready access for patrons within a 400-500 metre range, compared to heavy rail stations provided at 3-4 kilometres and detached from residential areas.

Light rail is the right solution for Sunshine Coast public transport today, complemented by heavy rail to connect larger Sunshine Coast centres to Brisbane, when supported by future population growth in the future.

The State Government's SEQ Regional Plan highlighted that 200,000 additional residents will move to the Sunshine Coast Council over the next 20 years.

Council has undertaken extensive planning to accommodate them to reduce the environmental footprint. The Beerburrum to Nambour rail duplication and the light rail system from Beerwah to the airport are part of the solution so we can shape a smart, healthy and creative future.

We encourage our community to support council's call for both the North Coast Rail duplication and a light rail system during the upcoming State election. Both are State Government responsibilities and both are essential to our long term traffic management solutions.

MARK JAMIESON

Sunshine Coast Mayor

[Stillwater]

^^ First time SCC has said that it's preference is for light (not heavy) rail from Beerwah to Caloundra and the rest of the Sunshine Coast, along the CAMCOS corridor. 

[Arnz]

^^

Makes sense from a hub & feeder perspective.  In addition to servicing the Caloundra South community before taking on the proposed LR alignment up the Sunshine Coast, so to serve both the local travel & those travelling to Brisbane (via changing at Beerwah). 

Basically could also extend most existing Caboolture slots to Beerwah (on the duplicated track) during the day into the early evening to allow half-hourly outside of peak (late evening trains will still need to terminate at Caboolture/Nambour due to yard stabling access at Cab/Elimbah/Woombye/Nambour).

The CAMCOS alignment is still technically away from the main populated SC strip, servicing mostly those east of Nicklin Way/Sunshine Mwy, whereas LR services the main populated centre.

[ozbob]

Media release 13 October 2017

SEQ: State Government should commit to Beerburrum-Landsborough North rail duplication

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 use the visit by State Cabinet to the Sunshine Coast next week to announce funds and commit to a definite start date for construction of a realigned and duplicated Sunshine Coast Railway Line from Beerburrum to Landsborough North.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"The economic stimulus that will be unlocked by a state government commitment to the next stage of the Sunshine Coast Line duplication from Beerburrum to Landsborough North should be unleashed when State Cabinet meets. It should be the first item of business.

"Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and her Deputy Jackie Trad cannot continue to hold back the region by prevaricating on this issue, or playing political games with a Coalition Government in Canberra around funding. The statesman-like position would be to put real money on the table, at least $300 million and ask Canberra to find $500 million.

"The Premier would then be in a position to challenge the LNP to use its influence on Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull to commit to the bulk of the funds. At this stage, all the LNP has done is seek public support for the duplication via a poll. Public support is a given – from the Sunshine Coast Council, to Chambers of Commerce, to community groups and the RACQ. There are no more excuses for all sides of politics."

Jeff Addison Sunshine Coast Region Spokesperson for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Duplication does not depend on construction of the Cross River Rail project in Brisbane. Real efficiencies – in terms of travel time savings and more frequent train services to Nambour – will be won.  Workers will have a faster, more reliable means of travel to Brisbane, relieving pressure on the Bruce Highway, where there is a major crash almost every day. The line is an important freight corridor and duplication will improve the flow of freight to and from northern Queensland.

"Sunshine Coast workers are being turned down for jobs in Brisbane because employers don't want them being regularly late for work. The massive new housing developments at Caloundra South and Palmview will put added strain on a road and rail transport network that is already overworked.

"This project has been signed off by Infrastructure Queensland, has all environmental approvals in place and is construction ready. Construction will unlock jobs, which the Premier says is her No.1 priority.

"If the Premier is not prepared to back duplicated rail to Nambour for the Sunshine Coast, starting with Beerburrum-Landsborough North, maybe State Cabinet should not come to the Coast, because the rail duplication will be the topic on everyone's lips."

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

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/918721902914412545

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/918725257963323392

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/918726272506724354

[ozbob]

Started in 2009, then promptly stopped.  We have not stopped campaigning.

https://twitter.com/Jeffrey_Addison/status/918747800220794880

https://twitter.com/Jeffrey_Addison/status/918746644136443904

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

15th October 2017

Please provide adequate rail services on the Sunshine Coast Line

Good Morning,

On the recent reduced ' School Holiday ' rail timetable ( https://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=12917.0 ) the frequency of rail services on the Sunshine Coast Line was cut to 2 hourly!  This was appalling and acts as a serious disincentive for people to use public transport.  It makes journey times much longer and presents problems with on going connections be they bus or rail.  We know of one service that left Landsborough 2 minutes early leaving intending passengers stranded!  A long wait till the next service hey?

With the Palaszczuk Government Cabinet visiting the Sunshine Coast this week it is a good time to make a committment that in the future rail services will not be so savagely cut again on the Sunshine Coast Line.  The roads to and from the Sunshine Coast are dangerous and congested;  a gauntlet of rage, trauma and horror.  Why push more people onto roads?  We have rail assets it is time we used them properly.  Rail is a much safer transport mode than roads.  For holiday periods to tourist centres we should be increasing rail services not cutting them!

Best wishes,
Robert

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

[ Attached: https://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=12951.0 ]

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Jeffrey_Addison/status/919443227228254208

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/919459602592178176

[ozbob]

Received this notice from a correspondent.  I think it was c. 2008.

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/919836981898526721

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

17th October 2017

Sunshine Coast Line neglect - will turn the election?

Good Morning,

Very surprising that the State Government continues to ignore the ' elephant in the room ', particularly while the Cabinet is on the Sunshine Coast. The Sunshine Coast Line upgrade, and fixing the  ' temporary ' platforms is a key issue.

For interest here is a notice from c 2008.  The upgrade was full steam.  Now, 9 years later still waiting.

The neglect of rail transport for the Sunshine Coast will no doubt hurt big time come #qldvotes.



Best wishes,
Robert

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

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/919967215260073984

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Nine years on, commuters waiting on 20km line duplication promised by government

THE promise to long-suffering public transport commuters could not have been any more explicit.

A public notice by the Bligh Labor government in 2008, announcing the duplication of the Sunshine Coast rail line between Beerburrum and Landsborough, trumpeted: "It's happening now – operational by 2012.''



Nine years later, travellers are still waiting for the work to start and neither Labor nor the LNP has committed any money to the 20km corridor.

The latest disappointment came this week when hopes that the Palaszczuk Government would use its Cabinet meeting on the Coast to announce the $780 million project would finally go ahead were dashed with silence.

One Nation, whose state leader Steve Dickson holds the electorate of Buderim, is the only party to promise to build the duplication so far.

But the long wait could soon be over, with both major parties expected to back the project in the upcoming state election campaign as a potential vote-winner in the seat of Glasshouse, which is currently held by the LNP's Andrew Powell.

Public transport advocates, the RACQ and Sunshine Coast Mayor Mark Jamieson predict it will be a major factor in how fed-up locals vote.

"It will be a big issue, there is no doubt about that," Mr Jamieson said.

"To have a single track on a 1890s alignment to the Sunshine Coast is just ridiculous.

"People on the Sunshine Coast have largely lost faith in the rail network and all that does is put more cars on the road network. The Bruce Highway is painful and, in bad weather or when there is an accident, it's a disaster.''

The rail duplication tops Building Queensland's infrastructure pipeline which says a detailed business case has been completed and the project is ready for Government investment consideration.

It says the single-track configuration from Beerburrum north means there is insufficient capacity for future freight and passenger demand. Competition between the two means only three peak-direction services (and one contra-peak) are possible per hour. Without the duplication, freight will have to switch to road from 2023, it warns.


Fungus is growing on 'temporary' platforms at Palmwoods and Woombye stations on the Sunshine Coast line.

Jeff Addison, local spokesman for the RAIL Back on Track commuter lobby group, said: "Sunshine Coast workers are being turned down for jobs in Brisbane because employers don't want them being regularly late for work."

The ongoing neglect of transport needs in one of the country's fastest-growing regions was "a huge shemozzle and a national disgrace", he said.

Nearly 30 per cent of all "train'' services between Nambour and Caboolture are actually on buses.

And "temporary'' platforms built at seven stations in late 2009 and 2010 are still there – despite a 2009 Queensland Rail ministerial briefing paper, obtained under Right to Information laws, stating they would be replaced with permanent structures within 12 to 18 months.

Mr Addison, said Sunshine Coast residents were at the end of their tether and rail would "absolutely'' be a deciding factor in how people vote.

RACQ spokesman Paul Turner said: "Both sides of politics need to commit to delivering Sunshine Coast residents the rail infrastructure they deserve. Congestion and a lack of good quality public transport are huge issues for Sunshine Coast residents and these will be at the front of the minds of voters in the lead up to the election."

Infrastructure Minister Jackie Trad said the rail duplication was critical and the business case had been submitted to the Federal Government seeking funding.

But she said a second Sunshine Coast line could not be completed until Cross River Rail was operational, allowing more trains in and out of Brisbane.

An LNP spokesman said more than 1000 people had signed the party's "Two Tracks'' petition demanding duplication. "Sunshine Coast residents will be able to judge the LNP's fully funded infrastructure commitments before the upcoming election."

" But she said a second Sunshine Coast line could not be completed until Cross River Rail was operational, allowing more trains in and out of Brisbane. "

^ nonsense.  It was going ahead in 2008 long before Cross River Rail hey?   

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

19th October 2017

Sunshine Coast Line upgrade key election issue

Good Morning,

Article in today's Couriermail:  Nine years on, commuters waiting on 20km line duplication promised by government

The article highlights the now long term neglect of the Sunshine Coast Line upgrade.

We challenge the Deputy Premier re this comment in the article:

" But she said a second Sunshine Coast line could not be completed until Cross River Rail was operational,
allowing more trains in and out of Brisbane. "

We disagree strongly. We support Cross River Rail however the upgrade of the Sunshine Coast Line was going to proceed in 2009, only stopped by the 2009 election results.  If it was good enough to do in 2009 it is certainly far more urgent now.

The duplication between Beerburrum and Landsborough North, and improvements with passing loops between Landsborough North and Nambour will allow more reliable and more frequent running between Caboolture and Nambour.  It will allow more free train paths for passenger (interurban and long distance passenger) and freight services.  In the same way that the upgrade between Caboolture and Beerburrum in 2009 has helped on that section.  The Caboolture to Beerburrum duplication was not dependent on Cross River Rail and neither directly are the upgrades between Beerburrum and Nambour, although ultimately Cross River Rail will allow more express Sunshine Coast services.

As the notice from 2008 states.  This project was already underway  ...  It is now 2017 for goodness sakes!  The temporary platforms are rotting!



Best wishes,
Robert

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

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/920687941713764352

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/920690575069790208

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/920699569893122049

[Stillwater]

Ms Trad knows that the plan in 2008 was to build SCL duplication first, before CRR.  It seems she has opened herself up to an obvious attack from an LNP looking to bolster its Sunshine Coast base ....

Jackie Trad wants infrastructure in her own electorate before the Sunshine Coast

There is nothing to stop both projects proceeding independently, or together.  Both are needed.  To say one is dependent on the other is a nonsense.

[ozbob]

Ms Trad knows that the plan in 2008 was to build SCL duplication first, before CRR.  It seems she has opened herself up to an obvious attack from an LNP looking to bolster its Sunshine Coast base ....

Jackie Trad wants infrastructure in her own electorate before the Sunshine Coast

There is nothing to stop both projects proceeding independently, or together.  Both are needed.  To say one is dependent on the other is a nonsense.

^ spot on Mr Stillwater ...

[ozbob]

Couriermail 19th October 2017 page 12

Long wait for the next train north

[#Metro]

Is it true that CRR is required?

If it were going to be complete by 2012, and that date was BEFORE CRR completion. why was it stated??

Additionally, why can't every Caboolture train just be extended north - this doesn't eat up any more track slots that way.

[ozbob]

^ we have pointed out constantly that both SCL upgrade and extension of Springfield Central line is NOT dependent on Cross River Rail.

In the longer term CRR will have benefits for both of course, but to stop the upgrades on the basis of CRR is silly and rather dumb politics.  Particularly with the evidence from 2009.   I think Ms Trad et al are playing a rather dumb hand here.  Very dumb ...

[#Metro]

Someone should ask this in the Parliament. IIRC, it is an offence to mislead the house. 

[Arnz]

Is it true that CRR is required?

If it were going to be complete by 2012, and that date was BEFORE CRR completion. why was it stated??

Additionally, why can't every Caboolture train just be extended north - this doesn't eat up any more track slots that way.

Most but not all Caboolture trains can be extended with the Beerburrum-Landsborough North duplication. 

In the medium term, Trains along the NCL still need to stable at either Caboolture yard, Elimbah depot or Woombye depot (for the Nambour terminators) to stow overnight.  Thus evening trains will still require Caboolture terminators.

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/920880046004346880

[Stillwater]

From the TMR website:

"Subject to Infrastructure Australia's consideration of the business case, the state government intends to commence funding negotiations with the federal government."

1.   Have the negotiations begun?
2.   What form are they taking?
3.   Is there a timeframe for them to occur?