The Sunshine Coast Case : Rail duplication Beerburrum to Nambour

[ozbob]

<drinks some more red cordial> 

https://buildingqueensland.qld.gov.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Building-Queensland-Business-Case-LR.pdf

Page 8

[Stillwater]

I suspect that the State Government adopted different methodology for calculating the BCR for CRR and SCL Duplication in order for the CRR project to have a more favourable (and higher) BCR.  They would have done this in order to get the feds to part-fund CRR in preference to SCL.  There were several CRR versions and, in the end, IA said it could not see the value to the latest iteration.  The state has gone ahead, making great play that it alone is meeting the $5.4b cost.

From what BrizCommuter and others have posted, it seems that all the benefits outside the length of the inner-city CRR route, as stated by the state government, will be achieved by installing ETCS across the suburban network.

So, the questions have to be asked -- What is the cost of ETCS relative to the cost of the CRR project?

[SurfRail]

Even in the wildest, most optimistic outcome that bears some relationship with reality (say 4 x 28 trains per hour - in reality it would be closer to 24 anywhere stopping at stations is involved), you are still batting ahead by building CRR (6 x 24 per hour).  We still need it, and it happens to be the most expensive piece of kit, but it isn't sufficient alone any more than rolling out ETCS network wide would be.

[Gazza]

How do you calculate the BCR of something intagible like being able to do network expansions?

In effect, something like the line to Flagstone would have a higher BCR because of CRR because it's not saddled with the cost of providing its own inner city capacity.

CRR is a down payment / loss leader.

[Stillwater]

The PM will announce a $3.8b economic stimulus package of infrastructure today, with the details for Queensland to be revealed by the end of the week. The package includes a 'fast-track' component for projects that are shovel ready -- like the SC Line duplication. 

Let's hope that in the horse trading, the feds have secured a commitment from the Palaszczuk Government to start immediate construction on the Beerburrum-Nambour duplication.

There are some caveats, which may cause Queensland to squirm and complain about not getting a fair share from Canberra (because Qld is short of cash).

The states will be expected to stump up additional cash as part of the infrastructure deal, with urban projects usually funded on a 50-50 split, while regional projects have a 20% state contribution.

Note the reference to the fed policy of providing 50:50 for urban projects.  The feds consider Nambour as at the outer limit of the Brisbane conurbation urban area.

[ozbob]

No mention of SCL in any of the media this morning ...

In fact the Sunshine Coast Daily has nothing on this.  Right out of the loop ...   

We can only hope ..

https://twitter.com/railbotforum/status/1196809001507229696

https://twitter.com/railbotforum/status/1196810951967698946

[ozbob]

The Sunshine Coast Daily has added the CM article now ..  no mention of the SCL.

https://www.sunshinecoastdaily.com.au/news/pm-premier-sign-up-for-massive-cash-splash/3882761/

[Stillwater]

Mark Bailey interviewed on ABC radio about the infrastructure package.... He welcomed the additional money and said that it means immediate start on the next stage of GC Light Rail and he mentioned improved interchanges on the MI and used these words: "It means Sunshine Coast rail duplication rock and roll."

Can someone get the voice grab?

[ozbob]

Jeff has queried it ..

https://twitter.com/Jeffrey_Addison/status/1196897282274127873

[ozbob]

Getting warmer ...   

My interpretation of the " rock n' roll " comment is that a start on Beerburrum to Landsborough might be in the air.

Any way, we can enjoy this rock 'n roll classic while waiting for the Minister's clarification ...    It is from 1955, seems appropriate ..   

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/ozbob13/status/1196907688912773121

[Stillwater]

Most probably Ted O'Brien MP has been briefed about latest SCL duplication funding deal and could be pressed for the details.

[ozbob]

Sunshine Coast Daily --> Coast rail left at station with funding rehash

THE Gold Coast has received funding for stage three of its light rail roll out while the Sunshine Coast's aspirations for heavy rail duplication to Brisbane have been left hanging in the latest $1.9 billion infrastructure deal between the Federal and State governments.

The Beerburrum to Nambour upgrade has received a boost, but only through the bringing forward of $92 million in already committed federal funding.

A spokesman for Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said negotiations between the two governments had been ongoing since before the last federal budget but had failed to secure additional money.

Queensland signed off on the Federal Government's long-heralded inland rail project but failed to secure an 80:20 split funding split for the Sunshine Coast proposal in line with that applied to the Bruce Highway.

The spokesman said the State Government had pushed for more money for the Beerburrum to Nambour rail connection, but the Morrison Government didn't come to the party.

He said Transport and Main Roads had already done planning work and $92 million in federal money would be made available sooner.

There has also been $113 million brought forward for Bruce Highway Pine Rivers to Caloundra corridor funding.

Sunshine Coast federal members Andrew Wallace (Fisher) and Ted O'Brien (Fairfax) have called an 11am press conference at Landsborough Rail Station stating, "the long-awaited duplication of the North Coast Rail line between the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane will take a significant step forward following a major new funding announcement".

Questions have been put to the Member for Fisher asking whether any new money was involved beyond that previously announced and when it would be made available.

The State Government has previously committed $160 million to the project and the federal government $390 towards a project whose estimated cost was $780 million.

The State Government said it would spend $49m on the project this financial year and had already purchased 78 of 150 properties that would be affected by the realignment and upgrade.

" ... Sunshine Coast federal members Andrew Wallace (Fisher) and Ted O'Brien (Fairfax) have called an 11am press conference at Landsborough Rail Station stating, "the long-awaited duplication of the North Coast Rail line between the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane will take a significant step forward following a major new funding announcement". ... "

[Gazza]

That funding alone is enough to do to Landsborough.

[ozbob]

I suggested to the Minister directly a number of months ago that there was sufficient funding to do stage 1 - Beerburrum to Landsborough.

That would be a significant improvement.   I am hopeful that the 11am presser might be something on that.

Time will tell.

[ozbob]

In a nutshell, Federal Govt has brought forward their share of funding.  Have said that the State can draw down as soon as they wish to start.

No extra funding, but earlier funding.  Hopefully the State does commence stage 1 - Beerburrum to Landsborough.  Not confident though.

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/ozbob13/status/1196971916055040000

[ozbob]

Facebook ..  Press conference at Landsborough  20th November 2019

[ozbob]

^

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/ozbob13/status/1197042368748212224

[Stillwater]

Good quote: .... State trapped in 'analysis paralysis' when it comes to the Sunshine Coast rail duplication

[ozbob]

Interview on ABC Brisbane Radio Drive host Steve Austin with Jeff Addison Sunshine Coast Region Spokesperson for RAIL Back On Track 20th November 2019.

Discussion on the situation with funding for the upgrade of the Sunshine Coast line and brief background on Salisbury to Beaudesert passenger rail.

Interview here > https://backontrack.org/docs/abcbris/abcbris_ja20nov19.mp3 MP3 16.7 MB

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/railbotforum/status/1197056079831552000

[Stillwater]

Ch7 Sunshine Coast local news tonight reports that Queensland Government only hopes to have detailed planning finished by mid-2020.  Currently only mid-way through property acquisition.

[Fares_Fair]

I talked to Ally Cullen from Nine News about today's rail announcement, bringing forward $90m immediately of the $390m existing Federal Government funding for #2tracks rail duplication to #SunshineCoast.

I talked to Steve Austin live on 612 ABC Radio Brisbane's 'Drive Program' about today's news, this afternoon, just after 5pm news. Also discussed the proposed business cases for Salisbury to Beaudesert and Toowoomba to Brisbane rail plans, both share a portion of the Inland Rail corridor.

I spoke with Rob Blackmore and producer Kathy Sundstrom this morning just after the 7am news bulletin on 90.3FM ABC #SunshineCoast about what today's rail announcements mean for our #2tracks.

Thank you all for the opportunity to keep the Coast informed on our rail duplication.
I honestly reckon we are the most well-informed, educated community in the nation on our rail project.

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

21st November 2019

Call for a construction date for the upgrade of the Sunshine Coast Line

Good Morning,

RAIL Back On Track calls for a clear statement on the State Government's real intent for the upgrade of the Sunshine Coast railway line (1).

This project has been in a state of limbo since 2009, and yesterday the Federal Government indicated that the State could access funding immediately to commence stage one, the track upgrade between Beerburrum and Landsborough which is a duplicated railway to replace the present congested single line.  There were just confusing responses from the State Government.

Mr Bailey, Transport Minister was reported to have said on ABC News Sunshine Coast  " .. It means Sunshine Coast rail duplication rock and roll. .. ". We are not sure what was meant by that comment.  Subsequent requests to the Minister for clarification have not been responded to.

Sunshine Coast Federal Members of Parliament Andrew Wallace (Fisher) and Ted O'Brien (Fairfax) had a press conference at 11am yesterday at Landsborough Rail Station (2). They called on the State Government to get a move on and end the uncertainty for this critical upgrade.

Mr Jeff Addison Sunshine Coast Region Spokesperson for RAIL Back On Track was interviewed on ABC Brisbane Radio Drive host Steve Austin yesterday (3). This interview was mainly further discussion on the upgrade of the Sunshine Coast Line and highlighted the lack of action.

The residents of the Sunshine Coast line have a very poor rail service.  Promised an increase in off peak train frequency from 90 minutes to 60 minutes in 2016,  they wait, increasingly frustrated with a State Government that cannot get its act together and deliver a reasonable service frequency let alone the track upgrade.

Contacts:

Jeff Addison
Sunshine Coast Region Spokesperson for RAIL Back On Track

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


References:

1.  Beerburrum to Nambour Rail Upgrade Project
https://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/Projects/Name/B/Beerburrum-to-Nambour-Rail-Upgrade-Project

2.  Sunshine Coast Rail Announcement https://www.facebook.com/viewnews/videos/612454569291686/

3.  Interview ABC Radio Brisbane Steve Austin with Jeff Addison > https://backontrack.org/docs/abcbris/abcbris_ja20nov19.mp3 MP3 16.7 MB

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/railbotforum/status/1197176005141467136

[ozbob]

Facebook ...

[ozbob]

Sunshine Coast Daily 21st November 2019 page 4

State sets schedule for North Coast Rail build



Let's not kid ourselves anymore.  This project (Landsborough to Beerburrum) actually started in 2009, contracts signed.  Labor stopped it because they lost a key seat on the line in the 2009 elections. Petty political spite. Pack of pr%%ks really.

Government is spinning more bullsh%t sadly.   

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/MarkBaileyMP/status/1197305680027275265

https://twitter.com/7NewsSC/status/1197068911629332480

[Stillwater]

Mark Bailey MP: "Yesterday's agreement betw state & federal governments on Sunshine Coast Rail Duplication funding settles once & for all funding splits for the $550 million project."

Does this mean that Mr Bailey, himself, accepts the funding split and will authorise a start on staged construction?

[Fares_Fair]

Regarding the misnomered Beerburrum to Nambour (B2N) project, on the day of the announcement of $90 million in Federal funding being brought forward immediately, as announced on Wednesday 20 November 2019, Mr Bailey said that it was now a 70/30 split but did not elaborate.
I suggest that it is because the cost has been described more recently as $800 million, up from $780 million.

The $250 million shortfall remains.
He did say it would be a staged project, and again, does not elaborate on what that will mean.

As with anything to do with the Sunshine Coast line, there is always a devil in the lack of detail.

^SW
His description of the project as now $550 million suggests that the extent of works perhaps now exclude the lifts, second platforms and over-bridges and park'n'rides at the stations north of Landsborough.
That would possibly also mean the passing loop extensions for Eudlo and Woombye are off the table as well.

$160.8 million divided by $550 million = 29.2% so roughly the 70/30 split he suggested.

[Stillwater]

Sadly, I fear you are correct, FF.  The private sector participants in North Coast Connect might have a greater focus on CAMCOS, meaning Beerwah-Caloundra-Maroochydore options might get ahead of duplication to Nambour.  However, Nambour duplication remains an federal LNP objective/commitment.  I suppose we have to wait the NCC Business Case for further insight.  Agree, it won't be coming from Mr Bailey.

[Fares_Fair]

It's probably the best outcome and to allow a Fast Rail proposal for full duplication to Nambour, which is what has always been required according to a number of studies/reports.
I also wonder how much of the proposed roadworks adjustments are included in the total cost, like the Barrs Road (Landsborough) level crossing changes and upgrade etc.
That yet to be resolved with consultation to occur according to Hon Mr Bailey.

[Stillwater]

This project is being managed by DTMR, so they would see the rail component and the road component at part of a project whole.  That could explain the cost fluctuations upwards.  And, if so, Mr Bailey et al would be highjacking 'rail' funding committed by the federal government to apply to diversions and improvements to a state highway (Steve Irwin Way and local roads that are the responsibility of the SCRC.)

So the question is this: If all the fed funds were attributed to the cost of the rail only component, what would be the funding split?

No portion of the federal funding should be spent on state or local roads, unless under Roads to Recovery (for council roads) and Roads of Strategic Importance, which Steve Irwin Way is not.

Maybe something for Ted O'Brien MP to check.

[Gazza]

Stillwater, if it were a straight out upgrade of Steve Irwin Way I'd agree with you.

But as I understand it, duplication and realignment of the line will require Steve Irwin way to be shifted as well, plus other changes to local roads to permit the faster rail alignment.

It's not reasonable to expect local councils to pay the cost of shifting roads out of the way of the rail line, it's the one project.

That's a bit like making utility companies pay to shift pipes and powerlines.

[Stillwater]

I'm not arguing for local councils to pay for the road component. The roads component of this project should be paid for from that pool of funds that the state government is contributing.  For the state to use some of the federal (rail) money on offer, and apply it to roads and not rail, that would be misappropriation.

[achiruel]

I'm not arguing for local councils to pay for the road component. The roads component of this project should be paid for from that pool of funds that the state government is contributing.  For the state to use some of the federal (rail) money on offer, and apply it to roads and not rail, that would be misappropriation.

I don't agree, if the realignment of the road is to improve the rail alignment, then that is part of the overall rail project cost. Same as if they need to move services such as water, electricity, communications etc.

[Stillwater]

Yes, the realignment of the road to make way for a better aligned railway is part of the project cost.  It is a rail and road project for which the state should meet ALL the costs of the road component.

[Gazza]

Why would you split up like that?!
It's the one pot of money for a "transport project"

It's the one project, it has a variety of costs, land acquisition, earthworks, adjustments to existing roads and services, rails, power systems, signalling, station modifications.

It's not a "rail and road" project (like say when they did the Centenary highway alongside the Richlands extension)

They wouldn't bother doing anything with the road if the rail wasn't happening.

And it's really no different to when state roads get realigned as part of Federal and state joint funded motorway projects.

As I said previously, if the state were using funds to do stuff like build a 4 lane highway on the new alignment, or perform upgrades on sections of Steve irwin way, id totally agree with you.

But relocation of a road for necessary works is not in that category.