The Sunshine Coast Case : Rail duplication Beerburrum to Nambour

[Stillwater]

Maybe it is time to revitalise the No More Bottleneck campaign.

http://backontrack.org/docs/sc/scrbot.pdf

[ozbob]

Photographs at Landsborough 15th May 2023.

The new eastern park 'n' ride is very large, the new eastern bus interchange short walk from the station.

There is room for a third platform. 

The last remaining section of the turning triangle still appears to be able to be used for an emergency refuge (failed loco etc.).

It is unbelievable that the duplication has been cut back to Beerwah. 



^ A view of the park 'n' ride and bus interchange under construction.  As can be noted this is a sizeable car park (300 spaces nominally).  The bus interchange being on the eastern side of the main line means buses will not get held up at the level crossing.







^ The western car park is at capacity.
In these outer / rural localities many do not have access to feeder bus services.























^ Looking towards Beerwah at Landsborough.  A sight of great frustration no doubt to train crew, train control and passengers.

Ample room in the corridor for a second track.

Photographs R Dow 15th May 2023

[#Metro]

^ Great photos. The car park looks very well used.

[Jonno]

^ Great photos. The car park looks very well used.

When it's the solution prioritised and alternatives just an after thought (sure there was a photo of 90 min bus timetable))  that is kind of the problem!!

[ozbob]

^ Bus driver information board to show the train arrivals.






^ Few more photographs of the western car parking area.

[Fares_Fair]

A new Bus Interchange.
An extra 300 carparks..
And no duplicated track to Landsborough !
What were TMR and the government thinking?

How to stuff up an improvement, so that it isn't.

[ozbob]

Facebook ...

Update Landsborough railway station precinct 18th May 2023 I had a look around Landsborough on the 15th May 2023. ...

Posted by RAIL - Back On Track on Wednesday, 17 May 2023

[ozbob]

 

https://twitter.com/railbotforum/status/1658978878705270784

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

Update Landsborough railway station precinct

19th May 2023

I had a look around Landsborough on the 15th May 2023. Work on the new busway and bus stop area, and the park 'n' ride facility is well advanced. It is absurd that the Queensland Government is making this investment at Landsborough, but not following through with the previously promised railway duplication through to Landsborough, and stopping short at Beerwah. Some photographs attached below, more photographs at https://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?msg=271018

Best wishes,
Robert

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

References:

Works update: Landsborough park 'n' ride August 2022
https://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/projects/beerburrum-to-nambour-rail-upgrade-stage-1/construction-notice-august-2022

Project Map - Landsborough




A view of the park 'n' ride and busway under construction.  As can be noted this is a sizeable car park (300 spaces nominally).
The bus facilities being on the eastern side of the main line means buses will not get held up at the level crossing.




A closer view of the busway and bus stop area.




Looking towards Beerwah at Landsborough.  A sight of great frustration no doubt to train crew, train control and passengers.



Attached: https://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?msg=270003

[Stillwater]

https://documents.parliament.qld.gov.au/tableoffice/questionsanswers/2023/419-2023.pdf

No. 419
Asked on 19 April 2023
MS S BOLTON ASKED MINISTER FOR TRANSPORT AND MAIN ROADS (HON M BAILEY)

QUESTION:
With work on the rail-line duplication to Beerwah proceeding—
Will the Minister advise on any progress made to date on the Pre-investment Planning Study for
the line that will result in a comprehensive corridor strategy and investment program for rail
between Brisbane and Gympie?

ANSWER:
I thank the Member for Noosa for the question.

The Queensland Government is committed to investing in the Sunshine Coast rail network. While
there is no project specifically by the name referred in the question, there are a number of projects
currently underway to improve rail services for passengers and freight across the region.
The Beerburrum to Nambour Rail Upgrade project (B2N) Stage 1 has been jointly funded by the
Australian and Queensland governments. This $550.8 million commitment will increase capacity,
improve reliability and reduce travel times for passengers and freight in the growing Sunshine
Coast region. Stage 1 will deliver a duplication of rail track between Beerburrum and Beerwah,
as well as three new bridges, removal of level crossings, three park 'n' ride facility expansions
and a new bus interchange on the eastern side of Landsborough station.

Beyond B2N Stage 1, the Australian and Queensland governments are funding planning to
determine the future staged investment priorities for the region. The $1.5 million (50:50)
overarching Brisbane to Sunshine Coast Rail Corridor Strategy is establishing a 30-year view of
priorities, considerate of the system-wide requirements along the North Coast Line between
Brisbane and Gympie.

This overarching strategy also considers the requirements of the Direct
Sunshine Coast Rail line detailed business case which is planning a potential new 37 kilometre
spur line between Beerwah and Maroochydore. In addition, a $6.25 million (80:20) study will then
look specifically at the requirement, timing, and options for a future B2N duplication, beyond B2N
Stage 1.

Together, these studies will respond to the forecast population growth in the Brisbane, Moreton
Bay, Sunshine Coast, Noosa and Gympie regions, as well as government priorities and objectives
for the transport network, as outlined in Creating Better Connections and SEQ Rail Connect.

These planning projects are underway now, with outcomes anticipated to be considered by
government in 2024.

[Stillwater]

It is hard to keep up with the various name changes for 'future visioning' rail projects serving the Sunshine Coast.
 
In the absence of nothing happening construction wise, the state government seems to have adopted the tactics of soap powder marketeers to create the impression that something exciting is happening, or about to happen. In the world of laundry products, many will remember Omo, safe and reliable. We then got 'new improved Omo' then 'Omo with added enzymes' and more lately 'Omo Active Clean' and 'Omo Ultimate'. What's next?

Ms Bolton asked Minister Bailey about the 'Brisbane-Gympie North Coast Line Pre-investment Planning Study', which the minister says is a project that does not exist. It appears it is now called the 'Sunshine Coast Rail Corridor Strategy'. Mr Bailey should be reminded of his words delivered to the Parliamentary Transport and Resources Committee on 12 July 2022.

Mr Bailey said: "The Australian and Queensland Governments have committed a further $1.5 million to undertake a pre-investment planning for the North Coast Line. The pre-investment planning will develop a comprehensive corridor strategy and investment program for rail between Brisbane and Gympie."

For those not familiar with the Sunshine Coast rail saga, pre-investment planning is what you do in the absence of any money being available for that which is being studied. Mr Bailey is a magician that makes something out of nothing. Frequently he gives nothing a new name.

The CAMCOS Corridor is now the Direct Sunshine Coast Line. And what was the pre-investment planning study in July 2022 is now the Sunshine Coast Rail Corridor Strategy. Furthermore, it is now given greater importance .... it is 'overarching' (boosted with blue beads of active enzymes).

It is determining rail priorities (as if they have not been identified already in numerous reports to government) ... and will cast forward (future visioning) 30 years. So, what needs to be done now by way of rail duplication to Nambour and via a spur to Maroochydore won't be realised until 30 years hence, it seems.

We can anticipate the next pre-investment (no money) rail strategy for the Sunshine Coast – perhaps called the Sunshine Coast Ultimate Rail Project (with even more oxygenising enzymes). Omo causes cleansing foam, Mr Bailey markets a big box with colourful exterior, yet nothing inside.

[Fares_Fair]

An accurate assessment Mr Stillwater.
Thank you.

[ozbob]

An accurate assessment Mr Stillwater.
Thank you.

Indeed ...

Much of parliamentary business seems to be not much truth telling ... in my opinion.

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

Why is the section Beerburrum to Landsborough still a single track railway line?

22nd May 2023

Good Morning,

There is a lot of increasing discontent in the Sunshine Coast Community about the failure to upgrade the Sunshine Coast line as was promised in 2006 and confirmed yet again by Minister Bailey in 2018.  The Beerburrum to Landsborough duplication works were originally announced on 14 August 2006 by Hon Paul Lucas MP to be CONSTRUCTED by the SEQIP Rail Alliance (renamed Trackstar Alliance in June 2006) as part of 4 major projects.  Beerburrum to Landsborough Rail Duplication - 17km, $300m, 11 bridges, numerous retaining walls, to be completed by 2012. All worked stopped on the broken contract in April 2009. Fourteen years later the present Government is unable to explain why the duplication has been cut back to Beerwah.   

In was clear in 2002 that the line needed duplication to Landsborough.

Caboolture to Landsborough Rail Upgrade Study: Needs Assessment
by Queensland Transport (2002),
http://www.arup.com.au/clrs/genfiles/needs_assessment_executive_summary.pdf  (link no longer active).

Conclusion p(iii), stated;
"In summary, it has been concluded that the majority of the desired levels of service cannot be met with the existing rail infrastructure.
Hence, an upgrade of the Caboolture to Landsborough section of the main north coast rail line is needed."

Caboolture to Beerburrum was completed in 2009. The section Beerburrum to Landsborough is still a single line.  An anachronism of public transport policy.
 
Can the Minister for Transport please explain why?

Thank you.

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

Sent to all outlets:

Update Landsborough railway station precinct

19th May 2023

I had a look around Landsborough on the 15th May 2023. Work on the new busway and bus stop area, and the park 'n' ride facility is well advanced. It is absurd that the Queensland Government is making this investment at Landsborough, but not following through with the previously promised railway duplication through to Landsborough, and stopping short at Beerwah. Some photographs attached below, more photographs at https://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?msg=271018

Best wishes,
Robert

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

References:

Works update: Landsborough park 'n' ride August 2022
https://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/projects/beerburrum-to-nambour-rail-upgrade-stage-1/construction-notice-august-2022

Project Map - Landsborough




A view of the park 'n' ride and busway under construction.  As can be noted this is a sizeable car park (300 spaces nominally).
The bus facilities being on the eastern side of the main line means buses will not get held up at the level crossing.




A closer view of the busway and bus stop area.




Looking towards Beerwah at Landsborough.  A sight of great frustration no doubt to train crew, train control and passengers.



Attached: https://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?msg=270003

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/railbotforum/status/1660350761501597696

[ozbob]

Facebook ...

Why is the section Beerburrum to Landsborough still a single track railway line? 22nd May 2023 Good Morning, There is...

Posted by RAIL - Back On Track on Sunday, 21 May 2023

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/railbotforum/status/1660410380982833152

[ozbob]

https://www.sunshinevalleygazette.com.au

Sunshine Valley Gazette 24th May 2023 page 24

B2N promises off the rails

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

Why has the duplication of the Sunshine Coast line north of Beerburrum been cut back to Beerwah?

29th May 2023

Good Morning,

Still waiting on the reason why the Queensland Government has cut back the always planned track duplication to Landsborough back to Beerwah.

Thank you.

Best wishes,
Robert

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

Sent to all outlets:

Why is the section Beerburrum to Landsborough still a single track railway line?

22nd May 2023

Good Morning,

There is a lot of increasing discontent in the Sunshine Coast Community about the failure to upgrade the Sunshine Coast line as was promised in 2006 and confirmed yet again by Minister Bailey in 2018.  The Beerburrum to Landsborough duplication works were originally announced on 14 August 2006 by Hon Paul Lucas MP to be CONSTRUCTED by the SEQIP Rail Alliance (renamed Trackstar Alliance in June 2006) as part of 4 major projects.  Beerburrum to Landsborough Rail Duplication - 17km, $300m, 11 bridges, numerous retaining walls, to be completed by 2012. All worked stopped on the broken contract in April 2009. Fourteen years later the present Government is unable to explain why the duplication has been cut back to Beerwah.   

In was clear in 2002 that the line needed duplication to Landsborough.

Caboolture to Landsborough Rail Upgrade Study: Needs Assessment
by Queensland Transport (2002),
http://www.arup.com.au/clrs/genfiles/needs_assessment_executive_summary.pdf  (link no longer active).

Conclusion p(iii), stated;
"In summary, it has been concluded that the majority of the desired levels of service cannot be met with the existing rail infrastructure.
Hence, an upgrade of the Caboolture to Landsborough section of the main north coast rail line is needed."

Caboolture to Beerburrum was completed in 2009. The section Beerburrum to Landsborough is still a single line.  An anachronism of public transport policy.
 
Can the Minister for Transport please explain why?

Thank you.

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

Sent to all outlets:

Update Landsborough railway station precinct

19th May 2023

I had a look around Landsborough on the 15th May 2023. Work on the new busway and bus stop area, and the park 'n' ride facility is well advanced. It is absurd that the Queensland Government is making this investment at Landsborough, but not following through with the previously promised railway duplication through to Landsborough, and stopping short at Beerwah. Some photographs attached below, more photographs at https://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?msg=271018

Best wishes,
Robert

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

References:

Works update: Landsborough park 'n' ride August 2022
https://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/projects/beerburrum-to-nambour-rail-upgrade-stage-1/construction-notice-august-2022

Project Map - Landsborough




A view of the park 'n' ride and busway under construction.  As can be noted this is a sizeable car park (300 spaces nominally).
The bus facilities being on the eastern side of the main line means buses will not get held up at the level crossing.




A closer view of the busway and bus stop area.




Looking towards Beerwah at Landsborough.  A sight of great frustration no doubt to train crew, train control and passengers.



Attached: https://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?msg=270003

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/ozbob13/status/1662893380442157056

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Fears Brisbane 2032 Games will fail without key Sunshine Coast rail investment, says council

... The Sunshine Coast Rail is one of the projects subject to the federal government's 90-day infrastructure review, sparking fears it could fall victim to cuts or be shortened to stop before Maroochydore.

Sunshine Coast Council's Olympics program lead Grantley Switzer said upgrading the rail line between Beerwah and Nambour, as well as extending the line to link Beerwah to Caloundra, Kawana and Maroochydore, had to be a priority.

"There is great risk to the success of the 2032 Games if these transport projects are not delivered," he said.

"This is our moment to see vast improvements in major transport connectivity for the Sunshine Coast, and we are looking forward to further details from the state and federal governments on how and when that investment will occur." ...

https://twitter.com/ozbob13/status/1663177518206304258

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

Sunshine Coast rail fail needs immediate attention

30th May 2023

Good Morning,

Increasing concern in the community with the stalemate with Sunshine Coast rail.  The rail upgrade north from Beerburrum is moribund, and the so called Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line (Beerwah to Maroochydore) is yet in another ' planning stage '.  These planning stages are just repeated every few years to give the impression something is happening, when in fact it is just going around in circles.

With the Queensland 2023-24 Budget to be delivered in June, we would hope there will be some real funding to get rail construction works actually happening on the Sunshine Coast.  The planned upgrade from Beerburrum to Beerwah needs to be extended to Landsborough, and a real commitment for rail to Maroochydore.

Couriermail: Fears Brisbane 2032 Games will fail without key Sunshine Coast rail investment, says council
https://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/fears-brisbane-2032-games-will-fail-without-key-sunshine-coast-rail-investment-says-council/news-story/d74ee6c93b0883785df68112e60fe203

Facebook: LNP push to bring heavy passenger rail to the Sunshine Coast!
https://railbotforum.org/yourls/5w

Best wishes,
Robert

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

[ozbob]

Facebook ...

Sunshine Coast rail fail needs immediate attention 30th May 2023 Good Morning, Increasing concern in the community...

Posted by RAIL - Back On Track on Monday, 29 May 2023

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/railbotforum/status/1663296417367199745

[ozbob]

Position advertised recently:

Senior Design Manager - Beerburrum to Nambour
Queensland Rail
https://www.seek.com.au/job/67898705?type=standout#sol=5849e8eda6044ec5af58224a8d1dc234bd1a0bdc

[Stillwater]

From the TMR website:

"To support our growing population and rail patronage demand between Brisbane, Logan and the Gold Coast, we need to double the number of Beenleigh and Gold Coast train services over the next 20 years."

It would be interesting to see just where 'double the number' of trains from the Gold Coast and Beenleigh will be directed once they spit out the northern portal of the CRR tunnel.

[Gazza]

It would be interesting to see just where 'double the number' of trains from the Gold Coast and Beenleigh will be directed once they spit out the northern portal of the CRR tunnel.

Mayne 

[Jonno]

It would be interesting to see just where 'double the number' of trains from the Gold Coast and Beenleigh will be directed once they spit out the northern portal of the CRR tunnel.

Mayne 

Everyone wants to go to the CBD and mostly in peak hour why would they go anywhere else.

[Stillwater]

Consideration of upgrades to the Sunshine Coast Line and North Coast Line have now become a bit academic, with the state government now talking about stringing out line developments to beyond one's probable lifespan.

This, from the TMR website:

"We are developing a rail corridor vision and a staged program of rail priorities to 2051 on the North Coast Line between Brisbane and Gympie North. The Brisbane to Sunshine Coast Rail Corridor Strategy will guide future rail investment opportunities to improve network capacity, travel times, safety, resilience and efficiency for passengers and freight.

"Investment on the North Coast Line will be staged according to the highest priorities across the transport and rail networks to meet population growth and service demand. Providing better public transport will better connect communities and help people make the shift towards more sustainable travel choices.

"This planning project is an initiative under the North Brisbane Bruce Highway Western Alternative project."

So, consideration of a rail line improvement plan comes under the Bruce Highway (unconstructed/unfunded) western arm -- the Sunshine Coast's 'Coomera Corridor'. It is all to confusing to take in. Can someone in TMR provide a diagramatic representation of the inter-connected studies for the region. It is a plate of spaghetti inside my head atm.

[Fares_Fair]

Today is #B2N day.

It's been 5 years today since the $780 million Beerburrum to Landsborough rail project was announced as GO by the Minister and Deputy Premier at Nambour railway station, on that sunny Saturday morning.

1826 days since it was announced.

Work on the now reduced 13km rail project is scheduled to start in 2024 and be finished by 2027.
Three years to build 13km of rail in a brownfield site.

Originally announced as [17km] Beerburrum to Landsborough
Originally announced as 2000 park'n'ride carparks.

Today is is just 13km.
Today is is just 650 carparks.

[ozbob]

^

 

[Stillwater]

It is for Minister Bailey to follow through and make good on his undertaking .... duplication to Landsbr

[Stillwater]

The state government 'vision' for rail on the Sunshine Coast now extends to 2051. So much visioning without seeing.

https://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/projects/brisbane-sunshine-coast-rail-corridor-strategy

[Fares_Fair]

I talked to local media today about Tuesday's budget and what we might expect (or hope for).

[ozbob]

I talked to local media today about Tuesday's budget and what we might expect (or hope for).

Thanks 

[Fares_Fair]

Please note that in my recent interviews with Ch7 local news I always state that I am the 'Sunshine Coast Spokesperson for RAIL - Back on Track' and a 'Sunshine Coast Commuter Advocate' as applicable.

Recently, the identification under my name has read RAIL BACK ON TRACK.

My dear friend Robert is the Administrator and Founder of RAIL - Back on Track.
I have explained this situation in the past when it has occurred, and he is always gracious.
He understands that we do not control all that goes to air.

That said I would like to reiterate here that I only ever speak in the capacity of Sunshine Coast spokesperson for his organization founded in 2006; Rail - Back on Track.

Thank you Robert for all of your support since I joined this productive and significant forum in 2008.
Thank you for letting me be a part of your group.

I note this simply out of my great respect for Robert and all that he has achieved.

[ozbob]

^ Thanks FF.  No worries. Thank you for your ongoing committment to the Sunshine Coast public transport, particularly rail.

[Stillwater]

So, SCL duplication stopping short at Beerwah. Is the state government thinking that big car park and bus interchange on eastern side of track at Landsborough  means no need for elimination of Landsborough level crossing?

[Fares_Fair]

It was supposed to be removed as part of the stage 2 unfunded works.
No mention of it by the government in Robert's ABC radio interview this morning.

[Stillwater]

The Landsborough eastern car park and bus interchange project is almost finished. Mr Bailey probably will trek north for the official opening ... a perfect opportunity for the local media to be clued up about the difficult questions to ask the minister and record his answers for future reference (i.e. when the next state election comes around next year).