The Sunshine Coast Case : Rail duplication Beerburrum to Nambour

[Stillwater]

The city-size suburb known for a long time as Caloundra South got its official name of City of Aura and is going gangbusters. It now has an add-on with the working title of 'Aura South'. This is being pitched as a bring-forward project to tackle SEQ's affordable housing crisis. To be up and running by 2027, Aura South will be half the size of Aura and will sit on cleared land in the greenbelt between the Moreton Bay Council area (soon the be a City) and the Sunshine Coast council area.

Meanwhile, SCC has given preliminary approvals for 'Beerwah East', while Stockland is proposing a 'south of South Aura' development known as Hall Creek. And then we have Caboolture West -- a city of about 80,000 people.

Just whack a few more roads in, eh .... and an extra lane each way to the extra lane each way being provided along the Bruce Highway already. That should fix things and keep traffic congestion down. NOT.

[ozbob]

^

Anger at plans to build thousands of homes on land between Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast | 7NEWS

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/MarkBaileyMP/status/1678489000321904675

https://twitter.com/ozbob13/status/1678528194280931328

[Jonno]

The city-size suburb known for a long time as Caloundra South got its official name of City of Aura and is going gangbusters. It now has an add-on with the working title of 'Aura South'. This is being pitched as a bring-forward project to tackle SEQ's affordable housing crisis. To be up and running by 2027, Aura South will be half the size of Aura and will sit on cleared land in the greenbelt between the Moreton Bay Council area (soon the be a City) and the Sunshine Coast council area.

Meanwhile, SCC has given preliminary approvals for 'Beerwah East', while Stockland is proposing a 'south of South Aura' development known as Hall Creek. And then we have Caboolture West -- a city of about 80,000 people.

Just whack a few more roads in, eh .... and an extra lane each way to the extra lane each way being provided along the Bruce Highway already. That should fix things and keep traffic congestion down. NOT.

SEQ/QLD approach to this and planning is absolutely doing my head in! It's like we in the 1970's and think we know all the answers! Geeez 🤬🤬🤬🤬

[Fares_Fair]

This isn't April 1 ?

This road study will be finished in months whilst the #CAMCOS #DSC rail (re-)study takes years..
Building a road along part of a 24-year dedicated rail corridor.

First time I have heard of this latest #railfail 'option'.

Excerpt, Sunshine Coast News.
The state and federal governments are preparing a business case for the Kawana Motorway, a proposed four-lane route between Kawana and Caloundra.

It's being conducted as part of a study on improving roads around the southern Sunshine Coast, and is expected to be completed in coming months.

Preliminary investigations have confirmed the need for a new motorway, about 9km long, parallel to the existing Kawana Way.

A Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads spokesperson said it could help accommodate the region's rapidly growing population.

"It forms part of TMR's multi-modal transport solution to reduce travel time and congestion, provide more accessible travel choices and accommodate more than 500,000 Sunshine Coast residents by 2041," they said.

[Jonno]

When all you have is a hammer everything looks like nail.

[#Metro]

^ Models don't make decisions, people do.

[minbrisbane]

The city-size suburb known for a long time as Caloundra South got its official name of City of Aura and is going gangbusters. It now has an add-on with the working title of 'Aura South'. This is being pitched as a bring-forward project to tackle SEQ's affordable housing crisis. To be up and running by 2027, Aura South will be half the size of Aura and will sit on cleared land in the greenbelt between the Moreton Bay Council area (soon the be a City) and the Sunshine Coast council area.

Meanwhile, SCC has given preliminary approvals for 'Beerwah East', while Stockland is proposing a 'south of South Aura' development known as Hall Creek. And then we have Caboolture West -- a city of about 80,000 people.

Just whack a few more roads in, eh .... and an extra lane each way to the extra lane each way being provided along the Bruce Highway already. That should fix things and keep traffic congestion down. NOT.

SEQ/QLD approach to this and planning is absolutely doing my head in! It's like we in the 1970's and think we know all the answers! Geeez 🤬🤬🤬🤬

Genuinely mind boggling.  We can all see the problem that is coming, and countless cities have/are experiencing this yet - our transport department seems to have blinders on and continues down the old road.

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/CoxyJindas/status/1678585912031326208

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/MarkBaileyMP/status/1678580487890300928

[RowBro]

https://twitter.com/MarkBaileyMP/status/1678580487890300928

Did this site literally just copy and paste the press release?? Wow 20 million commitment for a business case which was announced years ago and is now behind schedule. Already at 1/50th of the necessary funding to get it done!! We <3 you Mark Bailey!

[#Metro]

"Big Build" another Daniel Andrew's Government motif. But what is it doing here in Qld?

Strange. Did a whole heap of red team staff move to Queensland from the Melbourne office or something to prepare for the election??

[Stillwater]

To be clear - is this new motorway to be built in the CAMCOS corridor -- using vacant land earmarked for heavy rail to Maroochydore for road infrastructure instead? Tell me this isn't so.

[minbrisbane]

^^ I really wouldn't be surprised with the way things are going at the moment.

[Stillwater]

See page 11 of 'Sunshine Valley Gazette', top right-hand corner.

https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5d85cc13d9ca517a2b2e33e5/t/64c8a5843d1a3232ab6e014c/1690871229363/SVG+Aug+2_compressed.pdf

[Fares_Fair]

I saw that article, thank you SW.
I remember inspecting the locations of some of their recording equipment when I was invited to do so by the affected people.

If I was them I would commission their own study to be recorded over the night time hours when the actual situation occurs, to counter the locked in 'it's all ok' narrative.

[Gazza]

"Big Build" another Daniel Andrew's Government motif. But what is it doing here in Qld?

Dan Andrews has been successful at winning multiple elections, despite a lot of squealing from the Herald Sun and the opposition.
Turns out the voting public are supportive of governments that improve their lives by building infrastructure.

Unless someone follows politics, they might not have heard the "Big Build" slogan,, so why not adopt a winning formula?

[Stillwater]

Here is a story appearing on the 'Sunshine Coast News' web page:

The head of a crucial local group says he is "relieved and excited" after the organisation was essentially saved from imminent closure. Members of the Nambour Men's Shed feared for its future after they were given notice to vacate their Colless Lane premises, which had a damaged roof and was being rented on state government-owned land earmarked for a rail corridor upgrade. Efforts to find a new home were unsuccessful and they were advised to leave by September 30. But they have been granted a well-received reprieve and were told they can stay there for five more years, while they continue their search for a new base. Nambour Men's Shed president Colin Webb was thrilled to get the good news.

https://www.sunshinecoastnews.com.au

Here's the thing ....

Land required for the Beerburrum-Nambour rail upgrade/duplication won't be needed for another five years. Does that mean the Beerwah-Nambour part of the project is delayed a further five years?

[ozbob]

Would appear to be the case.
Maybe a new State Government might get it back on track!

[ozbob]

https://www.sunshinecoastnews.com.au/2023/09/28/sheer-relief-community-group-saved-from-looming-closure/



Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey listens to members from the Nambour Men's Shed.

[ozbob]

Track amplification cut back to Beerwah from Landsborough.  Clearly no intent to do much north of Beerwah.

Half baked branch line to Birtinya (if you are lucky). 

Another massive kick in the pants for the Sunshine Coast.

[Fares_Fair]

Under the current government, no funding has been allocated to stage 2 B2N works, so allowing the Men's Shed to stay until 2028 was never really in question.

If they ever start stage 1 of the rail works in 2024 as announced, it wouldn't finish the 13km to Beerwah until 2027.

Interestingly, any information on what was to be included in B2N stage 2 has disappeared from TMR websites.
"Investigating funding options for stage 2" is no longer noted.


To any Minister or MP who tries to claim there are no delays..  Date 01/10/2020
$550 Million (Stage 1) Rail Corridor Upgrade – Beerburrum to Nambour, Sunshine Coast

Timeframe
– Open until 12 October – Community reference group expressions of interest
– Mid-2020 – Tender for Stage 1 early works
– Mid-2020 – Tender for Stage 1 major construction
– Early 2021 – Stage 1 early works start
– Early 2022 – Stage 1 early works finish
– Mid-2022 – Stage 1 major construction start
– Late 2024 – Stage 1 major construction finish.
Contribution
– Federal Government: $390 Million
– Stage Government: $160.8 Million.

[Fares_Fair]

For the record (information now deleted from TMR websites)..  just so that they know, I know.

2.2.3 Stage 2
Stage 2 is currently unfunded and timing for construction is unknown. Activities and scope pertaining to Stage 2 includes:
• Duplication of the section of rail between Beerwah and Landsborough following the existing alignment;
• Replacement of the Caloundra Street level crossing in Landsborough with a road-over-rail, grade-separated crossing;
• Extension of existing passing loops at Landsborough, Eudlo and Woombye;
• Expansion of park 'n' ride facilities at Beerburrum (remainder), Landsborough (remainder), Palmwoods and Nambour (remainder) stations;
• Replacement of the temporary single platforms at Mooloolah, Eudlo, Palmwoods and Woombye stations with permanent dual platforms connected by lifts and overbridges;
• Re-signalling of the corridor from Beerwah to Nambour with bi-directional 3 aspect signals including ATP and ETCS level 1 integration;
• Public utility plant (such as Energex, Unity Water, Telstra and other service) relocations and enabling works.

[ozbob]

Beerburrum to Nambour Rail Upgrade

https://www.yoursay-projects.tmr.qld.gov.au/beerburrum-nambour-upgrade

[Fares_Fair]

Engagement timeline in limbo since December 2021.

The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) will deliver the project in stages, allowing construction of Stage 1 to start to provide community benefits while investigating funding options for future stages.

Construction of Stage 1 is expected to be completed by 2025, weather and construction conditions permitting.

Very interesting change to stage 1 completion date.
Minister had announced it to start in 2024 and finish by 2027.

Nice to see the funding options line returned to the website for Stage 2 of course still being investigated after over 5 years.

[Stillwater]

Must be an election coming up. Oh wait, there is. ALP looking to shore up seat of Caloundra?

Former Member for Nicklin, Marty Hunt LNP, has signed up to toe-to-toe with Rob Skelton MP in 2024.

[Fares_Fair]

Nicklin was won by just 84 votes. [2 party preferred]
Current MP has not achieved any outcomes for rail, no action on the 9 trains broken promise from 2015, no action on improving the track at Eudlo and no action on getting funding for further works - still holding discussions after over 5 years !! No one believes that any more.

Caloundra was won by 1631 votes [2 party preferred]

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/ozbob13/status/1719919104893829191?t=31L-ffD-QS1GYthXNe7O8A&s=19

[Jonno]

Election Coming!!! Study everything....deliver very little form last Election Study!!

[ozbob]

https://x.com/Jeffrey_Addison/status/1725656274594058543?s=20

[Stillwater]

'Beerburrum to Landsborough Rail Duplication - Design completed. Construction anticipated to start 2010.'

No wonder locals are skeptical of any promise from the State Government about SCL and DSCL works.

[Fares_Fair]

I received this feedback today..

"A relatively unpopular change coming to Landsborough from Monday. Inbound commuters will be departing from Platform 2 so those using current car park will need to use stairs or lifts to get to other side. Seems local staff been trying to overturn the decision without success."

[Stillwater]

Slight changes to timetables -- Gympie North <> Woombye

https://translink.com.au/updates/338806

[Gazza]

I received this feedback today..

"A relatively unpopular change coming to Landsborough from Monday. Inbound commuters will be departing from Platform 2 so those using current car park will need to use stairs or lifts to get to other side. Seems local staff been trying to overturn the decision without success."

Does Landsborough normally use the same platform for both north and southbound?

[ozbob]

^ has QR stated their reasons for the change to inbound from 2 anywhere?

Yes, Gazza, it is mainly been down and up all going from platform one, and two used when necessary.

I am only surmising here but I expect it is to improve operational running on the line.  Don't forget it is a single line and better train path placement is probably going to be achieved with consistency at Landsborough.  Also stops ' musical platforms - very last minute platform changes which are difficult for mobility impaired passengers to cope with).  Also the new bus interchange on the platform 2 (eastern side) means it will be better for those buses.

[Gazza]

The line already has limited capacity with the single-track, seems crazy to not already be using 2 platforms wherever available in the first place.

[Stillwater]

Given the current political shake-up, it would be interesting to list every transport minister going back to Paul Lucas who gave 'iron-clad' commitments to Sunshine Coast Line duplication and the timing for CAMCOS/DSCL to Maroochydore.

[ozbob]

Mr. Lucas

Mr. Mickel

Ms. Nolan

Ms. Palaszczuk

Mr. Emerson

Ms. Trad

Mr. Hinchliffe

Mr. Bailey

They all did as far as I recall ... 

[ozbob]

Interview 20th December 2023 4BC Drive Host Peter Gleeson with Jeff Addison RBoT

Discussion on new Transport Minister and rail on the Sunshine Coast

Here --> https://backontrack.org/docs/4bc/4bc_pg_ja_20dec23.mp3 MP3 4.3MB

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

It is time Sunshine Coast public transport (all modes) was improved

21st December 2023

Greetings,

It is time that the Sunshine Coast public transport (all modes) was improved.  We expect in 2024 great strides for improved outcomes for public transport for SEQ,  but particularly the Sunshine Coast.  Enough of the spin, recycled business cases, unfulfilled promises, unmet delivery time lines, and inadequate services. 

Rail on the Sunshine Coast has been neglected for many years now.  It is an appalling situation.  Lack of action has impacts all the way up to FNQ.

To highlight some of the issues.  Have a listen to this interview:

Interview 20th December 2023 4BC Drive Host Peter Gleeson with Jeffrey Addison RAIL Back On Track - Sunshine Coast spokesperson

Discussion on new Transport Minister and rail on the Sunshine Coast

Here --> https://backontrack.org/docs/4bc/4bc_pg_ja_20dec23.mp3 MP3 4.3MB

Will the Miles' Government heed the message, or continue on a path to political oblivion?

Best wishes,
Robert

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