The Sunshine Coast Case : Rail duplication Beerburrum to Nambour

[Fares_Fair]

If the extra money is there from the federal and state governments for Beerwah to Beerburrum, then the missing piece in the financial/cost overruns budget kerfuffle is now in place and the B to B and Beerwah to Caloundra rail projects are in lockstep. It is easy to see also that the expertise and skill sets developed on the Cross River Rail project can be switched north almost seamlessly.

The focus should now switch to Beerwah to Nambour rail and its projected upgrade.

This #B2N ping pong ball is now back in the Queensland government's court, once more.
We are so, so close.
All it needs is another $226.7 million from the Queensland government and the 13km rail from Beerburrum to Beerwah can FINALLY proceed.

Still short of Landsborough as promised twice, sadly.

[Fares_Fair]

Queensland's rail revolution on track

Published Sunday, 19 June, 2022 at 02:46 PM

JOINT STATEMENT

Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment
The Honourable Cameron Dick

Minister for Transport and Main Roads
The Honourable Mark Bailey


In 2022, the Palaszczuk Government's rail revolution is on track, with this year's budget delivering a $3.5 billion pipeline of new rail projects, over and above Cross River Rail, as Queensland's population booms.

Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment Cameron Dick said the Palaszczuk Government's rail revolution will support more than 5000 jobs and deliver better services for Queenslanders.

"Investing in rail gets Queenslanders to work sooner, and it gets them back home to their family sooner as well," the Treasurer said.

"But by making trains here in Queensland, it also supports traditional manufacturing, and skilled jobs in the many small and medium businesses that are part of the supply chain.

"We want to see more of these skilled jobs here in Queensland, which is one of the reasons we recently finalised the purchase of the Rockhampton Railyards.

"That will enable us to encourage suppliers into the rail manufacturing supply chain to relocate to Queensland."

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said the $3.5 billion rail investment will transform transport, drive Queensland's future growth and support jobs.

"We're transforming transport in Queensland to support the massive population boom we are seeing, and rail is a big part of our future transport network," Mr Bailey said.

"Queenslanders know that our $5.4 billion investment in Cross River Rail is the Governments most significant single infrastructure investment.

"But this budget shows we are not just building a new underground line, with significant investments in freight and passenger services across our state we are transforming the network.

"This investment is headlined by projects like the Beerburrum to Nambour and Kuraby to Beenleigh track duplications, Gold Coast Light Rail stage three, station upgrades across all of Queensland, plus the manufacturing of 65 brand new trains in Maryborough.

"Bringing all of these projects together is the rollout of our brand new ETCS technology, a world leading program used across much of Europe, which will allow us to run more services, more often, all while improving safety," he said.

"That's why we've committed more than $500 million in this year's state budget for the installation of technology on the NGR trains that talk to the Cross River Rail Platform Screen doors and the ETCS fitment program, to further expand its rollout across the network."

Mr Bailey said while there are billions of dollars in new funding for major rail projects, the transformation of the network was well underway with the first train tracks now laid in Cross River Rail's tunnels.

"We finished the 5.9km twin-tunnels on Cross River Rail last year, and now we are building the underground stations and laying the tracks," he said.

"In really exciting news for Queenslanders, the first 50 metres of track has now been laid from just south of the future Albert Street station back towards the future Woolloongabba station."

Mr Bailey said the budget delivers further upgrades to Queensland train rollingstock.

"Cross River Rail will have automatic doors at our underground stations, similar to what people may have experienced in Singapore and Tokyo, which will improve safety, temperature control and ease of exiting and entering trains," he said.

"But these automatic doors also mean we need the trains to stop with absolute precision at our underground stations, and the only way to do this is through our digital technology rollout.

"That's why we've committed more than $500 million dollars in the budget towards a further upgrade to the New Generation Rollingstock program which will allow these trains to work with the automatic doors at our underground stations.

"The unfortunate reality is, we are still cleaning up the mess made by the Newman Government which ordered overseas made, non-compliant trains, and fitting them with the right technology to operate on the network is critical for safety.

"ETCS signalling and technology also allows us to safely run trains a lot closer together across the network, meaning we can deliver more services, more often, and reduce travel times and delays, all while improving safety."

Mr Bailey said the level of rail funding in the budget was a reflection of the Palaszczuk Government's commitment to deliver for Queensland despite market pressures.

"It's no secret construction costs have been skyrocketing over the last two years during the pandemic," he said.

"The prices of concrete, steel and timber have all risen, while the labour market is red-hot due to the infrastructure boom going on across Queensland.

"This is not just a Queensland issue though, with every state in Australia and many countries globally facing the same challenges.

"Unlike other state and local governments, we aren't cutting projects, putting them on hold or descoping them – we know Queensland is growing like never before and that means we need to deliver the infrastructure to support that growth.

"The Palaszczuk Government is committed to delivering more infrastructure even in these challenging times for the construction sector."

The $3.5 billion worth of funding is contained in the Queensland budget forward estimates for new rail projects over the next four years, which includes many projects that will be delivered over the next decade.

Major projects:

The QTRIP 2022-23 to 2025-26 includes rail investments:

    $924 million towards the $1.22 billion Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 3, Broadbeach South to Burleigh Heads (jointly funded by the Australian Government, Queensland Government and City of Gold Coast)
    $876 million towards the $2.6 billion Logan and Gold Coast Faster Rail (Kuraby to Beenleigh) upgrade (jointly funded with the Australian Government)
    $489 million towards the $550.8 million Beerburrum to Nambour Rail Upgrade Stage 1 (jointly funded with the Australian Government)
    $265 million towards the $374.1 million New Generation Rollingstock, European Train Control System fitment, install new signalling
    $261 million towards the $275.7 million New Generation Rollingstock, Automatic Train Operations and Platform Screen Doors interface
    $263 million towards the New Generation Rollingstock program
    $212 million towards the $600 million Queensland Train Manufacturing Program which forms part of $7.1 billion to boost the state's train manufacturing industry and build and operate 65 trains
    $107 million towards the $120 million commitment for the construction of three new Gold Coast railway stations at Pimpama, Hope Island and Merrimac. Project cost and timing subject to further planning
    $92.5 million towards the $95.1 million Loganlea train station relocation (jointly funded with the Australian Government)
    $30 million Loganlea train station park 'n' ride upgrade (jointly funded with the Australian Government)
    $4.8 million towards the $6 million commitment to Beerwah and Maroochydore rail extension planning

ENDS

[Fares_Fair]

I must've missed this important Media Release from 19 June 2022.

The $489 million used to be $160.8 million.
This shows an extra $328.2 million for Beerburrum to Beerwah rail (#B2N) if I'm reading it correctly.

[ozbob]

Check here FF

https://www.publications.qld.gov.au/ckan-publications-attachments-prod/resources/596c404b-4e77-45a1-9b37-a71639e92ead/qtrip-2022-23-to-2025-26-complete.pdf?ETag=174c968e113d7440f1c25eb25dffba7f

Page 50

Just a confusing way it is broken up

As it was: Total Cost $'000 550,791  Fed 390,000  State 160,791

[Fares_Fair]

Check here FF

https://www.publications.qld.gov.au/ckan-publications-attachments-prod/resources/596c404b-4e77-45a1-9b37-a71639e92ead/qtrip-2022-23-to-2025-26-complete.pdf?ETag=174c968e113d7440f1c25eb25dffba7f

Page 50

Just a confusing way it is broken up

As it was: Total Cost $'000 550,791  Fed 390,000  State 160,791

Thank you Ozbob, I checked out the QTRIP (and saved it).
If it looks too good to be true...
I cannot work out how they came to that $489 million figure in the MR.
It must be just the expenditure of the state and feds between then and 2025-26 but even that doesn't add up.
I checked the latest QTRIP to 2027 and it doesn't have any permutation or combination that matches that figure either.

[ozbob]

The Beerburrum to Nambour Rail Upgrade was costed at $1,004.2m December 2023.

Originally costed at $550.8m.

The additional funding in the Federal Budget 2024-25 of $226.7m will need to be matched by the Qld Government.

Construction of stage 1 Beerburrum to Beerwah is planned to start major works this year.

TMR Web site: https://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/projects/beerburrum-to-nambour-rail-upgrade-stage-1

[ozbob]

Facebook ...

Beerburrum to Beerwah track duplication update [Beerburrum to Nambour Rail Upgrade (Stage 1)] 19th May...

Posted by RAIL - Back On Track on Saturday 18 May 2024

[Gazza]

What was the original completion date when Labor first announced the project.

Its now seemingly taking longer than CRR!

[ozbob]

^ duplication through to Landsborough by 2012. 

It was actually started in 2009 and promptly cancelled due to an election loss of a seat.

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

Is the Beerburrum to Beerwah track duplication back on track?

20th May 2024

The Beerburrum to Beerwah track upgrade is known as the Beerburrum to Nambour Rail Upgrade (Stage 1).  This project was originally going to be completed in 2012 through to Landsborough, but has been cut back to Beerwah. 

The project web page at https://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/projects/beerburrum-to-nambour-rail-upgrade-stage-1 has this information in part:

"Stage 1 will:

. deliver 3 new bridges
. address 3 level crossings
. expand 3 park 'n' ride facilities
. duplicate the section of rail track between Beerburrum and Beerwah
. construct a new bus interchange on the eastern side of Landsborough Station.

The Australian Government and Queensland Government are funding the project. Project scope, cost and timing are subject to further planning, consideration and negotiation following the Australian Government's Independent Strategic Review of its Infrastructure Investment Program. Investment ID 858087

A revised project cost of $1,004.2 million was announced on 22 December 2023 and is subject to further consideration.
Funding figures as at QTRIP 2023-24 to 2026-27 (June 2023) were project cost at $550.8 million (Australian Government $390  million + Queensland Government 160.8 million)."

We noted that there was additional funding in the Federal Budget 2024-25 of $226.7 million for this project -   it will need to be matched by the Qld Government.
[($1004.2 - $550.8 - $226.7) million = $226.7 million].  Can the Minister for Transport please confirm that this additional funding will be made available to allow the project to proceed, in line with the Minister's response to a recent Question on Notice (132-2024) https://documents.parliament.qld.gov.au/tableOffice/questionsAnswers/2024/132-2024.pdf

" ... It is expected that the contract for the major construction works will be entered into in mid to late 2024, subject to finalisation of contractual arrangements with the preferred contractor.
Detailed design for B2N Stage 1 is expected to be completed in 2024. Staging of construction works will follow. Construction is expected to be completed in 2027, weather and construction conditions permitting. "

This project is of the highest priority. 

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

[Gazza]

^ duplication through to Landsborough by 2012. 

It was actually started in 2009 and promptly cancelled due to an election loss of a seat.

Not quite what I meant.
I mean the current iteration of the project that was "restarted" under Palaszczuk.

[ozbob]

 

[Gazza]

https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/84673

Palaszczuk Government steams ahead on Beerburrum to Nambour
Published Saturday, 09 June, 2018 at 09:43 AM

JOINT STATEMENT

Deputy Premier, Treasurer and Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships
The Honourable Jackie Trad

Minister for Transport and Main Roads
The Honourable Mark Bailey

The Palaszczuk Government is delivering for Sunshine Coast commuters, announcing $160.8 million in funding for the Beerburrum to Nambour Upgrade as part of this year's Budget.

Deputy Premier and Treasurer Jackie Trad said this funding will allow the project to get underway immediately.

"The Palaszczuk Government has a clear track record of investing in the public transport infrastructure Queensland needs to support our growing population," Ms Trad said.

"That's why we're getting on with it – with money on the table now to get this duplication underway as soon as possible.

"The Beerburrum to Nambour Rail Duplication will deliver increased capacity, travel time savings for passenger and freight services, and increased reliability on the North Coast Line.

"It will reduce the competition between passenger and freight services, and enable vital public transport links to the rapidly growing Sunshine Coast area.

"This project wouldn't be able to happen if the Palaszczuk Government hadn't kickstarted it by doing the business case and submitting to Infrastructure Australia last year after 3 years of inaction by the former LNP Government."

The Beerburrum to Nambour Rail Upgrade Project involves duplication of about 20 kilometres of North Coast Line between Beerburrum and Landsborough.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said Infrastructure Australia had given a favourable assessment of the business case for the upgrade recognising it as a priority project.

"While we welcome the Turnbull Government's recent funding announcement for this project, it's important to note they have not contributed their fair share under the national land transport network agreement," Mr Bailey said.

"Despite the fact that the federal LNP Government amended the national land transport network to include the Beerburrum to Nambour rail line so far they have only offered funding on a 50:50 basis.

Ironically, the rail line runs adjacent to the Bruce Highway, which receives 80:20 funding.

Mr Bailey recently approved the gazettal of land requirements, further signalling the State's commitment to progressing the project.

 "Declaration of the land requirements, which have already been subject to community consultation, will occur in the coming weeks, giving the local communities from Beerburrum to Nambour more certainty, and opening up the option for impacted properties to apply for early acquisition, subject to meeting early acquisition criteria," he said.

With the current funding on table for this project totalling more than $550 million, detailed design work can get underway now, to be followed by the commencement of construction.

"There's no reason why work can't start on this now while we continue to negotiate with the Turnbull government to get Queensland's fair share. We just need Malcolm Turnbull to get the funding flowing now"

"This is a huge project which we know will take years to complete, so let's get to work straight away and start to see this infrastructure delivered for the Sunshine Coast."

"It is also important to remember that none of these proposed new rail lines will work without Cross River Rail to open up the network.

"The only way extra capacity on the Sunshine Coast can work is if there are no bottlenecks further down the line."

ENDS


So detailed design work was supposed to be underway in 2018, but its 2024 and still not finished?

[ozbob]

  

[Gazza]

Im seeing if I can find an actual promised date for the project.

[Fares_Fair]

What was the original completion date when Labor first announced the project.

Its now seemingly taking longer than CRR!

2012, then mid-2012, then 2024 (when announced in 2018) then ... now 2027.
Jackie Trad made the statement with completion by 2024 in a TV interview shortly after the Nambour station announcement.

[Gazza]

2012, then mid-2012, then 2024 (when announced in 2018) then ... now 2027.

Yes great, I'd love to see a release or statement for the 2024 finish date.

[Fares_Fair]

Jackie Trad made the statement with completion by 2024 in a TV interview shortly after the Nambour station announcement.

[ozbob]

    

[Fares_Fair]

My tweet
11:08 PM · Nov 7, 2020

Beerburrum-Nambour (B2N) Rail Upgrade #2tracks
Website update 13.10.2020
Early works expected to commence in early 2021, with site investigation and design expected to commence mid-2021
Major construction works expected to commence mid-2022, with completion expected in 2024

I also recall a TV interview by Ch 7 (I think it was) where Jackie Trad stated a completion by 2024.

[ozbob]

Yo, been a " rolling timeline " for quite a while now.

I am happy though the QON does finally give it another completion date (funding being available).
Any further delays are just going to lead to further cost escalations.

Should the LNP assume Government post #qldvotes in October, they really have a major cost issue with both B2B and B2M.   

[ozbob]

Sunshine Coast News --> State considers more funds for rail upgrade after federal government chips in again

The state government could soon bolster its funding for a rail upgrade on the Sunshine Coast, after the federal government announced it would provide a cash injection.

A spokesperson for the Department of Transport and Main Roads told Sunshine Coast News the state government was contemplating increasing its financial commitment to the Beerburrum to Nambour Rail Upgrade (Stage 1) project.

It could be announced within a month.

"The Queensland Government is currently considering an increase to the existing $160.8 million commitment as part of the upcoming state budget (June 11)," the spokesperson said.

Further input of about $226.9 million would fully fund Stage 1 and allow work to start in earnest.

The project recently received a $226.7 million injection from the federal government, which boosted its input to $616.7 million, after costs had blown out from $550.8 million to $1.0044 billion. ...

[Fares_Fair]

Wow, it's already gone up by another $0.2 million since December, if it's now $1.0044 billion (was $1.0042 b).
State now need to add $226.9 million, up from $226.7 initially required.

As the months go by - the cost increases.
Delays to projects have become extraordinarily costly.

I appreciate the Qld Government providing this extra funding which I have said will be included in the next state budget to be handed down on 11 June.
6 years since iT was announced on 9 June 2018 as GO.
Here she comes.

[Stillwater]

Watch Beerwah boom! Track upgrade from there to Nambour would be the biggest urban renewal shot in the arm for Nambour. It is 'wait and see' for that project though.

[Fares_Fair]

Beerburrum to Beerwah (#B2N) rail requires another $226.7 million (or $226.9 million according to Sunshine Coast News) to proceed from the state government.
That has to be in this budget.

Page 1 Budget Papers Capital Statement - 2024-25
Capital expenditure by the transport portfolio is budgeted to total $9.494 billion in
2024–25. This includes significant capital investment in rail, with $786 million towards the
Queensland Train Manufacturing Program, $513.6 million to continue construction work
on Cross River Rail, $500 million towards the Logan and Gold Coast Faster Rail project,
$115 million towards the Beerburrum to Nambour Rail Upgrade (Stage 1) and
$110.8 million towards the Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line (Stage 1) funding
commitment.

CAPITAL PROGRAM, p13
$115 million towards Beerburrum to Nambour Rail Upgrade (Stage 1), as part of a total commitment of $1.004
billion (jointly funded with the Australian Government)

I expect it will go ahead but we are still $111.7 million short of what is required.
Additional $111.7m funding is in future years I'd say.


QTRIP 2024-25 SHOWS THE FULL FUNDING IS ALL THERE
National 858087 Beerburrum to Nambour
Rail Upgrade (Stage 1)  $1,004.191m  =  (Fed) $616.700m  +  (Qld) $387.491m

WE HAVE ARRIVED AT A FULLY FUNDED RAIL PROJECT AFTER IT WAS STOPPED IN 2009 (albeit cut back from Landsborough to Beerwah)

First announced over 19 years ago (2005).
It's been a long hard rail.

[ozbob]

Government Statement

https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/101569

Contractor locked in to progress the Beerburrum to Nambour Rail Upgrade Stage 1

30th September 2024

Minister for Transport and Main Roads and Minister for Digital Services
The Honourable Bart Mellish

. The contract to finalise the design and build Stage 1 of the Beerburrum to Nambour (B2N) Rail Upgrade has been awarded to a John Holland Queensland Seymour Whyte Joint Venture.

. This follows the completion of the project's early and enabling works in late 2023 that has delivered upgraded park 'n' ride facilities at Landsborough and Nambour. 

. Major construction works are scheduled to begin in 2025.

The Beerburrum to Nambour (B2N) Rail Upgrade project has reached a major milestone with the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) awarding the contract to deliver the Stage 1 major rail works package.

This package includes duplication of the rail line between Beerburrum and Beerwah, straightening the rail line between Beerburrum and Glass House Mountains, an upgraded park 'n' ride facility at Beerburrum, new or upgraded road overpasses and upgraded train signalling systems.

B2N Stage 1 now advances to its next phase under a Collaborative Project Delivery Agreement between the Department and the John Holland Queensland Seymour Whyte Joint Venture. This contract award allows the Joint Venture with its designers SMEC Australia and WSP Australia to continue to finalise the designs and start construction of the major works package.

The Joint Venture brings valuable knowledge and experience to the project, having been appointed in 2023 to undertake preconstruction and design work as part of an Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) process. This included collaborating with TMR and Queensland Rail in design development, stakeholder engagement, site investigations and site preparation activities as well as environmental and cultural heritage planning and approvals.

Preliminary designs will be further refined, shared with the community and finalised, with construction, testing and commissioning activities delivered in a staged sequence of packages over the next three years.

Awarding of this contract for the major works package follows completion of separate early works late last year. This delivered an expanded park 'n' ride facility at Landsborough station with 300 new car parks and a new bus interchange on the eastern side of the station, an expanded park 'n' ride facility at Nambour station with 50 new car parks on the eastern side of the station, and realigned a section of Steve Irwin Way at Glass House Mountains to accommodate the new rail corridor and track infrastructure.

The B2N Rail Upgrade will increase the capacity and reliability of the North Coast Line, enabling more efficient travel and improved passenger and freight connections between the Sunshine Coast, Moreton Bay, Brisbane and beyond.

This upgrade plays an important role in broader transport planning for an enhanced and integrated public transport network that better connects Sunshine Coast communities.

B2N Stage 1 ties in with the Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line at Beerwah and is among the projects being planned together to improve public transport services and infrastructure for the growing South East Queensland region.

The $1.004 billion project is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland governments, with the Australian Government contributing $616.7 million and the Queensland contributing $387.5 million.

The B2N upgrade investment is estimated to support an average of 333 direct jobs over the life of the Stage 1 project.

Main construction of B2N Stage 1 is scheduled to begin in 2025 and expected to be completed in 2027, weather and construction conditions permitting.

Quotes attributable to Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads and Minister for Digital Services Bart Mellish:

"This is excellent progress for the Beerburrum to Nambour Rail Upgrade and great news for everyone in the community who has been eagerly anticipating updates about this important project.

"I am excited to see Stage 1 advance towards benefits that will make a genuine difference for rail users, including excellent new park 'n' ride facilities, and more reliable connections across South East Queensland.

"It also helps to prepare the wider regional transport network for future growth by providing an important interface connection at Beerwah with the Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line and other Sunshine Coast public transport projects.

"This upgrade is making an enormous contribution to the biggest decade of infrastructure delivery in our state's history – Queensland's Big Build.

"This investment will help people get home safer and sooner, to spend more time with family and friends and enjoy our state's great lifestyle.

"As we move closer to main construction, I'd like to thank residents, local communities, road and rail users in advance for their patience and understanding as these major improvement works take place."

Quotes attributable to the Member for Nicklin, Rob Skelton

"Beerburrum to Nambour is a pivotal project for the future of Sunshine Coast".

"This project will change the way people travel on the Sunshine Coast, unlock economic opportunity and bring growth to our region.

"The Miles Government is delivering the infrastructure the Sunshine Coat needs".

Further information:

Visit the B2N Stage 1 project page
> https://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/projects/beerburrum-to-nambour-rail-upgrade-stage-1

[Fares_Fair]

But it is still being designed... seriously.., after over six years...

I'm elated it has been announced.
It will go ahead.
It's been a long hard rail.

[ozbob]

Thanks for your continuing advocacy FF.

 

[Fares_Fair]

Quotes attributable to the Member for Nicklin, Rob Skelton

"Beerburrum to Nambour is a pivotal project for the future of Sunshine Coast".

"This project will change the way people travel on the Sunshine Coast, unlock economic opportunity and bring growth to our region.

"The Miles Government is delivering the infrastructure the Sunshine Coat needs".

The state MP still giving the false and misleading impression that duplicated rail is coming to Nambour.
It isn't.
This "Nambour" rail project ends some 26 rail kilometres south of the town.
They need to rename the project to what it actually is, Beerburrum to Beerwah.
Even the unfunded future Stage 2 works only reach Woombye (with a lousy loop extension).

[HappyTrainGuy]

Urgh. Political games. Just as the minister claimed with Ferny grove platforms being too short for NGR trains...

[ozbob]

https://x.com/Jeffrey_Addison/status/1841224490539163818

[verbatim9]

We already know that ETCS2 is incorporated into this project but they should go a step further and include outdoor platform screens doors at these stations or the provisions for these stations to be quickly retrofitted for automation. In the mean time / near term Driver Only Operations would be a step forward to ensure economical and efficient operations, hopefully by 2028.

Same goes with this project.

[HappyTrainGuy]

We already know that ETCS2 is incorporated into this project but they should go a step further and include outdoor platform screens doors at these stations or the provisions for these stations to be quickly retrofitted for automation. In the mean time / near term Driver Only Operations would be a step forward to ensure economical and efficient operations, hopefully by 2028.

Same goes with this project.

Hopefully it will also connect to the Geebung maglev project and those airport runway to the cruise terminal shuttle buz.

[Gazza]

Platform screen doors on an interurban train line is gold plating.

[Jonno]

Platform screen doors on an interurban train line is gold plating.

agree. maybe just do the larger stations/interchanges where crowding/safety may be an issue.