The Sunshine Coast Case : Rail duplication Beerburrum to Nambour

[Stillwater]

Not only is the state government committed to building Caloundra South with an estimated population of 50,000 and Palmview, with a population of 15,000, but it is pressuring the SCRC to allow for development at Halls Creek (South South Caloundra), on the eastern side of the Bruce Highway, east of Beerwah.

Stockland, the developer, is saying that CAMCOS rail to South Caloundra won't be need because 'Greater Caloundra' will be 'self-contained' for jobs.

Here is a wonderful quote from the SCD:
"The planned Caloundra South and Halls Creek will be connected to urban areas of the Sunshine Coast on inter-regional bus networks, and when and if rail comes on board, it will be an enhancement."

BUSES travelling 'inter-regional' routes.

http://www.sunshinecoastdaily.com.au/news/big-money-battle-over-hallscreek/2240484/

Stockland should be made to pay megabucks in rail infrastructure costs should its development plans go ahead and a city, in prospect the size of Toowoomba, sprouts up in the pine forests.

Note also that the land has become 'degraded' because it had trees growing on it, now harvested.  Stockland would have us believe it is doing society a favour by taking so-called degraded land and converting it to housing lots.

[ozbob]

These areas will be modern day slums unless some coherent planning processes are put in play.

Chances of that happening seems remote hey? 

[Stillwater]

To be 'self-contained' Stockland would have to generate 30,000 jobs.  An extra 30,000 jobs, at Caloundra.  I want to see the industrial estate plans and the companies signed up to build there before Stockland produces the housing estate plans.

The breadwinners from these estates would have to travel by car down the highway (forget six lanes, eight needed) or all crowd onto the Beerwah station platform for the odd train on the single track to Brisbane.  Or they could catch the mythical 'inter-regional bus'.

Is this what passes for effective transport planning in SEQ?
 

[Arnz]

The 'inter-regional' bus, I believe they are referring to the Greyhound service, which passes through a few times a day. 

Unless if there's going to be a 667 Rocket from Caloundra South To Brisbane    Only need to order a couple of Bustech ADis (Wheel-Chair accessible, with luggage storage at the bottom like the coaches)  for whichever operator gets the Sunshine Coast bus contract past 2015. 

[ozbob]

Have they forgotten the hovercraft solution so soon?

Governed by idiots ...   

[Stillwater]

Help!  Can anyone lay their hands on:

1.  The North Coast Line Corridor Study, Pricewaterhouse Coopers (2005)
2.  Brisbane-Cairns Freight Development Plan (QR document)

Thanks.

[dancingmongoose]

Help!  Can anyone lay their hands on:

1.  The North Coast Line Corridor Study, Pricewaterhouse Coopers (2005)
2.  Brisbane-Cairns Freight Development Plan (QR document)

Thanks.

Might not be the exact documents but here's some info
http://www.atrf.info/papers/2010/2010_Laird_A.pdf
http://www.rtbu-nat.asn.au/RTBUAUSQL.pdf

[Stillwater]

In his paper, which you have posted (thanks), Dr Laird makes mention of these documents.  I doubt they are available publicly.  The Brisbane-Cairns Freight Development Plan is a QR document, so may be available through Right to Information provisions.

Future improvements to the NCL are tied in to freight functions and switch to ARTC management of the line, now a distinct possibility.

[Fares_Fair]

In his paper, which you have posted (thanks), Dr Laird makes mention of these documents.  I doubt they are available publicly.  The Brisbane-Cairns Freight Development Plan is a QR document, so may be available through Right to Information provisions.

Future improvements to the NCL are tied in to freight functions and switch to ARTC management of the line, now a distinct possibility.

It's a slam dunk in my opinion and from all that I have read.
I believe that rail duplication could now well start within 12 months if the ARTC take it over.

What parts they develop first will be interesting. I'd suggest the north of Landsborough to Palmwoods stretch would provide the max. initial benefit.
Will have to wait and see. 

[Fares_Fair]

Help!  Can anyone lay their hands on:

1.  The North Coast Line Corridor Study, Pricewaterhouse Coopers (2005)
2.  Brisbane-Cairns Freight Development Plan (QR document)

Thanks.

Both documents are listed as unpublished.
The PWC one rings a bell, I'll check my documents obtained under RTI.

[Stillwater]

Ain't this the truth - story of the NCL and government consideration of its redevelopment, or lack thereof:

As Infrastructure Australia noted in its 2008 report to COAG, 'Australia's infrastructure governance arrangements create an environment in which reactive, incremental policy approaches dominate... This leads to a tendency to wait until congestion, bottlenecks, risks or inefficiencies reach a critical point before acting, leading to sub-optimal outcomes' (Infrastructure Australia 2008).

[Stillwater]

The economic and transport efficiency arguments for upgrading the line have been known for several years, inside and outside government.  The arguments are compelling, the truth inescapable.

Politics and the playing of politics has held up the translation of the studies, investigations, realignment reports etc into actual work on the ground.  The pollies gave the very minimum, as evidenced by the temporary platforms and the barest of progress - Caboolture to Beerburrum.

Politics was always at the heart of the line's chances of improvement.  And we have Campbell Newman and his playing of politics to thank for saying that he 'wasn't sure of the SC's infrastructure priorities', and resulting in every politician from Caboolture to Gympie, and both mayors, placing the SCL at the front of the queue for funding.

The reputation of the LNP locally is on the line.  The Newman Government must deliver funds for the SCL upgrade in its election year budget, next year.  We know there is no money in the 2004-15 budget.  If Mr Newman goes to the polls before June 2015, he would have to make an iron-clad guarantee of a funding commitment.

The LNP and Labor are taking soundings of electoral sentiment and they are showing considerable weakening of the LNP standing on the Sunshine Coast.  The PUP offers a conservative alternative.  If the LNP thinks its electoral fortunes are waning on the SC -- once a stronghold for the party -- and if Mr Palmer and his candidates commit to a rail upgrade, stand by for at least two state seats on the SC going to Mr Palmer.  Coasties can't bring themselves to vote in numbers for the Labor Party, but they have shown already that they will vote for conservatives who back them and their aspirations.  Evidence Peter Wellington MP.

The LNP is in the corner and that is where they should continue to be boxed in, in the lead-up to the next state election, probably less than 12 months away.  Its members will wriggle and squirm, but they cannot be allowed to make promises that will kick the issue down the track for a further three years, to 2018.

[ozbob]

For interest ...

612 ABC Brisbane

Transport Minister Scott Emerson takes your calls on roads, trains and transport

02 May 2014 , 9:56 AM by Gabrielle Burke

Do you experience problems with the bottlenecks on the Bruce Highway, congestion on the Gateway Motorway, or trains and buses running late or early?

Today the Transport Minister Scott Emerson joined Steve Austin in studio to answer your transport and infrastructure questions.

Listen to the discussion --> here:

[Stillwater]

News from the Property Council of Australia that CAMCOS is still on the State Government's agenda:
http://www.propertyoz.com.au/qld/Article/NewsDetail.aspx?p=16&id=9173

Strange wording: 'CAMCOS is still on the agenda, however the Government will be investigating innovative ways to deliver the project, particularly utilising private sector knowledge and funding.' 

Seems it is on the agenda if someone other than government funds it.

Reading the tea leaves, does this mean that the LNP Government is devising a deal for ARTC to duplicate Beerburrum to Landsborough, and be responsible for the SCL north of there, through Nambour and Gympie, with the state picking up the cost of the 'passenger rail' component along the CAMCOS corridor, under a PPP arrangement?

[dancingmongoose]

How about this for an " innovative way to deliver the project":

Dual track

[Stillwater]

In conversation today with someone plugged in at local govt level, the word 'duplication' may mean different things to different MPs on the Sunny Coast, with one or two saying 'yes' to duplication, but meaning CAMCOS to Maroochydore.

[ozbob]

Well, they are idiots ...

[Fares_Fair]

In conversation today with someone plugged in at local govt level, the word 'duplication' may mean different things to different MPs on the Sunny Coast, with one or two saying 'yes' to duplication, but meaning CAMCOS to Maroochydore.

I specifically asked this question of the Speaker of the Queensland Parliament, the Hon Fiona Simpson MP, at the lunch held with the Transport Minister on 23 April.
The response was unequivocal - she said that she understood that duplication to Nambour had to happen first.

[aldonius]

At the risk of a ridiculous level of pedantry, that's only one MP confirmed that Nambour duplication is not CAMCOS and needs to happen first...

[Arnz]

At the risk of a ridiculous level of pedantry, that's only one MP confirmed that Nambour duplication is not CAMCOS and needs to happen first...

To be more pedantic, Minister Andrew Powell is well aware of the duplication issues in past community gatherings,  and that it needs to happen before CAMCOS. So that makes at least 2.

[Fares_Fair]

At the risk of a ridiculous level of pedantry, that's only one MP confirmed that Nambour duplication is not CAMCOS and needs to happen first...

To be more pedantic, Minister Andrew Powell is well aware of the duplication issues in past community gatherings,  and that it needs to happen before CAMCOS. So that makes at least 2.

.. and Hon Glen Elmes at Noosa called for it to go to Cooroy or even Gympie. That makes 3.

[ozbob]

Well well ..

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Twitter

Annie Gaffney ‏@Annie_Gaffney

Member for Caloundra Mark McArdle lists duplication of north coast rail line as top priority for the Coast.

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Twitter

Annie Gaffney ‏@Annie_Gaffney

Member for Maroochydore Fiona Simpson says duplication of north coast rail line is a key priority for the Coast.

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Twitter

Annie Gaffney ‏@Annie_Gaffney

Member for Buderim Steve Dixon lists duplication of north coast rail line as a key priority for the Coast.

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Twitter

Annie Gaffney ‏@Annie_Gaffney

Member for Noosa Glen Elmes lists duplication of north coast rail line as an important key priority for Coast. Wants to see it go to Gympie.

FIRST TIME THEY ALL HAVE STATED AS SUCH PUBLICLY...     

this is a big day and first step on the rails to recovery for public transport between Sunshine Coast and Brisbane.
I know Andrew Powell is all for it too, but eagerly await his response.

[Fares_Fair]

Well well ..

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Twitter

Annie Gaffney ‏@Annie_Gaffney

Member for Caloundra Mark McArdle lists duplication of north coast rail line as top priority for the Coast.

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Twitter

Annie Gaffney ‏@Annie_Gaffney

Member for Maroochydore Fiona Simpson says duplication of north coast rail line is a key priority for the Coast.

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Twitter

Annie Gaffney ‏@Annie_Gaffney

Member for Buderim Steve Dixon lists duplication of north coast rail line as a key priority for the Coast.

==================

Twitter

Annie Gaffney ‏@Annie_Gaffney

Member for Noosa Glen Elmes lists duplication of north coast rail line as an important key priority for Coast. Wants to see it go to Gympie.

FIRST TIME THEY ALL HAVE STATED AS SUCH PUBLICLY...     

this is a big day and first step on the rails to recovery for public transport between Sunshine Coast and Brisbane.
I know Andrew Powell is all for it too, but eagerly await his response.

.. that's 5 !

Peter Wellington confirmed it to me personally - makes it 6 !

[Fares_Fair]

Asked on 1 April 2014

MR WELLINGTON asked the Premier (MR NEWMAN)—

With  reference  to  the  need  to  continue  the  duplication  of  the  railway  line  from
Beerburrum to Nambour― 
Has the Premier raised this matter with the Prime Minister and if so, when?

ANSWER:

As  I  have  advised  the  Member  previously,  I  will  continue  to  lobby  the  Federal
Government  to  fund  important  infrastructure  for  Queensland  at  every  available
opportunity.

[Stillwater]

The opportunity for the next development in the saga could be the Federal Budget.  Best we could hope for is that the FG allocates some money for unidentified projects on the Queensland rail network ' subject to the ARTC and QR identifying projects' -- or words to that effect.

We know there will be no joy in the state Budget.  If no money from the Feds, it is another year of campaigning, I suppose, with the next big push being the state election campaign.  All MPs on the Coast can't agree on duplication as their No.1 priority and not nominate a construction timetable (and funding profile) during the election campaign.  Failure to do so would result in calls to bring back crucifixion. 

[Stillwater]

Waiting on the ARTC.   

State unlikely to bid for asset sales incentive fund ($5b) for SCL upgrade.  They have other priorities,

[Fares_Fair]

The $4 billion worth ARTC is on the Federal Government's medium term plans for privatisation, according to a story in the Australian last week. 

[Stillwater]

 :conf

[Stillwater]

I wonder whether all of the NCL will be included in the track taken over by ARTC, should it consider the proposal viable.  Warren Truss says only the 'viable' portion of the Qld track will be considered.

News reports ....


The Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) has confirmed it is actively investigating the prospect of incorporating the Sunshine State's extensive freight rail network into the national rail system, a move that would make it simpler for train operators to move across states.

The renewed enthusiasm for national rail integration follows an agreement between federal Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Warren Truss and the Queensland Minister for Main Roads Scott Emerson to evaluate the benefit, or otherwise, of expanding the ARTC's 8,500 kilometre national network.

If the ARTC and the Queensland government can establish the merits of such a move, the result could mean bringing Queensland Rail's 6,600 kilometres of freight rail track outside south-east Queensland into the ARTC's domain.

The ARTC has been working on a new digital automatic signalling system with American aerospace, defence, security and advanced technology company Lockheed Martin and Italian transportation company Ansaldo STS to create the new system.

The ARTC has dubbed this new signalling system as the as the Advanced Train Management System (ATMS) and has been valued at $100 million over its proof of concept period.

The implementation of this system will eventually mean that traditional trackside signalling will be replaced with on-board displays of 'authorities' to drivers, will provide precise location of trains both front and rear, and provide voice and data information to all locomotives via the Telstra 3G National Network.

http://www.governmentnews.com.au/2014/02/fresh-probe-considers-shunting-queensland-rail-onto-national-tracks/

Truss points to his government's backing for the inland rail link between Queensland and Victoria as adding impetus to the need for the investigation while highlighting that only those lines within the state that are financially viable for the ARTC would be supported.

http://www.fullyloaded.com.au/news/logistics/1402/transport-ministers-push-artc%E2%80%99s-queensland-study/

[Stillwater]

State Cabinet to meet on the Sunshine Coast and ministers want to hear from community groups:

http://www.sunshinecoastdaily.com.au/news/newman-bring-cabinet-coast-polls-predict-disaster/2272136/

Any interest in a RailBOT delegation to Newman/Emerson about SCL duplication?

Meeting request forms are available from:

Department of the Premier and Cabinet:  Telephone 1800 448 377 or 1800 448 378 or email communitycabinet@premiers.qld.gov.au or website www.thepremier.qld.gov.au/community-cabinet.aspx

[Fares_Fair]

State Cabinet to meet on the Sunshine Coast and ministers want to hear from community groups:

http://www.sunshinecoastdaily.com.au/news/newman-bring-cabinet-coast-polls-predict-disaster/2272136/

Any interest in a RailBOT delegation to Newman/Emerson about SCL duplication?

Meeting request forms are available from:

Department of the Premier and Cabinet:  Telephone 1800 448 377 or 1800 448 378 or email communitycabinet@premiers.qld.gov.au or website www.thepremier.qld.gov.au/community-cabinet.aspx

I have met with Hon Mr Emerson and he knows where I stand on rail duplication, as does Hon Ms Simpson.
I would like to take it up directly with the Premier - something I haven't done in person to date (but have by way of correspondence).

Count me in!

[Jonno]

Premier hates rail!!!

[Fares_Fair]

That may or may not be.
All I need to ask is does he love government?

[Stillwater]

A check in with the Premier sounds like the way to go - just to ask whether he has got the message that all of his members on the Sunny Coast and the two mayors have placed SCL duplication as the No.1 infrastructure above all others.

I suspect we will get a wishy-washy reply along the lines of "I fully support the ARTC taking over this line so Queenslanders get the infrastructure they desire and deserve.  We are looking into it and until such time as the investigations are concluded, I cannot comment further."  Or words to that effect.

But that should not prevent a meeting with the Premier just to keep the project in the fore.

[ozbob]

Sunshine Coast Daily --> What about us? Railway plan angers Sunshine Coast commuters

[Stillwater]

"The North Coast Rail Duplication needs to be funded immediately.   Funds have been put off until 2031 – this is simply not good enough!"  - Andrew Powell, MP, Member for Glass House, media statement, July 27 2011.

   

[Fares_Fair]

 

[ozbob]

Twitter

Jeff Addison ‏@Jeffrey_Addison 7m

@SunshineCoast @the_daily FRONT PAGE #2tracks needs to happen within 5 years. http://t.co/r0LFXriqRK

[ozbob]

Twitter

Jeff Addison ‏@Jeffrey_Addison

Our railway dream gets another run. #SunshineCoast Daily p5 "Doing nothing is not an option" quote frm my newsletter.
https://twitter.com/Jeffrey_Addison/status/479006803380801537/photo/1

[ozbob]

Twitter

Jeff Addison ‏@Jeffrey_Addison

#SunshineCoast @the_daily Editorial, p18. We've waited too long for (#2tracks) upgrade. It's 42% of trains are buses.
http://t.co/Mu3lC5LMCc