Redcliffe Peninsula Line [was MBRL (Petrie to Kippa Ring)]

[somebody]

Always interesting reading your optimistic posts, colinw.  Point by point:
1. After Springfield, we need CRR part 1 then Fairfield-Salisbury quad, perhaps as one project (the ICRCS suggests Banoon)

2. I would agree that the Varsity Lakes extension was a little wierd.  Also the way it had a distance between stations half of what is on the rest of the Gold Coast line, which is OK if it's the last station.

3. FG is not (IMO) the next line for a frequency upgrade, that would be Caboolture

4. Agree that the Petrie-Lawnton triple would probably be required with the Kippa-Ring line.  Also sorting out the track config around Northgate (can't access the middle road from the mains?  That's poo.)

5. With the Landsborough duplication, I would wonder: Why stop there?  It may make sense to continue to Maroochydore.  It should never have stopped at Beerburrum.

6. I would agree with an NG line down the SG alignment at some point to ease the strain on the 130 bus, which is also a little indirect.

7. I don't see the Sandgate-Shorncliffe duplication being required if you are willing to do a crew swap at Shorncliffe.  Running time is around 4 minutes and 8tph should be possible here.  By the time demand is that high, it would be more useful to have short workings and express trains.  Maybe a 3rd platform at Banyo for example.

8. No additional track is needed Park Rd-Roma St IMO, but Cleveland line upgrades will be needed.  The notion of duplication only at the station and waiting for a cross is a total anachronism in passenger rail.  Could be done like Sydney's Cronulla line though with duplication at 3 stations and in between.

9. The problem with connecting Cleveland and Ipswich Lines is that it unbalances the network even more than at present.  I would certainly support sorting out the Cleveland Line's routing, probably with a tunnel from Cannon Hill, although stephenk puts it in the "Trainspotter Fantasy File" (threads, here: http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=2851.0 and here: http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=3789.0).  I prefer connection to the FG line at Newmarket and closing both Windsor & Wilston stations which already are served moderately well by buses.  The bus services can also be upgraded.  This may, of course, be political suicide.  I definitely see value in the 2nd CRR line going to Kenmore or even Moggill as it should be possible to surface west of Kenmore to reduce costs.  I am not completely sure it can be justified on a cost basis though.

10. Like your suggesting of extending the Caboolture trains west.

11. Doomben?  I say bustitute.  That reduces the unbalanced nature of our network, especially if FG/IPS/CAB/SHC/CVN/BNH lines are all to get 4tph on the inner parts at least and the GC/Airport to stay at 2pth (yuck for the Airport).  It's less of a problem now because of the unbalanced service provision with the IPS line getting 4tph weekday daytime.  In the future, it may go to 4tph to Richlands/Springfield from CAB with 2tph to Ipswich running express.

12. Don't see a new Toowoomba range crossing for pax.

13. Don't really understand the Redbank triple, but a third platform at Redbank or somewhere else beyond Darra would make some sense.

14. I agree a bus service may be all Samford will ever need.

[colinw]

Thanks for that.

Even though it is probably kite flying and would make the north/south imbalance worse, the reason why I raised Cleveland and the 2nd stage tunnel is twofold.

1.  I used to live in Wynnum, and the indirect rail route to the city irritated me. I also suspect it is part of the reason why the Cleveland line underperforms, along with the poor service frequency (which is itself mandated by the long single track sections beyond Manly).

2.  I cannot really see much value in a Toowong to Bowen Hills tunnel route, closely adding more capacity to an already quad track main route.  Much better to come off earlier (Indooroopilly) and travel via UQ as I (and others) have already posted.  But then, connect to where?  Yet another connection to the northside around Bowen Hills will end up trying to concentrate something like 8 tracks into four between Bowen Hills and Albion.  It seems to me we would end up replacing one big junction problem (Roma St West) with another.

cheers,
Colin

[somebody]

Thanks for that.

Even though it is probably kite flying and would make the north/south imbalance worse, the reason why I raised Cleveland and the 2nd stage tunnel is twofold.

1.  I used to live in Wynnum, and the indirect rail route to the city irritated me. I also suspect it is part of the reason why the Cleveland line underperforms, along with the poor service frequency (which is itself mandated by the long single track sections beyond Manly).

2.  I cannot really see much value in a Toowong to Bowen Hills tunnel route, closely adding more capacity to an already quad track main route.  Much better to come off earlier (Indooroopilly) and travel via UQ as I (and others) have already posted.  But then, connect to where?  Yet another connection to the northside around Bowen Hills will end up trying to concentrate something like 8 tracks into four between Bowen Hills and Albion.  It seems to me we would end up replacing one big junction problem (Roma St West) with another.

cheers,
Colin

Thinking back, my Cannon Hill-Hawthorne-New Farm-Central-QUT KG-Ferny Grove line tunnel was instead of the 2026 tunnel, something which got up some people's nostrils.  I agree with all your concerns about the proposed 2026 (second) inner city rail tunnel, and I'm glad another member thinks along the same lines as me.  Whether or not my solution is the best one; well I'm open to other suggestions.

This would have allowed some of the Ipswich line trains to use the suburban tracks with a controversial conflicting move at Roma St West junction, but they are only competing with Cannon Hill via South Bank trains (no reason to extend these trains any further).  It has been suggested in the ICRCS that the Gold Coast will need 19tph, Kuraby 5tph and Beenligh 8tph via Tennyson (Urghh!!), OTOH.  The Gold Coast numbers could be reduced to 13tph with 9 car trains which were in fact recommended.  That would make it work out for Coast & Kuraby via the 2016 tunnel, Cannon Hill via South bank (~4tph) and Beenleigh via Merivale Bridge and the rest of the Cleveland line via my proposed tunnel.  Those that would like to say that the number of paths for the Ipswich/Springfield lines would be restricted, well that is true but under the ICRCS plans 8tph are used up by the Beenleigh line trains going via Tennyson anyway.  You are talking about a 4tph difference here.  With the advantages presented by a new river crossing for the Cleveland Line, and not least being significant room for a sharp growth in patronage on that line (likely).  Something like the 2026 tunnel may be required in 2040.

Regarding the Cleveland line's service frequency, nothing prevents them doing 4tph to Manly with 2tph extending to Cleveland other than tight fistedness and reluctance to do anything.

Nothing in this is intentionally flamebait, so please don't be upset.  The major limitation as I see it is needing to bustitute Windsor and Wilston train stations.

[colinw]

Funny you mention that.  I nearly added to my post above that I think the 2nd tunnel should kill two birds with one stone.

Specifically two lines on the CityTrain system suffer from very indirect routes to the city that add 5+ minutes to each journey.  Those lines are Ferny Grove and Cleveland.

I was going to suggest coming off the FG line at Newmarket, thence Herston (Ballymore), Kelvin Grove, Spring Hill, CBD (Edward & Elizabeth streets / Riverside area), then turning east and crossing under the river twice to a station at Newfarm, thence under the river via a Hawthorne Rd / Riding Rd station to the Cleveland line in the Morningside / Cannon Hill area.

End result - complete sectorisaton Cleveland & Ferny Grove, north south balance preserved, both indirect lines made much more direct, an Edward St / Riverside station, and Newfarm and southern Hawthorne on the CityTrain system.

Much better than a line from Toowong, although I think an Indooroopilly - UQ - West End - CBD route is a future possibility.

[colinw]

By the way, I utterly reject the notion of Beenleigh Line services via Tennyson.  Its a horrible idea, which adds Beenleigh to the list of lines taking indirect routes.

Rather than that, I'd actually rather see one of :-

1.   A reinstated Doomben to Corinda via South Brisbane service, like we used to have when I first moved to Brisbane.  2tph would be plenty for this.
2.  A "Tennyson Loop" service running Roma St to Roma St both directions via Tennyson & Sherwood, but only after all Beenleigh & Gold Coast are via the city underground.  3tph for this one.

The idea here is to facilitate cross suburban & connecting journeys, as that railbus replacement service on Corinda - Yeerongpilly has killed patronage to way below what it was in the long gone days of the hourly Doomben to Corinda via South Brisbane service.

I have not thought this through however - so feel free to demolish - open to robust criticism! :-)

cheers,
Colin

[somebody]

By the way, I utterly reject the notion of Beenleigh Line services via Tennyson.  Its a horrible idea, which adds Beenleigh to the list of lines taking indirect routes.

Hear here!!

1.   A reinstated Doomben to Corinda via South Brisbane service, like we used to have when I first moved to Brisbane.  2tph would be plenty for this.

Actually this is a very good idea, but it should extend to Richlands when that station opens.  The notion of terminating half the Cleveland trains at Bowen Hills is stupid given that there are more trains from/to the north off peak.  That would also make it logical for off peak coasties to resume stopping at Yeerongpilly.  It should also co-ordinate with the other Beenleigh trains for a 15 minute frequency as far as Yeerongpilly.

2.  A "Tennyson Loop" service running Roma St to Roma St both directions via Tennyson & Sherwood, but only after all Beenleigh & Gold Coast are via the city underground.  3tph for this one.

The idea here is to facilitate cross suburban & connecting journeys, as that railbus replacement service on Corinda - Yeerongpilly has killed patronage to way below what it was in the long gone days of the hourly Doomben to Corinda via South Brisbane service.

Not sure I like this one so much.  If the previous idea is implemented, then you don't need this Tennyson service so much, and I'm not really sure you can easily reverse at Roma St.  Perhaps on #6.

[stephenk]

1. To 2013 Finish current committed projects. Springfield (complete with Ellen Grove & Springfield Lakes), electrify 4th road Darra - Corinda and build the 4th platform at Oxley, finish Keperra to Ferny Grove & boost FG line frequencies to minimum 3tph / 20 minutes full time. (FG is logical next line for better than 2tph off peak).

The Ferny Grove Line is capable of easily running 4tph off-peak now. The duplication is required to increase peak services.

2.  By 2016 Cross River Rail + Salisbury quad.  (Key to what comes after, but we need that capacity before we start adding too many new lines to the system).  System wide timetable redesign and general move to 4tph minimum service standard (2tph on the off peak interurbans).

This is required before 4tph are run on the Beenleigh and Gold Coast Lines, unless the Gold Coast service is to be slowed down.

- Timing for extending 3rd line beyond Kuraby towards Loganlea & Beenleigh?

This will be required within the next 6 years, not after 2030!

[colinw]

1.   A reinstated Doomben to Corinda via South Brisbane service, like we used to have when I first moved to Brisbane.  2tph would be plenty for this.

Actually this is a very good idea, but it should extend to Richlands when that station opens.  The notion of terminating half the Cleveland trains at Bowen Hills is stupid given that there are more trains from/to the north off peak.  That would also make it logical for off peak coasties to resume stopping at Yeerongpilly.  It should also co-ordinate with the other Beenleigh trains for a 15 minute frequency as far as Yeerongpilly.

Actually now that you mention it, the idea of terminating & turning back at Roma St is fairly horrible.  It would tie up valuable platform space, and probably create a bunch of unnecessary junction conflicts.

I therefore much prefer the idea of bringing back a Doomben to Corinda via South Brisbane pairing to provide a real cross connection between the lines and add some destination & interchange choices to the system.

Initially this could be to Richlands as you suggest.  Longer term, Springfield should run via Milton as this is the more direct route, which leaves Corinda with its 5th platform as the logical interchange point where you can turn back a train and still leave 4 platforms free for the quad track mainline service.

Once the tunnel via Wooloongabba opens, both the coasties & Beenleigh should run via the new route.  That leaves additional capacity spare on the Merivale bridge, and the old South Brisbane route in need of additional services to boost frequency & interchange opportunities at Roma St and Park Road.  Therefore by then we should be looking at a 3tph or better Doomben (or Hamilton North Shore extension) to Corinda via South Brisbane service, using some the train paths that used to be occupied by the Beenleigh service.

[colinw]

- Timing for extending 3rd line beyond Kuraby towards Loganlea & Beenleigh?

This will be required within the next 6 years, not after 2030!

Hopefully it will do more for our services than Salisbury to Kuraby did, and might actually get utilised to improve the system.  I can't say that I've noticed any difference to my local rail service from the S2K upgrade.

I live at Kuraby, and while the shiny new station & high level platforms are nice, the triplication has done  nothing of note for our service frequency, and the all stations actually got about 2 minutes slower in one of the last timetable rewrites.

Despite all this new infrastructure, our off peak service frequency is the same as when I moved to first moved to Runcorn in the 1990s, and the all stations time to the city is 2-3 minutes slower than in those days.

[somebody]

2.  By 2016 Cross River Rail + Salisbury quad.  (Key to what comes after, but we need that capacity before we start adding too many new lines to the system).  System wide timetable redesign and general move to 4tph minimum service standard (2tph on the off peak interurbans).

This is required before 4tph are run on the Beenleigh and Gold Coast Lines, unless the Gold Coast service is to be slowed down.

But you could do 4tph to Yeerongpilly/Rocklea with 2tph extending to Beenleigh and 2tph Gold Coast.

- Timing for extending 3rd line beyond Kuraby towards Loganlea & Beenleigh?

This will be required within the next 6 years, not after 2030!

Really?  Because of a sizeable increase on frequency on the Gold Coast and/or Beenleigh lines?

I therefore much prefer the idea of bringing back a Doomben to Corinda via South Brisbane pairing to provide a real cross connection between the lines and add some destination & interchange choices to the system.

Initially this could be to Richlands as you suggest.  Longer term, Springfield should run via Milton as this is the more direct route, which leaves Corinda with its 5th platform as the logical interchange point where you can turn back a train and still leave 4 platforms free for the quad track mainline service.

Once the tunnel via Wooloongabba opens, both the coasties & Beenleigh should run via the new route.  That leaves additional capacity spare on the Merivale bridge, and the old South Brisbane route in need of additional services to boost frequency & interchange opportunities at Roma St and Park Road.  Therefore by then we should be looking at a 3tph or better Doomben (or Hamilton North Shore extension) to Corinda via South Brisbane service, using some the train paths that used to be occupied by the Beenleigh service.

Doomben couldn't do more than 2tph on the single track could it?  Even that makes it hard for the (apparently) few freighters on the route.  Actually, I'm still not in love with the Doomben line, and tend to think that it may as well be bustituted, although a peak hour only service may be worth doing.  Perhaps the Richlands via Tennyson trains would be better going to the airport although that may be impossible to timetable properly.

There may be a need for some South Bank terminators if it is not politically viable to reduce service there.

[colinw]

Doomben line single track is actually no longer than the airport line, and there are loops at Ascot & Doomben.  The corridor is also "duplication ready" as much of the work toward duplication was done decades ago.  Even Clayfield has a 2nd platform face.

[O_128]

Thanks for that.

Even though it is probably kite flying and would make the north/south imbalance worse, the reason why I raised Cleveland and the 2nd stage tunnel is twofold.

1.  I used to live in Wynnum, and the indirect rail route to the city irritated me. I also suspect it is part of the reason why the Cleveland line underperforms, along with the poor service frequency (which is itself mandated by the long single track sections beyond Manly).

2.  I cannot really see much value in a Toowong to Bowen Hills tunnel route, closely adding more capacity to an already quad track main route.  Much better to come off earlier (Indooroopilly) and travel via UQ as I (and others) have already posted.  But then, connect to where?  Yet another connection to the northside around Bowen Hills will end up trying to concentrate something like 8 tracks into four between Bowen Hills and Albion.  It seems to me we would end up replacing one big junction problem (Roma St West) with another.

cheers,
Colin

I agrre the toowong-bowen hills route is pointless and concentrating to much around albion/bowen hills, A cannon hill - Bulimba, New Farm - Valley - Roma street line possibly connecting to the ipswich or ferny grove lines would me more beneficial

[#Metro]

1.  I used to live in Wynnum, and the indirect rail route to the city irritated me. I also suspect it is part of the reason why the Cleveland line underperforms, along with the poor service frequency (which is itself mandated by the long single track sections beyond Manly).

And I would agree with you!  
It's a complete waste of a good 15 minutes!
See this post: http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=3789.0

The solution suggested looked like this, and it was highly controversial.
It does not necessarily have to be rail, it could be busway, bus, light rail, heavy rail or metro, as long as something ran along the route.
Because there is no car bridge in this area, public transport will have a large advantage over any car trip.



Have to say, it did not go down well on the forum!    

[stephenk]

This will be required within the next 6 years, not after 2030!

Really?  Because of a sizeable increase on frequency on the Gold Coast and/or Beenleigh lines?

I think the frequency limit for Gold Coast services is approx. 12mins with current infrastructure. If peak frequencies need to be improved to more than 5tph then without an extension of the triplication, Gold Coast expresses will catch up with Beenleigh all stations before the end of the shared track section (Beenleigh to Kuraby). The ICRCS claimed that a triplication was required between Kuraby and Kingston in 2010, Loganlea in 2012, Bethania in 2014, and so on.  SEQIPP is a long way behind, and yet again lack of infrastructure will constrain public transport growth. 

[somebody]

I think the current 4tph frequency is adequate for the Gold Coast, and I would expect it will still be adequate in 2011.  You would also need to expand the Robina stabling to increase the peak frequency as you can't increase the counter peak frequency without the quad.  I would agree that these things are likely to be required by 2016 though, unless the Gold Coast line's patronage suddenly stops growing.

[colinw]

I'm not sure about the merit of doing any more triplication south of Kuraby on the Beenleigh line until such time as the Coomera to Helensvale single track is fixed as well.  Unless the goal is to give the suburban service 4tph or better. (*)

Having said that, my recent experiences on the off peak Gold Coast & Beenleigh Lines - a result of taking my daughter to Dreamworld a couple of times lately - are that GC off peak service is very much better used than the Beenleigh line, although compared to when I moved to the area in the early '90s the offpeak suburbans are much busier than they were.

(*) Conflict of interest. I live at Kuraby, and as a non-driver by choice rely on public transport.  I am therefore significantly biased towards more frequent Beenleigh line suburban service.

[#Metro]

(*) Conflict of interest. I live at Kuraby, and as a non-driver by choice rely on public transport.  I am therefore significantly biased towards more frequent Beenleigh line suburban service.

I think we are all biased for more services. The fares went up, so some more off-peak service would be welcome.

[mufreight]

With the calling of the Federal election and the Government vulnerability in Queensland will we see Federal funding promised for the commencement of construction of this much needed rail line which has ramifications for three marginal Federal seats?
Unfortunately the track record to date from both Federal and State Governments of both persuasions has been that while funding for such projects is readily promised it is seldom delivered.

[tomato]

Election to be fought on rail
Election 2010...........22 Jul 10 @ 10:05am by Katie Duncan

THE Petrie to Kippa-Ring rail link will be a hot election issue, with current Federal Member for Petrie Yvette D'Ath and LNP candidate Dean Teasdale both pledging to fight for the cause.
The federal election has been called for August 21, with both candidates agreeing that infrastructure and the economy are big issues for the seat of Petrie.
Mr Teasdale has been campaigning since October last year and has said that he was fully committed to helping and supporting his local community.

``Petrie is a very diverse electorate when you look at it ... the big thing I'm hearing is the cost of living pressure is starting to bite,'' Mr Teasdale said.
``The broader issues we're seeing played out in the media are the same as what we have on the ground on Petrie.
``I'm definitely picking up on the ground that people are very unhappy with the way their elected Queensland Prime Minister Kevin Rudd was treated.''

Mr Teasdale said small businesses in Redcliffe needed help.
``This is reflected in the number of commercial shop vacancies. Those same small businesses are the mums and dads that live in the community,'' he said.
Mrs D'Ath said if re-elected, she would continue to support the rail project.
``I've been committed to the rail project from day one. I've been working very closely with council and state government to get this project moving forward,'' she said.

``Health is a major issue and when we're talking about Redcliffe we're talking about things like the superclinic. Under an Abbott government that would be at risk.''
Mrs D'Ath said voters were also concerned about education funding and the economy and federal budget.
``We are on track to get the budget back to surplus by 2013, three years ahead of schedule.''

WHAT the politicians think about the Petrie to Kippa-Ring rail link.

``Throughout the campaign and if elected, I'll be fighting for this project to receive funding in accordance with its high standing among local priorities and that funding should be provided from the appropriate sources.''
Coalition candidate for Petrie Dean Teasdale.

``I will continue liaising with the council and State Government to complete this additional work and do all I can within government to secure the necessary funding.''
Federal Member for Petrie Yvette D'Ath.

``We'll fight for the money (for the rail link), but there will be mounting pressure to pay off Labor's massive debt so we can relieve pressure on interest rates.''
Federal Member for Dickson Peter Dutton

``If elected as the member for Dickson I will make sure the views of residents in Dickson are heard in Canberra.''
Labor candidate for Dickson Fiona McNamara

``It will get infrastructure money from the Federal Government but as in all things the Federal Government will be looking for the state to put some skin to the project.''
Federal Member for Longman John Sullivan talking to Caboolture's 101.5FM last week.

``I would rather not see ratepayers up here paying for something to go down there.''
Coalition candidate for Longman Wyatt Roy also on 101.5FM last week.

``We understand the importance of the rail link. It is a project in which we all have a deep interest.''
Deputy Prime Minister Wayne Swan.

What do you want candidates to fight for on the Peninsula? Let us know at editorial@redcliffeherald. com.au



http://redcliffe-and-bayside-herald.whereilive.com.au/news/story/election-to-be-fought-on-rail/

[ozbob]

Yes!   

From the Courier Mail click here!

Gillard fast-tracks the $1.15 billion Redcliffe rail connection linking Petrie to Kippa-Ring

Gillard fast-tracks the $1.15 billion Redcliffe rail connection linking Petrie to Kippa-Ring

    * Stefanie Balogh
    * From: The Courier-Mail
    * July 27, 2010 12:00AM


JULIA Gillard will today give the green light to one of southeast Queensland's major infrastructure missing links - the $1.15 billion Redcliffe rail connection.

In the first significant election pledge targeting the must-win state, the Prime Minister will pledge to deliver the 12.6km Petrie to Kippa-Ring rail line by 2016.

The long-awaited project would ease congestion in one of the nation's fastest-growing and most car-dependant regions. And it has the advantage of boosting Labor's electoral stocks in three key marginal seats.

Ms Gillard, who is in Brisbane today, will say construction on the rail link will begin in two years. A re-elected Labor Government would provide $742 million, with extra funding to come from the Bligh Government and Moreton Bay Regional Council.

The crucial piece of track would cut 15 minutes off travel time between the city and Redcliffe Peninsula at peak times.

Ms Gillard said the rail link would ease gridlock for about 84,000 people and each express train trip would take 600 cars off the road.

"The project is about making sure the growth of the Moreton Bay corridor is sustainable with high-quality public transport that cuts congestion, travel times and carbon dioxide emissions,'' Ms Gillard told The Courier-Mail.

The link would connect the Redcliffe Peninsula to the existing Petrie station and include six new stations at Kallangur, Murrumba Downs, Mango Hill (North Lakes), Kinsellas Road, Rothwell and Kippa-Ring.

One of Ms Gillard's key election themes has centred around sustainable population growth and improving living standards in outer metropolitan areas through improved infrastructure.

Labor's election pledge also would boost the party's election hopes in the vital state of Queensland because the
project directly affects voters in the marginal ALP-held seat of Petrie and the Liberal National Party electorate of Dickson.

It also would reduce traffic congestion on the Bruce Highway in places such as Caboolture and Bribie Island, which fall within the marginal Labor-held seat of Longman.

The rapid population growth on Brisbane's outskirts is putting a drain on services including transport.
More than half of the people who live in the Moreton Bay Regional Council area leave the region for work each day and almost nine out of 10 travel by car.

A re-elected Gillard Government would dedicate $742 million to the project from 2014-15 in new money from Nation Building Program 2, while the State Government would spend $300 million and provide the land, which it already owns.

The rail link is being built in a corridor that has been preserved for years, which means there would only be very few resumptions if necessary.

The State Government dropped plans to build the link six years ago after a study suggested it would be unviable.

During the state election campaign in March last year, it ridiculed an Opposition promise to construct the railway. But in June last year, The Courier-Mail reported that the Bligh Government and council were pushing to get the project "shovel ready'' so it could be considered for federal funds.

The Translink transit authority also spent more than $1.5 million on a study which suggested the line would be so popular that services would have to run express from Petrie into the city.

Locals have been pushing for the rail link project for decades.

[ozbob]

Media Release 27 July 2010

SEQ:  Next train Kippa-Ring!

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web based community support group for rail and public transport and an advocate for public transport commuters has welcomed the commitment to proceed with the railway line from Petrie to Kippa-Ring (1).

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Today's media has confirmation that the railway to Kippa-Ring is to built (1).  One of the first media releases from  RAIL Back On Track when we formed in 2006 was on need for the Petrie to Kippa-Ring railway, copy below (2).  Rapid residential developments over the past years has made this line essential."

"'Fast tracking' a project that has been on the books for 105 years is perhaps a real test of the phrase 'fast tracking'! Nevertheless, we and I am sure many Queenslanders are delighted with this news!"

"We welcome this real commitment by the Federal ALP, the Queensland State Government and the Moreton Bay Regional Council. Well done!

1. http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/national/gillard-fast-tracks-the-115-billion-redcliffe-rail-connection-linking-petrie-to-kippa-ring/story-fn5z3z83-1225897194133

2. http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=7.0

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org


Copy of RAIL Back On Track Media Release 20th August 2006

RAIL Back On Track
Media Release  20 August 2006
Petrie to Kippa-Ring Railway

RAIL - Back On Track ( http://backontrack.org )   a web based community organisation for the promotion of rail throughout Australia has called for the commencement of construction for the long awaited railway to the Redcliffe peninsular.

On behalf of RAIL Back On Track, Robert Dow said: "There is a need to provide sustainable solutions to public transport from Petrie to Kippa-Ring.  Despite initial reports by Queensland Transport strongly endorsing an extension of the suburban rail network from Petrie to Kippa-Ring, no progress has been made with the railway.  Bus solutions will not provide for the projected growth along the transport corridor, and will only add to the general traffic congestion in the area.

Looming energy crises will force future rapid and excessively expensive development of rail solutions. A 'smart state' moves forwards today!  

We call on the Government to make a commitment to stop the nonsense, and follow the initial advice of Queensland Transport and commence construction of the railway immediately."

Contact:

admin@backontrack.org
Administration RAIL Back On Track

[#Metro]

Well I hope this is genuine this time and not a ploy that will be deffered and put on endless studies.

[ozbob]

Joint Statement:

Premier and Minister for the Arts
The Honourable Anna Bligh

Minister for Transport
The Honourable Rachel Nolan
27/07/2010

MORETON BAY RAIL LINK TO BECOME A REALITY

A re-elected Gillard Labor Government will partner with the Bligh Government and Moreton Bay Regional Council to make the long-awaited Moreton Bay Rail Link a reality.

The Moreton Bay Rail Link will connect the Redcliffe Peninsula to Petrie. The project involves a 12.6 kilometre rail line connecting the existing network at Petrie Station and will include six new stations at Kallangur, Murrumba Downs, Mango Hill (North Lakes), Kinsellas Road, Rothwell and Kippa-Ring.

The Federal Member for Petrie, Yvette D'Ath, has been a long-standing champion for the project and has worked tirelessly to bring all three levels of government together.

This project is about making sure the growth of the Moreton Bay corridor is sustainable - with high quality public transport that cuts congestion, travel times and carbon dioxide emissions.

Currently over half the population of the region leave the area for work every day, and 87 per cent of them use their car. This is putting serious pressure on local roads and on the environment.

The new Moreton Bay Rail Link will reduce commuting times for the 84,000 people living along the line and on the Redcliffe Peninsula, with an express train from Kippa-Ring to Brisbane's CBD expected to take just three quarters of an hour compared to well over an hour to drive in peak periods.

Every full train on the new line will take some 600 cars off the road and reduce carbon emissions.

Today's news will also be welcomed by residents in places like Caboolture and Bribie Island, where the project will help reduce congestion on the Bruce Highway.

A re-elected Gillard Government will invest $742 million, the Bligh Government $300 million and the Moreton Bay Regional Council $105 million to build the new rail line.

This funding commitment ensures that detailed planning, consultation, environmental assessment, and geotechnical and design work can progress now, with preliminary construction work commencing in 2012, and construction due to finish by 2016.

The Bligh Government is investing $300 million, plus land already in state ownership. It is also investing over $1 billion in new trains to service this and other rail lines, and will invest approximately $165 million to build a third track between Lawnton and Petrie, which is already provided for in the South East Queensland Infrastructure Plan and Program.

The Moreton Bay Regional Council will provide $105 million towards the project to ensure that this vital section of transport infrastructure is delivered to the Moreton Bay community.

Federal funding is for major construction works on this project, and will be made available from Nation Building Program 2, commencing in 2014-15, beyond the forward estimates.

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

[#Metro]

Estimated unit cost: 95 million/km
Doesn't CRR have to be done first? What about  the "Trains from the north" problem? And what is this line going to be paired with?

[ozbob]

4BC did a short interview on this, hosts Jamie Dunn and Ian Calder.   Good stuff!  Thanks 4BC.

I have no doubt this is going ahead.  The LNP at a state level have clearly supported this before and there is considerable local support for the line. Lobbying has been extensive at all levels.   Services from Kippa-Ring will be the second tier expresses Petrie to town.  Similar in broad concept to the Ippy two tier.   This is a much needed project.  Upgrades to the main lines will be needed and will occur.

[ozbob]

Media Release 22 July 2010

SEQ:  2010 Update to the SEQIPP welcome

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web based community support group for rail and public transport and an advocate for public transport commuters has welcomed the renewed commitment to the sensible 'way forward' as indicated in the latest update to the South East Queensland Infrastructure Plan and Program (SEQIPP) (1).

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Rail is going to be the way forward for transport in Queensland. Sustainable, economically sound and safe it is time we broke the shackles of the road centric mantra and got on with real transport solutions."

"The SEQIPP as updated includes a number of significant rail projects perhaps to be constructed in the distant future.  What is needed is to turn plans into the reality.  The Cross River Rail project needs to be fast tracked.  The railway line from Petrie to Kippa-Ring should be another priority.  We welcome the immediate commitment to continue with the double track railway from Richlands to Springfield, but similarly the long awaited railway to Kippa-Ring needs to be moved forward. The final section of single line on the Gold Coast railway must be an urgent track amplification project as the demands on this line are increasing significantly."

"A major failing of the SEQIPP is the lack of proper forward transport planning to support the plans to build new communities at Yarrabilba and Flagstone (2).  The SEQIPP needs a revision to plan for rail to support these communities.  Ripley valley is on a planned rail corridor, but the communities at Yarrabilba and Flagstone will be transport poor and a failure otherwise."

Reference:

1.  http://www.dip.qld.gov.au/seqipp

2.  http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=4007.0

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

[#Metro]

What luck!, EXPRESS to Kippa-Ring.

They will need a new HFP feeder bus routes to round up passengers in Kippa-Ring, etc to increase the patronage.
I wonder if these works will free up enough space to also run Trouts-Road (Northern Line) services as well?

[ozbob]

From the Brisbanetimes click here!

LNP candidate blasts Redcliffe rail plans

LNP candidate blasts Redcliffe rail plans
MARISSA CALLIGEROS
July 27, 2010 - 7:14AM

The Liberal National Party candidate for one of three marginal Queensland seats on a proposed rail line to Redcliffe has blasted the plan, saying it was "not the right time" for big infrastructure spending.

Prime Minister Julia Gillard this morning pledged $742 million for the long-awaited $1.15 billion Redcliffe rail connection, should Labor be re-elected next month.

The proposed rail line would service three key marginal south-east Queensland seats - Petrie and Longman, both held by Labor, and Dickson, held by the LNP's Peter Dutton.

But in comments to morning radio that could prove controversial in the electorate, the LNP's Petrie candidate Dean Teasdale slammed the Labor election pledge.

''Now is not the right time when Labor is spending $100 million a day,'' Mr Teasdale told ABC Radio this morning.

''We are focused on paying back Labor's debt. We're not making big spending promises during the context of this election.''

However, state LNP transport spokeswoman Fiona Simpson said she supported the project, saying calls for the rail line had long fallen on deaf ears in the state Labor government.

''It's nice to see that Labor are late converts to what we knew could happen with federal funding,'' Ms Simpson told brisbanetimes.com.au.

She said she was not concerned the super election promise would hurt the LNP at the polls.

''I just want this thing built,'' Ms Simpson said.

''We have led the debate, while Labor lied about the cost and the benefit of the project, but we knew it would stack up.''

It was hoped the 12.6 kilometre line from Petrie to Kippa-Ring would reduce congestion in one of the busiest corridors in the state.

The state government scrapped plans to build the link six years ago after a study found it would be unviable.

Commuter lobby group Rail Back on Track spokesman Robert Dow said the announcement was a long-awaited coup for the region's northern suburbs.

''We have the first records of the Redcliffe rail line being first discussed at a Sandgate council meeting in 1895,'' Mr Dow said.

''This time, it's fair-dinkum.

''Fast tracking a project that has been on the books for [115 years] is perhaps a real test of the phrase 'fast tracking'.

''I am sure many Queenslanders are delighted with this news, as are we.''

Ms Gillard and Premier Anna Bligh this morning released a joint statement promising to deliver the rail line by 2016, with construction to commence in two years if voters re-elected Labor at the August 21 poll.

''Currently over half the population of the region leave the area for work every day, and 87 per cent of them use their car,'' the statement read.

''The new Moreton Bay Rail Link will reduce commuting times for the 84,000 people living along the line and on the Redcliffe Peninsula, with an express train from Kippa-Ring to Brisbane's CBD expected to take just three quarters of an hour compared to well over an hour to drive in peak periods.''

Every full train on the new line was expected to take about 600 cars off the road.

In addition to the federal funding, the Bligh government would chip in $300 million to the project and the Moreton Bay Regional Council $105 million.

Federal funding will come from the nation building stimulus program in 2014-15, beyond the forward estimates period.

The Moreton Bay Rail Link would connect to the existing network at Petrie Station and include six new stations at Kallangur, Murrumba Downs, Mango Hill (North Lakes), Kinsellas Road, Rothwell and Kippa-Ring.

[Barbar]

This announcement is rubbish, if federal money is to be spent on rail, it should be allocated to complete existing projects, naturally the Beerburrum to Landsborough track duplication gets my vote 

[O_128]

This announcement is rubbish, if federal money is to be spent on rail, it should be allocated to complete existing projects, naturally the Beerburrum to Landsborough track duplication gets my vote 

Do over 84000 people get serviced by such a project? I am all in favor of this going ahead as long as it includes petrie Lawton triplication

[colinw]

This announcement is rubbish, if federal money is to be spent on rail, it should be allocated to complete existing projects, naturally the Beerburrum to Landsborough track duplication gets my vote  

I have to disagree with you there. This Federal funding is for a specific, well known need, in an area with a large population which suffers for a lot of congestion & excessive car dependence. BOTH projects are deserving of going ahead, and it would be foolish in the extreme not to duplicate to Landsborough in the next few years & provide better services beyond Caboolture, but "hands off the Kippa-Ring money!!!!".

I am delighted to see this going ahead, with these caveats:-

1.  Lawnton to Petrie triplication goes ahead.
2.  The service patterns are appropriately arranged, including dealing with the north/south imbalance it will create. (Maybe something can be arranged with Springfield + additional Ipswich services - this could be the catalyst for a full time 15 minute Ipswich service.  Add in Springfield and we could get very close to full time turn-up-and-go requencies on Northgate to Darra).
3.  I hope the Feds don't use this as an excuse to defer or welch on funding Cross River Rail.  If anything the existence of an additional northside line fed via Northgate will make CRR even more critical than it already is.
4.  We should be planning for Quad from Northgate to Petrie within a 10 year timeframe.
5.  If the LNP gets in at the next State election, they better not mess with the project!  

If this "flying dutchman" of Queensland rail projects gets up, I think it will help considerably to cement in rail as the backbone of Greater Brisbane's public transport system.  Another big hole in the system plugged.

Here's hoping this thread can stay here in Infrastructure Projects where it belongs, and not move back to New Lines.

cheers,
Colin (very happy   )

[somebody]

This announcement is rubbish, if federal money is to be spent on rail, it should be allocated to complete existing projects, naturally the Beerburrum to Landsborough track duplication gets my vote 

Do over 84000 people get serviced by such a project? I am all in favor of this going ahead as long as it includes petrie Lawton triplication

Far more actually: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sunshine_Coast,_Queensland

Pop, 312 908.

I'm not sure that the triplication is actually required.  The main reason for it would be conflicting moves without it.  Post Kippa-Ring, there should still be Petrie terminators in peak and they need their own platform IMHO.

It was ridiculous for the duplication to stop at Beerburrum.  Perhaps they are thinking they can get more political points for announcing two mediocre projects rather than just one good project?

[colinw]

If we stopped every proposed rail project because someone in another area was upset because they were missing out, nothing would get built.  Every project that actually gets up selects "winners" and "losers", if you look at it with a narrow focus.  Look at it from a total system perspective and the more lines, capacity & journey options available, the better for all.

I live on the south side.  Should I be bitching because this is getting built before the Banoon quad and triplication to Loganlea?

[paulg]

My main concern is that it will be harder to attract funding to Cross River Rail if the federal government is pouring money into this project. I think the CRR and the Caboolture-Landsborough upgrade need to be funded first, as well as any required capacity enhancements on the northern line to make room for Kippa Ring. Unfortunately the government is picking projects on the basis of the electorates they are in rather than overall PT network priorities.

Cheers, Paul

[ozbob]

I don't think this will have any impact on the funding for CRR at all (if anything strengthens the case for CRR).  This moves the Petrie Kippa-Ring out of the IA list.  CRR will be considered when the results of the present phase are completed, ie. the detailed costings and consultation for the preferred route.

I am grateful that finally there is a real commitment to this important extension to the network with an actual construction timeline.

[#Metro]

Build it  Build it  Build it 

This shows that the "trains from the north problem" and "where is the money" problems vanish overnight when there is an election on.

[Dean Quick]

WOW Fantastic!!! I'm with you Bob. This is an important announcement for a much needed extension and should be given full support.    

[Jonno]

Fantastic news indeed.  If (and it is a big if I believe) there is any augmentation of the Northern line to cater for this south of Strathpine can a cost-benefit analysis be done on a Trouts Road route.

[mufreight]

This is now 103 years since the line was first promised, there is no doubt that now it is on the table this time that regardless of who gets in they will have little choice now but to proceed with it this time, as for now trying to link it in with other possibly desirable projects lets get this one up now then move on the others, if the elephant grows too big no-one will deal with it and nothing will get done.  Trouts Road can take its turn and wait rather than be the justification six months after the election to do nothing again on the basis of cost.

[#Metro]

This is now 103 years since the line was first promised, there is no doubt that now it is on the table this time that regardless of who gets in they will have little choice now but to proceed with it this time, as for now trying to link it in with other possibly desirable projects lets get this one up now then move on the others, if the elephant grows too big no-one will deal with it and nothing will get done.  Trouts Road can take its turn and wait rather than be the justification six months after the election to do nothing again on the basis of cost.

We must have hope. The Eleanor Schonell Green Bridge was promised IIRC back in 1926.

Fantastic news indeed.  If (and it is a big if I believe) there is any augmentation of the Northern line to cater for this south of Strathpine can a cost-benefit analysis be done on a Trouts Road route.

Northern Line + feeders should be looked at. I suspect the preference is for a freeway bypass connecting the Gateway Motorway in the north to the Northern Link Tunnel in the West as some form of major arterial bypass.