2018 Commonwealth Games

[ozbob]

Opposition Statement  12th March 2017

http://www.timnicholls.com.au/nicholls-serves-commitment-commonwealth-games/

Nicholls serves up commitment to Commonwealth Games

• Tim Nicholls joins Gold Coast beach volleyballers for a game
• MrNicholls throws full support behind the 2018 Commonwealth Games
• LNP is proud to have secured funding and venues for the 2018 Games

LNP Leader Tim Nicholls has joined Gold Coast beach volleyballers for a game on the pristine sand of Surfers Paradise to reaffirm the LNP's commitment to the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

Mr Nicholls said that with the Gold Coast to draw the eyes of the world during the Games, it was important for the LNP to be on the ground early to express support.

"We want the 2018 Commonwealth Games to be a huge success and that is why I am on the Gold Coast – to demonstrate the LNP's commitment to hosting the best possible event and showing Queensland off to the world," Mr Nicholls said.

"The Commonwealth Games are a fantastic opportunity for the people of the Gold Coast who are already benefitting in a range of ways, from the jobs created to the chance to volunteer at the Games.

"The 2018 Commonwealth Games will put the Gold Coast and Queensland on the international stage, and the LNP is proud to have secured the Games' funding and begun the delivery of world-class event venues.

"While the Premier is in London receiving the relay baton from the Queen, I am here at ground zero on the Gold Coast talking with people who are going to be directly involved in delivering the best Games ever."

[BrizCommuter]

Opposition Statement  12th March 2017

http://www.timnicholls.com.au/nicholls-serves-commitment-commonwealth-games/

Nicholls serves up commitment to Commonwealth Games

• Tim Nicholls joins Gold Coast beach volleyballers for a game
• MrNicholls throws full support behind the 2018 Commonwealth Games
• LNP is proud to have secured funding and venues for the 2018 Games

LNP Leader Tim Nicholls has joined Gold Coast beach volleyballers for a game on the pristine sand of Surfers Paradise to reaffirm the LNP's commitment to the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

Mr Nicholls said that with the Gold Coast to draw the eyes of the world during the Games, it was important for the LNP to be on the ground early to express support.

"We want the 2018 Commonwealth Games to be a huge success and that is why I am on the Gold Coast – to demonstrate the LNP's commitment to hosting the best possible event and showing Queensland off to the world," Mr Nicholls said.

"The Commonwealth Games are a fantastic opportunity for the people of the Gold Coast who are already benefitting in a range of ways, from the jobs created to the chance to volunteer at the Games.

"The 2018 Commonwealth Games will put the Gold Coast and Queensland on the international stage, and the LNP is proud to have secured the Games' funding and begun the delivery of world-class event venues.

"While the Premier is in London receiving the relay baton from the Queen, I am here at ground zero on the Gold Coast talking with people who are going to be directly involved in delivering the best Games ever."

Of all the sports - beach volleyball! Nicholls you filthy man!

[ozbob]

Mr Nicholls' staffers probably think the beach volley ball might be the best for media coverage ..

Nice little dig at the Premier about going to London too! (It is for the commencement of the baton relay and it is very appropriate for the Premier to be there IMHO).

Always the nark from the LNP.

Footnote:  I saw a clip of this on a news bulletin.  No scantly dressed beach volley ballers just LNP has-beens in the main and Tim frothing away  ...

[ozbob]

Gold Coast Bulletin  --> Queen Elizabeth II will launch the Commonwealth Games Baton Relay in London

[ozbob]

13th March 2017

Media Release
Minister for Education and Minister for Tourism, Major Events and the Commonwealth Games
The Honourable Kate Jones

First GC2018 commemorative coins launched on Commonwealth Day

Commonwealth Games Minister Kate Jones has launched the first two commemorative coins for the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games on Commonwealth Day.

Ms Jones was joined by the Acting Gold Coast Mayor Donna Gates and Royal Australian Mint CEO Ross MacDiarmid for the Commonwealth Day celebrations at the Runaway Bay Sports Super Centre.

"With the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games now a little more than a year away, it's exciting to unveil these commemorative coins on Commonwealth Day," she said.

"These gold and silver GC2018 Queen's Baton Relay coins see the Gold Coast featured on a Royal Australian Mint coin for the very first time.

"It's very fitting to unveil these commemorative coins today, because not only is it Commonwealth Day, but we'll actually see the Queen's Baton Relay set off from London.

"Tonight, Her Majesty The Queen will hand the baton to the first relay runner at Buckingham Palace to start its 230,000km journey through the Commonwealth, ending at the Opening Ceremony of the Gold Coast Games next April."

Ms Gates said the release of the GC2018 commemorative coins was an historic event for the Gold Coast.

"With our city featured on a Royal Australian Mint coin for the first time and the Queen's Baton commencing its journey to our city, this is an exciting day," she said.

"Commonwealth Day is yet another opportunity for us to reflect on the importance of the Commonwealth and our city's relevance amongst the 70 nations and territories."

Mr MacDiarmid said the coin design features a baton relay runner surrounded by 70 flags symbolising the Commonwealth nations against a backdrop of the Gold Coast skyline.

"The Royal Australian Mint has a long-standing tradition for celebrating national events and the Queen's Baton Relay is the perfect way to kick off the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games 2018 Coin Program," he said.

The limited edition $5 QBR Silver Proof Coin (RRP $150 AUD) and $25 QBR Gold Proof Coin (RRP $800 AUD) will be available for purchase from today through The Royal Australian Mint website at eshop.ramint.gov.au.

[ozbob]

#GC2018 Queen's Baton starts its epic journey to the Gold Coast for the XXI Commonwealth Games: https://t.co/ftPj9bWZFH pic.twitter.com/vC1sYUzrM9

— Gold Coast Bulletin (@GCBulletin) March 13, 2017

[ozbob]

ABC News --> Commonwealth Games: The Queen launches Gold Coast 2018 baton relay in London


Photo: The Queen handed the relay baton to Anna Meares to start the countdown to Gold Coast 2018. (AP: Toby Melville)

[ozbob]

14th March 2017

Media Release
Premier and Minister for the Arts
The Honourable Annastacia Palaszczuk

Commonwealth Games Baton on its way

The final countdown to the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games is underway, with The Queen's Relay Baton starting its long journey from Buckingham Palace to the Gold Coast.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate were on hand for the ceremony that has brought the spotlight firmly towards the Gold Coast.

"Three hundred and eight seven days from now, the Commonwealth Games will be underway on the Gold Coast," the Premier said.

"The start of the Baton Relay provides all Queenslanders with the opportunity to track the Baton's progress, with every day bringing it closer to the Opening Ceremony."

The Baton was delivered to Buckingham Palace by Paralympic champion and GC2018 Ambassador Kurt Fearnley.

The Queen's message was placed inside the Baton and handed to Her Majesty by nine year-old middle distance runner Emily Dean from Southport, England, who was identified through GOLDOC's international Schools Connect Program.

The Baton was then received by Rockhampton's Olympic and Commonwealth Gold Medallist Anna Meares who carried it through the Palace Gates before handing it on to her long-time rival, England's Victoria Pendleton.

In a first for the Commonwealth Games, representatives of the Yugambeh people, traditional owners of the land where the Commonwealth Games will be held, delivered an invitation to all First Nation peoples of the Commonwealth to join the celebrations on the Gold Coast in April 2018.

The Queen's Baton will now travel through the entire Commonwealth, starting with Sierra Leone on the 15th of March.

It will arrive in Australia on Christmas Day for a final 100 day journey through every state and territory before arriving on the Gold Coast on 4 April 2018.

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games leads to $17 billion investment boom

AUSTRALIA'S holiday playground is in the midst of a multibillion-dollar makeover that could sustain the Gold Coast's tourism industry for decades.

The $2 billion being spent on facilities for the city's Commonwealth Games next year comes as developers embark on a $17 billion tourism spending spree across the Gold Coast.

Commonwealth Games chairman Peter Beattie believes the infrastructure blitz could sustain a long-term sports tourism boom by luring some of the world's biggest sporting brands, such as Manchester United, to the Glitter Strip.

"Why not?" he said. "We are going to have state-of-the-art facilities here combined with Queensland's fantastic climate.

"The likes of Manchester United, or American Major League Baseball teams, or Japanese baseball teams and Olympic teams ... why not come and train here?

"There is not only the benefit of them coming here, but also all the stuff that goes with it.

"The press they would get back in their own towns, not to mention all the support staff, would be enormous."

Most of the facilities for the Games have been completed, with the redeveloped Gold Coast Aquatic Centre and the new Coomera Indoor Sports Centre already being used by locals and visitors alike.

The Coomera centre will host gymnastics and netball at the Commonwealth Games and is already hosting the stars of tomorrow in a multitude of sports.

Beyond the Games, 40 tourism development projects are either under way or planned for the future as the city continues its transformation.

Some of the eyesore resorts of yesteryear have been demolished to make way for luxury hotel towers, while Star Entertainment, which runs Jupiters Casino, and ASF Consortium are preparing to invest billions of dollars in new casino developments.

A $440 million project for the heart of Surfers has been proposed by international developer Aquis, plans for which are open for public comment.

Last year's Dreamworld tragedy hit the local tourism industry, and the city as a whole, hard, but the theme park recorded improved visitor numbers last month and the latest international visitor statistics, released this week, revealed record numbers for the city.

The number of international visitors topped one million for the first time, an increase of more than 16 per cent in 2016, while visitor spending in the region recorded a similar increase.

Gold Coast Tourism chairman Paul Donovan said the city was ready to shine like never before as years of planned investment had delivered a major vote of confidence in the destination.

"The strength of the Gold Coast's tourism sector is testament to the years of significant time, energy and investment by Gold Coast Tourism staff and key stakeholders like Mayor Tom Tate," he said.

"We have seen a huge stimulus brought by infrastructure."

[ozbob]

Gold Coast Bulletin --> Gold Coast Commonwealth Games 2018: Opposition predicts rail fail will cost millions in overtime payments

MILLIONS of dollars of taxpayer money will be spent on overtime pay for extra train drivers and guards during Commonwealth Games, according to the State Opposition.

The total cost is predicted to be much higher if continuing track closures and signal faults occur on the Gold Coast line to Brisbane.

New data shows that between October last year and January, $4.2 million was spent on replacement rail buses on the network. More than $6000 was handed out in taxi vouchers.

The Opposition predicts the Coast to Brisbane line will be under extreme pressure for at least six weeks surrounding next year's April Games.

The average costs per month for guards and drivers during normal servicing is more than $3 million.

"Every fortnight Labor hands out $1 million of taxpayers' money in overtime while at the same time more than 1800 services have been cut each month," LNP Shadow Transport Minister Andrew Powell said.

Powell at Bowen Hills train station on the Xmas Day rail fail. Pic Darren England.

"Since October last year taxpayers have paid more than $10 million in overtime because Labor ran out of drivers. This is $4.5 million more than would normally have been paid in wages.

"Under Jackie Trad and Labor there's still another two years of cuts, cancellations and crowded trains to go which means disappointment for the people of the Gold Coast."

Mr Powell said Labor had failed to achieve one of the most critical recommendations of the Strachan report which was to open up QR to external recruits.

"The government's own report says that full external recruitment won't happen until late 2018. It's not good enough."

Light rail infrastructure being built at Helensvale which will link with heavy rail for the Commonwealth Games. Questions have been asked about the trains arriving on time.

The Government's latest release of its blueprint for rail reform shows that of the targeted 200 drivers, only 83 have been recruited with just one of the recruits finishing training.

QR has recruited 152 guards and completed training for 56 of them, according to data released by the Citytrain Response Unit.

A Bulletin report last month revealed all the guards and drivers required to ensure QR is operating on a full timetable will not be ready until after the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

But Ms Trad, in responding to the Bulletin and in State Parliament yesterday, defended the Government's reform program.

A full review was underway to overhaul training to ensure it was faster with larger class sizes, Ms Trad told Parliament.

"We have a clear plan to fix the trains and we are working hard to deliver it for the commuters of southeast Queensland," she said.

[#Metro]

^ Maybe the Gold Coast line can go DOO during the Commonwealth Games??

Would there be time to DOO this? 

[Cazza]

During the Com Games if nothing improves (e.g. track capacity/driver shortage) QR/Translink should have all trains running on the Beenleigh Line terminate at Kuraby. Then, every second (or 4th depending on frequency) GC train can run the normal stopping pattern from Varsity Lakes to Beenleigh then all stops from Beenleigh to Kuraby then limited stops to Park Rd as per usual. This will:
A- keep the same level of frequency on the Beenleigh Line.
B- add extra capacity on the GC Line whilst still providing all day express services from Brisbane to the GC.
C- add extra capacity for the rest of the network as trains will not have to travel as far (terminating at Kuraby not Beenleigh- a reduction of 24 mins one direction according to TransLink's off peak timetable, 48 mins both ways). A total of 60+ mins per service can be saved by this early termination (taking into account dwell times too).

I'm sure this idea has been thought of before because of it's simple yet effective concept. The only real change needed to implement this is a stabling yard around Kuraby. This will help stop trains from blocking the tracks at Kuraby station that are waiting for the return journey to Ferny Grove.

[ozbob]

Gold Coast Bulletin --> One year to go and four Gold Coast Commonwealth Games venues still being finished

FOUR Commonwealth Games competition venues are not completed 12 months out from the opening ceremony, despite successive ministers pledging they would be.

Carrara Stadium, Carrara Indoor Stadium, Gold Coast Hockey Centre, Gold Coast Sport and Leisure Centre and Belmont Shooting Centre remain unfinished as the Games clock reaches 365 days tonight, with GOLDOC blaming wet weather and unexpected extra work for the delays.

However, organisers say the delays are minor and will have no impact on any events or activities.

More than 180 journalists and news producers from across the Commonwealth have arrived in the city for a world press briefing, which includes a tour of venues including Carrara tomorrow.

At the hockey centre at Keith Hunt Park, contractors were forced to rip up playing surfaces and redo the base underneath, have had to add safety netting to the pitches and perform extra works on an existing club building.

As recently as January, former minister Stirling Hinchliffe said "all competition venues are on track to be delivered at least 12 months ahead of the Games".

Games chairman Peter Beattie this week said venue work was now on track to be delivered "well ahead of" the Games.

"Generous program contingencies have been incorporated into every venue to ensure unforeseen delays (such as wet weather) do not impact delivery time frames," he said.

"Practical completion of the Gold Coast Hockey Centre is scheduled for late April 2017.

"A change in the practical completion target date of the Gold Coast Hockey Centre is attributable to wet weather, civil work requirements and a variation in the design of the netting, made in consultation with GOLDOC and site users."

A community open day is due to be held at the key Games sites at Carrara at the end of this month.

Commonwealth Games Minister Kate Jones said construction timelines were brought forward to ensure the venues would be built well ahead of time.

"The 12-month buffer ensured we could address any unforeseen construction issues while still giving GOLDOC plenty of time to prepare the venues for competition," she said.

"The first major event scheduled for any of our Commonwealth Games venues is the Sudirman Cup in May this year and we will be well and truly ready."

The Commonwealth Games Village is scheduled for completion in October 2017.

[BrizCommuter]

During the Com Games if nothing improves (e.g. track capacity/driver shortage) QR/Translink should have all trains running on the Beenleigh Line terminate at Kuraby. Then, every second (or 4th depending on frequency) GC train can run the normal stopping pattern from Varsity Lakes to Beenleigh then all stops from Beenleigh to Kuraby then limited stops to Park Rd as per usual. This will:
A- keep the same level of frequency on the Beenleigh Line.
B- add extra capacity on the GC Line whilst still providing all day express services from Brisbane to the GC.
C- add extra capacity for the rest of the network as trains will not have to travel as far (terminating at Kuraby not Beenleigh- a reduction of 24 mins one direction according to TransLink's off peak timetable, 48 mins both ways). A total of 60+ mins per service can be saved by this early termination (taking into account dwell times too).

I'm sure this idea has been thought of before because of it's simple yet effective concept. The only real change needed to implement this is a stabling yard around Kuraby. This will help stop trains from blocking the tracks at Kuraby station that are waiting for the return journey to Ferny Grove.

Given that there is just 1 year until the games, then an extra turn-back track at Kuraby isn't going to happen.

[SurfRail]

Why would you need a turnback at Kuraby when you have a third platform?  If Beenleigh trains are running half-hourly or every 15 minutes at best, a single track terminus can manage.

[ozbob]

If the latest #railfail timetable is anything to go by, public transport for the Games is going to be an almighty cluster-fuk !

Meanwhile ..

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

4th April 2017

Media Release
Minister for Education and Minister for Tourism, Major Events and the Commonwealth Games
The Honourable Kate Jones

Biggest ever Commonwealth Games sporting schedule released

Commonwealth Games Minister Kate Jones today unveiled the official Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games ticketing guide as part of "One Year to Go" celebrations on the Gold Coast.

Ms Jones said the schedule provided full competition dates and times for the 23 sporting disciplines across the sport and para-sport program.

"Today marks just 12 months until the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games and what better way to celebrate this milestone than the release of the highly-anticipated ticketing guide," she said.

"The GC2018 sports competition schedule boasts the largest medal program and the most events in Commonwealth Games history.

"Spectators now have the chance to start planning their GC2018 experience ahead of the ticket ballot opening on 24 April.

"Games fans can choose between 278 competition sessions as well as the opening and closing ceremonies."

Ms Jones said every effort was made to ensure tickets were reasonably priced for families.

"We want the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games to be affordable for everyone," she said.

"With more than half of all tickets priced at $40 or less – as well as four free events – there is something for everyone to experience the Commonwealth Games live in 2018."

Ms Jones said the official countdown to the GC2018 started today with community events being held to mark 365 days until the opening ceremony.

"With just one year to go, I encourage all Queenslanders to get into the spirit of the Games," she said.

"I know the past week-and-a-half has been a very challenging time for many Queensland communities, but today's celebrations are a reminder of the amazing things we can achieve together.

"After years of tireless planning and hard work, today's celebrations signal the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games are now only 12 months away.

"I'm pleased to say we are well and truly on track to deliver the best Games ever.

"I think we'll start to see excitement levels soar as final preparations kick into gear and tickets go on sale over the coming months.

"And the excitement isn't only building here on the Gold Coast – we also have countdown celebrations happening in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne today."

Ms Jones said the Palaszczuk Government was committed to ensuring the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games were accessible for the whole community and would leave a lasting legacy.

"These Games are an opportunity to showcase the Gold Coast and Queensland to the world, with 6600 athletes and team officials coming from 70 nations and territories and a global audience of 1.5 billion.

"GC2018 will also deliver a welcome boost for our tourism industry and our economy and support up to 30,000 jobs."

For a detailed competition event schedule for the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games, visit www.gc2018.com/tickets

[SurfRail]

Of course the train timetable will come out 3 days in advance, and contain errors.

[BrizCommuter]

Of course the train timetable will come out 3 days in advance, and contain errors.

3 days? I think your are being optimistic!

[BrizCommuter]

Why would you need a turnback at Kuraby when you have a third platform?  If Beenleigh trains are running half-hourly or every 15 minutes at best, a single track terminus can manage.

The peak service requires 2 tracks, and the counter peak service requires 1 track, thus there are no tracks left to turn back trains at Kursby without blocking a service track.  The higher the frequency, the more likely this is an issue. The whole GC/Beenleigh Line corridor is a schmozzle of track layout limitations.

[SurfRail]

Why would you need a turnback at Kuraby when you have a third platform?  If Beenleigh trains are running half-hourly or every 15 minutes at best, a single track terminus can manage.

The peak service requires 2 tracks, and the counter peak service requires 1 track, thus there are no tracks left to turn back trains at Kursby without blocking a service track.  The higher the frequency, the more likely this is an issue. The whole GC/Beenleigh Line corridor is a schmozzle of track layout limitations.

So stop Gold Coast trains at Kuraby also, instead of Altandi.  Outbound Gold Coast platform 1, terminating Kuraby platform 2, inbound Gold Coast platform 3.  The crossovers don't prevent that at all (page 58, second row, far left).  If Beenleigh services are running on a 15 minute headway, that should be perfectly manageable.

https://www.queenslandrail.com.au/business/acccess/Documents/Brisbane%20Metropolitan%20System%20Information%20Pack%20-%20Issue%203%20-%20October%202016.pdf

[BrizCommuter]

Why would you need a turnback at Kuraby when you have a third platform?  If Beenleigh trains are running half-hourly or every 15 minutes at best, a single track terminus can manage.

The peak service requires 2 tracks, and the counter peak service requires 1 track, thus there are no tracks left to turn back trains at Kursby without blocking a service track.  The higher the frequency, the more likely this is an issue. The whole GC/Beenleigh Line corridor is a schmozzle of track layout limitations.

So stop Gold Coast trains at Kuraby also, instead of Altandi.  Outbound Gold Coast platform 1, terminating Kuraby platform 2, inbound Gold Coast platform 3.  The crossovers don't prevent that at all (page 58, second row, far left).  If Beenleigh services are running on a 15 minute headway, that should be perfectly manageable.

https://www.queenslandrail.com.au/business/acccess/Documents/Brisbane%20Metropolitan%20System%20Information%20Pack%20-%20Issue%203%20-%20October%202016.pdf

Thanks, I see how express and stoppers can use the same track per direction at Kuraby.

[ozbob]

5th April 2017

Media Release
Minister for Education and Minister for Tourism, Major Events and the Commonwealth Games
5th April 2017

The Honourable Kate Jones

Celebrating the legacy of GC2018

With just one year to go until the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games (GC2018), Commonwealth Games Minister Kate Jones has launched the Embracing 2018 'Legacy Stories' program.

Ms Jones said the online program of stories will feature on the Embracing 2018 website and social media channels for the next 12 months to encourage Queenslanders to share their GC2018 stories.

"This time next year, 6600 athletes and officials from 70 nations and territories will arrive in our state for a once-in-a-lifetime sporting and cultural event," Ms Jones said.

"The idea behind our Legacy Stories program is to show how everyday Queenslanders are embracing the Commonwealth Games and share their excitement through stories, videos, photos and flashbacks across social media.

"We want you to tell us how you are getting involved and how you are embracing the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games.

"We want you to share your story with us and what the Games means to you."

Ms Jones said the Legacy Stories program was about celebrating the state's achievements and engaging Queenslanders in the Games, which were set to be an unforgettable, landmark event.

"The Games will inject billions of dollars into our economy and support up to 30,000 jobs, while also providing us with the opportunity to witness elite athletes right on our doorstep," she said.

"However, its benefits will go beyond the conclusion of the Games in April 2018.

"This is about promoting our Games successes, as well as enticing tourists to Queensland and showcasing our world-class destinations, accommodation, transport, services and sporting facilities.

"We also want to show the world our capacity for innovation; leave a lasting legacy for business, industry and sporting groups; engage our Commonwealth counterparts through the Trade 2018 program; and build a healthier, more active and sustainable state.

"Legacy outcomes from the Games are critical to our state's future and we look forward to sharing these outcomes with you over the coming year."

The Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games will run from 4-15 April 2018.

The Legacy Stories program will be featured on the following Embracing 2018 platforms:

    www.embracing2018.com
    facebook.com/embracing2018
    twitter.com/embracing2018
    instagram.com/embracing2018
    linkedin.com/company/embracing-2018

Share your story with us at embracing2018@dtesb.qld.gov.au. For more information on the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games, visit www.gc2018.com

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

" ... our world-class destinations, accommodation, transport, services and sporting facilities. ... "

World class transport?  The delusion runs deep hey ...

[Arnz]

" ... our world-class destinations, accommodation, transport, services and sporting facilities. ... "

World class transport?  The delusion runs deep hey ...

"World clarse" indeed.  In the state government's (past and present recent governments) "alternative" world.

[BrizCommuter]

"World clarse" as most lines run an hourly service, so that the Gold Coast Line can run an 8tph service for the games, trundling slowly behind Beenleigh Line services. 

[ozbob]

Gold Coast Bulletin --> Commonwealth Games look to Uber, trams, bikes to keep people moving in 2018

SPECIAL zones for Uber, portable bike sheds and trams every six minutes are part of a transport arsenal planned to stop the Gold Coast grinding to a halt during the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

Local businesses and freight operators will be asked to change trading and delivery hours to avoid peak regular traffic clashing with peak Games traffic around the events, while the light rail will run 24 hours a day.

Briefing media from across the Commonwealth on the Gold Coast this week, Commonwealth Games organising committee (GOLDOC) head of transport Barry Gyte said park and ride sites would have shuttles to venues and people would be encouraged to stay close to the events they attended.

He said rideshare companies would be key to getting people around the city.

"We're doing a lot of work with Uber and other rideshare providers, which have very successfully done things around Brisbane venues where they geo-fence the area around the venue so you can't book while you're in the venue," he said.

"Ride sharers appreciate that we've got lots of constraints around venues so we are working with them to set load zones aside so that we can give them staging areas so that once you're out of a venue, it will direct you to the load zones."

Mr Gyte said there would be an emphasis on cycling to Games venues, with funding set aside to make active travel a popular mode through relocatable bike storage.

"There will be a lot of security around those cycling facilities because we appreciate some people spend a heap of money on their bikes," he said.

A consultation program with business and freight companies will be launched in the middle of the year before community education to spread traffic across the 11 days of events.

"There is a massive amount of work being done with the local community ... looking at reducing background travel, letting people know where the busy hot spots will be so that people know to travel outside of the peaks or so that people shop local and avoid going to some of the main centres," he said.

"As we get to January 2018 to March, we'll be working with spectators around their travel."

[Cazza]

Why would you need a turnback at Kuraby when you have a third platform?  If Beenleigh trains are running half-hourly or every 15 minutes at best, a single track terminus can manage.

I don't mean a full 18 track yard with included driver facilities, I just mean one extra track on the eastern side of the mainline after the level crossing (just clarifying- I'm sure you figure that). Yes, the current track layout will be fine with a 15 min frequency, but what about in peak when trains are running at a higher frequency? I know that the Com Games are going to be over the Easter Hols next year but peak services will still be very much required. I just feel that with a frequency of >15mins, an extra stabling track would be required.

Thanks for the feedback though. 
Callum

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Gold Coast Commonwealth Games congestion-busting plans revealed

ATHLETES will be rushed down the shoulder of the Pacific Motorway with a police escort so traffic snarls expected during the Commonwealth Games don't cause them to miss events.

The State Government will today announce its plan to manage congestion as nearly 150,000 cars are expected to travel to the Gold Coast Games from Brisbane next April.

An emergency plan crafted for athletes and officials staying in Brisbane who risk being held up in slow-moving lanes will allow them to drive down the shoulder under police escort.

Other measures include dropping the speed limit to 100km/h in 110km/h zones during the event, prohibiting trucks from driving in right-hand lanes from August, and ­giving all Games travellers free public transport.

Traffic response units and tow trucks will be in position to quickly clear problems.

The number of train services will also double to eight per hour.

And 13 temporary park-and-ride facilities will pop up with 10,000 car parks for commuters, projected to take 50,000 cars off the freeway.

Despite the Games taking place during school holidays, organisers are worried traffic snarls on the bottlenecks at Eight Mile Plains and between Mudgeeraba and Varsity Lakes could mar the experience.

Commonwealth Games Minister Kate Jones said the traffic plan had been worked on extensively ahead of ticket requests opening next week.

"First and foremost we want to encourage spectators to stay on the Gold Coast," she said.

"We want everyone to make the most of what the Gold Coast has to offer by ­either staying with friends and family or taking advantage of more than 30,000 accommodation options.

"For those unable to stay on the Coast, we want to make public transport the preferred option."

The traffic plan to move people around the Gold Coast is expected to be finalised in coming weeks.

Works to upgrade the Gateway-Pacific motorway merge of the M1 are expected to start in November.

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

19th April 2017

Restore full SEQ rail timetable by January 2018

Greetings,

So trains on the Gold Coast line will be doubled from four to eight per hour for the Commonwealth Games?

[ Gold Coast Commonwealth Games congestion-busting plans revealed
> http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/gold-coast-commonwealth-games-congestionbusting-plans-revealed/news-story/f07a091f3d08442ee8f2a80506b843d1 ]

Really, does anyone think that the present path Queensland Rail is on will allow that without further service reductions on all the other lines, and in so doing paralysing the SEQ public transport network for the duration of the games.  A real transport crisis is looming.

It must be the priority now that a full rail service timetable is back in place by January 2018, well before the Games.

The citizens of SEQ have suffered enough with rail fail.  Queensland Rail needs to get moving with crew training, and accept external applications for Train Crew from persons with rail experience but not necessarily Queensland Rail. It is still a closed shop, and the old cultural and management failings continue. No surprise, most of the rail fail senior staff linger on.

If Queensland Rail cannot commit to establishing a full service timetable by January 2018, get an operator that will.

Best wishes
Robert

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

[ozbob]

QLD Government announces plans to remove more than 50,000 cars from the clogged M1, ahead of @GC2018 Games. #9News pic.twitter.com/bces7y4d5I

— Nine News Gold Coast (@9NewsGoldCoast) April 19, 2017

Difficult to have much faith in the public transport I am afraid.  Might get a few more trains between Brisbane and Gold Coast, Light Rail services boosted but how will the rest of SEQ get around?

If the rail fail not sorted by January 2018, we are all in serious trouble transport wise.

[James]

Has anybody considered putting a toll on the M1 during the games? Just use free flow tolling. That would sure put a brake on non-essential travel. Athletes can get an E-tag attached to their vehicles which exempts them from the toll. Simple.

Big problems require innovative solutions.

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Drivers urged to avoid the M1 during 2018 Commonwealth Games

Police have urged drivers not to unnecessarily travel on Queensland's busiest motorway during next year's Gold Coast Commonwealth Games.

The state government has announced a raft of measures aimed at reducing traffic congestion on the Pacific Motorway while the 2018 Games are being held between April 4 and 15.

Speed limits will be reduced by 10km/h, trains operating between Brisbane and the Gold Coast will be increased, and 4.5-tonne trucks will be confined to the two left lanes.

Deputy police commissioner Steve Gollschewski said 320 traffic officers would also be "highly visible" throughout the event.

"Our focus is very much on making sure the roads are kept safe and kept moving," he said on Wednesday.

"Don't unnecessarily travel on the M1 during these times, it's about getting people where they need to be in a safe and quick manner."

Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said trucks would be confined to the two left lanes from August 1 to give drivers time to adjust.

"The intention is it will be kept after the Games because it will mean safety improvements on the motorway," he said on Wednesday.

"I think that's going to be a really great road safety legacy."

Mr Bailey said a proposal to drive athletes down the shoulder of the road under a police escort was a "contingency" plan only.

"We've got to be prepared for anything during the Commonwealth Games," he said, referring to the fact it would only be on a 9km stretch between Hope Island and the Smith St turn-off.

Commonwealth Games Kate Jones said all ticket-holders would receive free public transport but urged Games spectators to stay on the Gold Coast.

"This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for families," she said.

GOLDOC chief executive officer Mark Peters warned any company who engaged in price-gouging would miss out on guests, as more than 30,000 rooms were available.

Mr Peters expected the prices to only be a little more than those advertised during "peak Christmas time".

Applications for Games tickets open on Monday.

[ozbob]

19th April 2017

Media Release
Minister for Education and Minister for Tourism, Major Events and the Commonwealth Games
The Honourable Kate Jones

GC2018 transport plan to take 50,000 cars off the M1

A comprehensive plan to keep traffic moving during the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games is expected to take the equivalent of more than 50,000 cars off the M1.

Commonwealth Games Minister Kate Jones said Games partners had developed the plan to significantly boost public transport options during the games.

"With the ticket request process opening on 24 April, we want to ensure people coming to the Games know what extra public transport services will be available to make their Games' experience an enjoyable one," Ms Jones said.

"The Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Corporation, Transport and Main Roads, Police and City of Gold Coast have been working to ensure transport is effectively planned and delivered for the Games."

Ms Jones said an extensive range of accommodation options on the Gold Coast, increased public transport – including park and ride facilities, and congestion busting measures for the M1 were the three planks of the transport plan.

"First and foremost we want to encourage spectators to stay on the Gold Coast during the Games," she said.

"We want everyone to make the most of what the Gold Coast has to offer by either staying with friends and family or taking advantage of more than 30,000 accommodation options.

"For those unable to stay on the coast, we want to make public transport the preferred option.

"During Games time we will increase the number of trains running between Brisbane and the Gold Coast in peak periods and provide event shuttle buses.

"In addition 13 temporary park 'n' ride sites will be set up with more than 10,000 car spaces available.

"We have ensured every ticket includes free public transport throughout the South East Queensland Translink public transport network."

Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said a number of temporary measures would be introduced to reduce congestion, maximise capacity and improve the reliability of the M1 for the duration of the Games.

"During the Games, the M1 will be one of the key routes for athletes and officials travelling to and from the Games Village to competition venues in Brisbane and on the Gold Coast," Mr Bailey said.

"It is important to the success of the Games that we keep traffic moving on the M1."

Mr Bailey said temporary measures to improve traffic flow on the M1 included:

    Restricting trucks over 4.5 tonnes to the two left lanes from the M1/M3 merge at Eight Mile Plains to Nerang-Broadbeach Road, from August 2017 onwards.
    Allowing vehicles carrying athletes and officials under police escort to travel along the hard shoulder of a section of the M1 from Smith St to Hope Island at low speed if there is congestion that may prevent them from arriving at an event on time.
    Reducing the speed in the 100km/h zone by 10 km/h to 90km/h from the M1/M3 merge at Eight Mile Plains to Logan Motorway interchange.
    Reducing the speed in the 110km/h speed zone by 10km/h to 100km/h from the Logan Motorway Interchange to Smith Street (Exit 66).
    Temporary ramp management at the south bound Gold Coast Highway and Smith Street on-ramps.
    Additional Traffic Response Units and towing vehicles to ensure incidents are cleared as quickly as possible.

"We have been working with peak bodies including the RACQ and Queensland Trucking Association and we are confident we can improve the safety and journey time reliability for motorists travelling on the M1 between Brisbane and the Gold Coast during the Games," Mr Bailey said.

Mayor of City of Gold Coast Tom Tate said transport was the number one issue Gold Coasters raise when it comes to the 2018 Games.

"Gold Coasters rightly want to know about their options when moving about the city, not only to enjoy the games, but to continue with their work and travel commitments," Mayor Tate said.

"I'm delighted the State Government is on the front foot with smart solutions for athletes, officials, spectators and residents moving about the city during this significant event.''

Ms Jones said the final Transport Operations Plan would be released in due course.

[Mr X]

Has anybody considered putting a toll on the M1 during the games? Just use free flow tolling.

Yup. Do it Florida Turnpike style, with multiple toll booths spread out so people can't selectively exit and enter the motorway to avoid the toll. $0.75 x 4 tolls in peak, maybe free or $0.25 ea. in off-peak.

Btw what use will reducing the speed limit by 10km/h do? The M1 is designed for speeds of 120-130km/h, lets not go full idiot and ruin a national highway by placing low limits and filling it with speed cameras.

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Queensland Rail: Train chaos tipped for Commonwealth Games

SOUTHEAST Queensland is on track for another "rail fail'' around next year's Commonwealth Games, public transport advocates are warning.

Rail services between Brisbane and the Gold Coast will be doubled to eight per hour under a transport plan announced by the State Government this week to reduce road congestion for the two-week event in April next year.

But RAIL Back On Track spokesman Robert Dow says that will result in chaos for other parts of the train network unless Queensland Rail fast-tracks improvements.

"If someone doesn't sound the alarm now, it will be calamitous,'' he said, adding that trains and crews will have to be taken from other areas to boost the Gold Coast services.

"They will probably need to close some lines down altogether for the period of the Games."

The Palaszczuk Government's own plan, in response to the chaos that ensued when the new Redcliffe Peninsula Line opened last year, does not expect a full-service timetable to be in place before the end of 2018, even relying on overtime.

Mr Dow said that QR was "limping along'' in recruiting the hundreds of extra train drivers needed.

And the $4.4 billion order of new trains is on hold while flaws are addressed.

Only 13 of the 75 New Generation Rolling Stock have been delivered.

"We don't know how many of the new trains will be here and available by the time of the Commonwealth Games,'' Mr Dow said, adding that it was "critical'' that QR speed up recruitment and training of additional drivers so a full timetable was in place by January 2018, ahead of the event.

Asked about the risk of another rail fail debacle from extra stress on the network during the event, Commonwealth Games Minister Kate Jones yesterday said: "We are very confident that both TransLink and the Director-General of Transport and Main Roads have given their assurance that we can deliver the additional capacity."

" ... Asked about the risk of another rail fail debacle from extra stress on the network during the event, Commonwealth Games Minister Kate Jones yesterday said: "We are very confident that both TransLink and the Director-General of Transport and Main Roads have given their assurance that we can deliver the additional capacity."

^ I am sure they were confident about the opening of RPL as well ...  No confidence in them at all.

[ozbob]

Letter to the Editor Queensland Times 20th April 2017 page 16

Transport crisis is looming

[BrizCommuter]

^ Good work. Brizcommuter has an in-depth article on likely service cuts currently being written.

[red dragin]

"Shambolic" on Sunrise this morning 

[Mr X]

What use will 8tph to the Gold Coast do if people can't transfer onto it from other lines because they've all been cut.. 

[Stillwater]

It is always interesting to study exactly what the Qld pollies say:

Kate Jones: "We are very confident that both TransLink and the Director-General of Transport and Main Roads have given their assurance that we can deliver the additional capacity."

Note that Kate Jones and her Government don't have an opinion, perhaps they don't have confidence.

The quote has been crafted so as to frame TransLink and Neil Scales as the bunnies if it all goes wrong.

The government continues to sit at arms length from the crisis and, indeed, is making sure it is protected if everything goes pear-shaped.

Kate Jones is not saying that 'we are very confident that we can deliver the additional capacity'.  That is the IMPRESSION the Minister wishes to convey.

All that is being stated is that Kate Jones is confident she has received a commitment from TransLink and Neil Scales that THEY can deliver the additional capacity.  She is leaving unsaid whether she believes the assurance.

Rather that ensuring that the capacity is there, across the network at the time of the Commonwealth Games, we have a Minister placing the greater emphasis on the political positioning aspect of the crisis.  Whether a crisis occurs or doesn't occur, the government is protected.

Is this good governance?

[#Metro]

Get rid of this operator!

- Wrecked Christmas
- Wrecked pre-Easter and Easter
- Going to wreck the Comm Games too?

Kate Jones: "We are very confident that both TransLink and the Director-General of Transport and Main Roads have given their assurance that we can deliver the additional capacity."

Of course they can deliver the additional capacity- by ripping trains off all the other lines in SEQ.