2018 Commonwealth Games

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/GetSet2018/status/983547649214345216

[BrizCommuter]

^ 3 hours. Looks like things are getting worse!

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/AaronLucasMedia/status/983349581118291968

Yope.  It is kind of interesting but not surprising.  Both the Minister (Bailey) and Peter Beattie are retweeting regularly tweets that are praising the transport (generally getting to a venue) but stay away from tweets complaining about the delays leaving the venues ... 

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/MarkBaileyMP/status/983813462890463233

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/983816890458894336

[ozbob]

Kurt Fearnley describes his last time racing in the green and gold to Channel 7's Pat Welsh: "That's absolutely everything that I had".

>> https://www.facebook.com/7NewsGoldCoast/videos/1895022153843961/

Great interview with Kurt Fearnley immediately after T54 1500m final.  Well worth viewing.

[InclusionMoves]

Watch till the end for a cheeky little public transport message :-) Also more from this morning.  http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-04-11/kurt-fearnley-urges-australia-to-embrace-inclusion/9639756 If the powers that be need someone else to tell them that inclusion is important the disability sector can just keep trotting them out. We have plenty :-)

Kurt Fearnley describes his last time racing in the green and gold to Channel 7's Pat Welsh: "That's absolutely everything that I had".

>> https://www.facebook.com/7NewsGoldCoast/videos/1895022153843961/

Great interview with Kurt Fearnley immediately after T54 1500m final.  Well worth viewing.

[SurfRail]

The light rail has definitely been the star performer these Games.

QR have, despite some hiccups and having thrown the rest of the network to the wolves, at least managed not to muck anything up seriously on the Gold Coast line.

Surfside seems to be keeping up, the additional headways on local services have been a dream.

The shuttle bus operations are working - by and large and apart from some high profile blunders - but it appears the 2 major issues are an excessive and poorly managed security presence compromising operations, and the layout adapted for Carrara Stadium.  It really isn't an appropriate venue for anything above 25-30K people, and even then only if security is at a minimum, the buses are mostly low-entry and Nerang-Broadbeach Rd is still largely all open.  If it was 2km further west it would be perfect, but it isn't.

[ozbob]

11 April 2018

Media Release
JOINT STATEMENT

Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning
The Honourable Cameron Dick

Minister for Innovation and Tourism Industry Development and Minister for the Commonwealth Games
The Honourable Kate Jones

Games legacy to make Coast a global hub for innovation

From the moment the last athlete leaves the Commonwealth Games Village next week, work will begin on transforming the Gold Coast Health and Knowledge Precinct into one of the most advanced health and knowledge innovation hubs in the Asia-Pacific.

Thanks to the $550 million Health and Knowledge legacy project, the Precinct would support thousands of jobs for Queenslanders and will generate $2.9 billion for the economy in the next decade.

Minister for Innovation and the Commonwealth Games Kate Jones said investor interest was strong with four sites already earmarked for $200 million in commercial development after the Games.

"Perhaps the greatest legacy of the Commonwealth Games is what we're doing to make the Gold Coast one of the world's leading hubs for innovation in the health and knowledge sector," she said.

"We know that the innovation, technology and health sectors are where the jobs will be in the next 10 to 20 years.

"That's why we've used billions of dollars in Commonwealth Games legacy funding to create the jobs of the future right here on the Gold Coast."

The new precinct in what is now the Athletes' Village, is located with the Gold Coast University Hospital, the new Gold Coast Private Hospital and Griffith University, forming a unique 200-hectare high-tech hub.

Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning Cameron Dick said the Precinct had the potential to become a world-class biomedical and health technology advancement and research centre.

"The Precinct is one of the biggest and most exciting legacy investments for the Games, and is expected to support 26,000 full-time jobs once fully developed and occupied," he said.

"This Precinct will house some of Australia's leading scientists, research institutes and facilities and will act as a drawcard to attract highly skilled workers to Queensland and build job opportunities."

Mr Dick said work was underway between his Department and Precinct partners to facilitate development agreements with both global and local health and knowledge businesses which complemented the specialised health, research and innovation activities of surrounding facilities.

"We expect the Precinct will feature a range of large and small health and knowledge businesses which will seek to either build and own their own facilities or to co-locate," he said.

GC2018 legacy achievements which will occur post-Games include:

    The Village will be converted by the private sector owner to provide 1,252 residential apartments and townhouses and associated retail
    Seven hectares of parkland adjacent to the Village will be handed over to Gold Coast City Council to manage and be opened to the public.
    15 individual development sites, yielding up to 200,000m2 of usable internal space, will be market-ready.

Ms Jones said one of the many organisations to move into the precinct would be Griffith University's Advanced Design and Prototype Technologies Institute (ADaPT) - an $80 million project that will see one of the world's most high-tech three-dimensional printers installed on-site.

"This 3D printer will be used to print specialist medical instruments and the technology will advance to print body parts like bones and organs for patients down the track," she said.

"The prototype of this printer is already working at Griffith today. It's a testament to the world-class innovation that's taking place here on the Gold Coast.

"And it's not just the health sector that will benefit from this new technology - Griffith Industrial Design program lead Dr Sam Canning designed the world's first full-length, 3D printed dress."

Ms Jones said she would continue to work with Griffith University to maximise the legacy of the Commonwealth Games for the Gold Coast.

"I'm proud to have been part of a Labor Government that brought the Commonwealth Games to the Gold Coast," she said.

"We built the $1.76 billion Gold Coast University Hospital, we delivered the $1.6 billion stage one and $500 million stage two of the Gold Coast Light Rail - that's just the tip of the iceberg.

"Without the Games and the infrastructure we've been able to deliver on the Coast, projects like this would not be possible."

Griffith University Vice Chancellor and President Professor Ian O'Connor AC said the new health and knowledge hub inside what is now the Commonwealth Games Village would be an important part of the precinct in years to come.

"Griffith University is at the forefront of 3D printing technology, working with global industry in the Gold Coast Health and Knowledge Precinct," he said.

"Our new industry-focused Advanced Design and Prototyping Technologies Institute (ADaPT) will lead the way in new materials development, 3D modelling and advanced technologies that will transform design, manufacturing and medicine.

"The legacy of the Games provides a unique opportunity to attract commercial investment into the Gold Coast, attract even more global talent, and strongly position Queensland as a key driver of research and innovation in the Asia-Pacific."

[ozbob]

The light rail has definitely been the star performer these Games.

QR have, despite some hiccups and having thrown the rest of the network to the wolves, at least managed not to muck anything up seriously on the Gold Coast line.

Surfside seems to be keeping up, the additional headways on local services have been a dream.

The shuttle bus operations are working - by and large and apart from some high profile blunders - but it appears the 2 major issues are an excessive and poorly managed security presence compromising operations, and the layout adapted for Carrara Stadium.  It really isn't an appropriate venue for anything above 25-30K people, and even then only if security is at a minimum, the buses are mostly low-entry and Nerang-Broadbeach Rd is still largely all open.  If it was 2km further west it would be perfect, but it isn't.

Thanks.  Yes, from where I sit would agree.  The only real blight has been the delays on some of the shuttles after events.

Pleasantly surprised with heavy rail GC overall.  If they can do for it the games they can do for the rest of the network from here.

GC Light Rail outstanding.

Good thing is some folk who would not normally use public transport have, and that is a step in the right direction.

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/MarkBaileyMP/status/983895457842606081

[Cazza]

This might be a stupid question, but how do they approximately determine how many people (left alone spectators themselves) have boarded a train?

[ozbob]

This might be a stupid question, but how do they approximately determine how many people (left alone spectators themselves) have boarded a train?

I would expect educated estimates in the main.  Shuttle buses could be counts.

Any case I have asked the question.  Not sure if I will get a response ..

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/983900929991651330

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/GetSet2018/status/983925136712699904

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/MarkBaileyMP/status/984181357776531456

[ozbob]

Showcase of ignorance of the wider shambles on the network.  I heard yesterday of a Sunshine Coast family travelling home from the Games that had to wait around 4 and half hours stranded at Roma St because a train was cancelled.  They ended up on a bus eventually because some Games volunteers arrived back at Roma St and were also stranded.  Hypocrisy is rampant. 

[BrizCommuter]

Showcase of ignorance of the wider shambles on the network.  I heard yesterday of a Sunshine Coast family travelling home from the Games that had to wait around 4 and half hours stranded at Roma St because a train was cancelled.  They ended up on a bus eventually because some Games volunteers arrived back at Roma St and were also stranded.  Hypocrisy is rampant.

Many work colleagues have experienced up to 15 min longer commutes each way during the games period. Lots of missedconnections for commuters getting to South Brisbane/Bank due to late running. Let's see if QR can actually get the 7:00am from Bowen Hills to VL to run less than 5 mins late tomorrow?

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/7NewsGoldCoast/status/984336529878216705

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/MarkBaileyMP/status/984610963126083584

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/984611899814772737

[kram0]

I am happy to report getting out of a sold out stadium after the athletics last night was 9/10. A MAJOR improvement after the cluster fuk that was the exodus after the opening ceremony!! Credit where it's due and the improvements have worked. There were also many other events happening throughout the coast as opposed to the opening ceremony event.

[ozbob]

^ good!  They have made a number of changes and times now acceptable. Will always be some delays but 3 hours? 

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/MayvinGlobal/status/984634567586795520

[BrizCommuter]

I am happy to report getting out of a sold out stadium after the athletics last night was 9/10. A MAJOR improvement after the cluster fuk that was the exodus after the opening ceremony!! Credit where it's due and the improvements have worked. There were also many other events happening throughout the coast as opposed to the opening ceremony event.

I hope that is still the case on Saturday when I'm at Carrara Stadium again.

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/AnnastaciaMP/status/984965691718561793

[BrizCommuter]

No bus jam getting into Carrara this time! 

[kram0]

No bus jam getting into Carrara this time! 

Good news. Best to walk to the station after as that is still the fastest option if you are going that way.

[BrizCommuter]

No bus jam getting into Carrara this time! 

Good news. Best to walk to the station after as that is still the fastest option if you are going that way.

Not with three young  kids! Going to Yatala Park'n'Ride to have to take shuttle bus.

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/MarkBaileyMP/status/985040936924147713

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/MarkBaileyMP/status/985051962197524480

[ozbob]

Have you noticed they are not too keen to add in pics of NGRs hey?   

[BrizCommuter]

No queue for the Yatala bus tonight. Massive improvement! Acceptable queues for Nerang and Millaroo buses.

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/SmartState1/status/985280325495308288

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/MarkBaileyMP/status/985301241596067840

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/MarkBaileyMP/status/985100364083941376

Still no sign of a NGR pic ..   

[BrizCommuter]

^ or mention of hourly trains in Brisbane.

[not_available]

^ or the word "Sunshine"

[matlock]

It is however a great demonstration of what might be possible on the network by the mid-2020s. Here's hoping.

[ozbob]

It is however a great demonstration of what might be possible on the network by the mid-2020s. Here's hoping.

Spot on.  This has been very worthwhile to demonstrate what decent frequency and connections (bus, tram) can achieve. 

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/MarkBaileyMP/status/985388111994564608

[BrizCommuter]

It is however a great demonstration of what might be possible on the network by the mid-2020s. Here's hoping.

Spot on.  This has been very worthwhile to demonstrate what decent frequency and connections (bus, tram) can achieve. 

Shows how necessary that 4th track on the Gold Coast/Beenleigh Line corridor is, if we ever want a permanent high frequency Brisbane to Gold Coast service.

[ozbob]

Media release 16th April 2018

SEQ: GC2018 some transport observations

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web based community support group for rail and public transport and an advocate for public transport passengers has said the public transport for the Commonwealth Games has been a success for the Gold Coast.

Robert Dow, Spokesperson for RAIL Back On Track said:

"For the first time for many years in SEQ we have seen frequent line transport, properly supported by frequent shuttle (feeder) buses in support of high frequency rail between Brisbane and the Gold Coast, both light and heavy rail, for a sustained period (that is more than one single day event). Over two and a half million estimated passenger trips to and from Games.  This confirms what we have been advocating now for years.  People will use public transport if it is frequent, connected and accessible."

"Well done to all public transport operators, crew, bus drivers, support and administration staff.  You have all contributed to a positive result.  There was transport concern leading into the Commonwealth Games, publicly expressed by GOLDOC Chairman Peter Beattie no less.  We had said that with respect to the local Games public transport and the Gold Coast line itself that it would be generally fine. Only real problems were some initial teething issues with the shuttle bus delays particularly after major events, and some PWD access issues.  These were sorted as the Games proceeded.

"Our major concerns were always related to the wider public transport for SEQ with reduced service and very poor connections, both rail/rail and bus/rail. There were problems on the wider network, this can not be disguised.  The momentum gained for public transport for the Games should be now used to improve the rest of the SEQ network.  The SEQ public transport network apart from the Gold Coast, was reduced to  a  ' bare bones ' network, all the good bits gone to support the Games. This was more severe in terms of service reductions than would normally be the case due to the ongoing issues with ' rail fail '.

"Let's be frank.  While the Gold Coast Line had trains running every 7 minutes at times, the Sunshine Coast Line had trains running every two hours, with waits for bus connections up to 100 minutes! This made some journeys marathons in themselves. The rest of the wider SEQ rail network had similar issues. This sort of failure must be addressed from here.  Frequency and proper connections work, admirably demonstrated so well during the 2018 Commonwealth Games."

Contacts:

Steven Jamieson
Gold Coast Region Spokesperson for RAIL Back On Track

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