Ripley Valley - articles discussion etc

[ozbob]

From the Queensland Times 26th November 2011 page 22

Battle of Ripley Valley

[Jonno]

Mr Luxton is spot on! This will be like western Sydney if the public transport services arrive years after development is finished and run infrequently.

When a city has 82+% car usage then the planning has most certainly FAILED!

[aldonius]

The corridors have been set aside, so the problem is obviously with the buildout timeframe.
I'm more concerned with local employment opportunities - what sort of commercial development is occurring (other than retail), and will it be near the transport spine?
The master plan looks OK at a first cursory glance (it will be near the rail), but that's no guarantee of anything, because like the rail, it won't really be there until most of the population already is, and the population already had a stable job (outside the Valley) before they bought their house.

At least the street layout is meant to be bus-friendly.

[O_128]

The mayor is an idiot, Anyone can plan a rail link, what there needs to be is a firm commitment for the rail to be built. there is no reason that construction can't start once springfield is finished and be done by 2016 other than lack of political will.

[Set in train]

This reminds me of the idiotic quote of the transport minister & local member announcing construction of the Springfield line, "building this before a car culture develops". No other choice due to the lack of quality public transport options.

Bus is not an option for Ripley due to the long transit times to existing rail, the line must be built WA northern suburbs style with the development.

[ozbob]

From the Queensland Times click here!

Land values are soaring

Land values are soaring

Kieran Banks | 15th December 2011

THE Ripley Valley cash grab is on as acreage owners begin to position themselves while foreign investors prepare to swoop on the remaining slices of the master-planned district.

Land values of the remaining Ripley Valley lots have doubled to quadrupled, driven by the vast development plans.

A 554-acre property on Cumner Rd in White Rock carries an asking price of $45 million with the potential to sub-divide the property into 2000 lots worth $200,000 each.

Yong Real Estate agent Peter Huang said the Ripley Town Centre had pushed the otherwise ordinary rural land from between $10,000 and $20,000 an acre to $80,000.

"Certainly I see the Ripley Valley area having the most potential of the three master-plan cities announced by the government," he said.

"This Ripley Valley is the only one with the freeway and rail and access to the Brisbane CBD and western suburbs."

International buyers have also been tempted by the $5.8 million, 169-acre lot on Odempsey Rd in the Ripley Valley.

A four-bedroom home stands on the block, but developers are interested in its value once sub-divided.

Mr Huang estimated the land could potentially generate $30 million for new owners once it was sub-divided and sold off.

Although the property has been listed for months, the owners had recently increased the price by $900,000 in the belief buyer sentiment was on the rise.

Mr Huang said with interest rates cut and the Gold Coast being awarded the Commonwealth Games, the owner felt the land had increased in value.

Ipswich Deputy Mayor Victor Attwood said the majority of land surrounding the Ripley Valley had already been sold to Japanese developers Sekisui House, Perth family company the Amex Corporation and Stockland.

Cr Attwood said the Cumner Rd property had passed through a number of hands since the Ripley Valley Master Plan was announced.

[ozbob]

From the Queensland Times click here!

The build-up to the boom

The build-up to the boom

Joel Gould | 26th June 2012 2:00 AM

THE Ripley Valley development is set to go into overdrive with Japanese house builder Sekisui House at the forefront of the expansion.

Civil works will begin in months with the public launch of 64 land parcels for sale set down for March, 2013. The first homes will likley be built by the end of next year.

The first stage of a major shopping centre will be built within five years with 120,000 people planned to be living in the new community within 25 years.

Sekisui House chairman and CEO Isami Wada met with Premier Campbell Newman and Ipswich Mayor Paul Pisasale on Thursday to work out a plan of action to get the stalled development rolling.

Cr Pisasale emerged from the meeting and said Sekisui House and the council had "just received the full green light from the premier".

"What that means is that the premier has given the full powers of the ULDA (Urban Land Development Authority) to the council. If CEO Wada has a problem he will discuss it with the council and the local people," he said.

"Council is back in charge of our own destiny and Premier Newman has put us in the driving seat.

"Three years of work has gone into making sure that they get it right and Sekisui House is exactly the kind of business partners that we want for Ipswich and Ripley Valley.

"We have got one of the best partners in the world. The planning is the best I have seen and will provide the blueprint for what follows.

"The development is right next to Swanbank Enterprise Park so you will be able to live, work and play in the Ripley Valley. Sekisui House is in charge of 2000 homes and will build a town centre the size of Indooroopilly."

Sekisui House has built 2.1 million houses and apartments in Japan in the last 50 years and has expanded its business internationally in the last three years, including Australia.

Sekisui House produces zero carbon emissions homes with zero waste and built a display home for the G8 Summit.

"What we are mainly interested in as a company is to create communities," Mr Wada told the QT.

"We give consideration to the environment and our main theme is carbon dioxide reduction. Solar panels are very effective in that and 85% of the homes that we built last year had solar panels.

"We are extremely excited about this development because when you are trying to give the environment full consideration it is very hard to do in an already built up area. This is a new area and we are able to be innovative in establishing a new community there.

"We consider houses not just to be for individuals, but to be for social capital. We want to leave a good legacy for the next generation. I was very happy to see that the premier was very interested in the environmental aspects... and when this development is finished I think Australia will have a heightened sense of environment."

Cr Pisasale also said Mr Wada and Sekisui House were "the first to send Ipswich money when we were hit by the floods in 2011".

[ozbob]

THE RIPLEY VALLEY SEQUENCING  (Ipswich Council Planning Document)

http://www.ipswich.qld.gov.au/documents/planning/rv_vol2_chap9_sequencing.pdf

[ozbob]

Ripley Valley
Urban Development Area

http://www.ulda.qld.gov.au/_dbase_upl/Ripley_FS_LR.pdf

[SurfRail]

Ripley should be quite good actually.  Even without a railway it should be quite a lot better than the other "new cities" because of their design aesthetic and their planning.  Railway will cement it as something done properly for a change.

[ozbob]

From the Queensland Times click here!

Ripley Valley revealed

Ripley Valley revealed
Joel Gould | 29th June 2012 5:30 AM

THE first residents in the Ripley Valley development could be living in their homes by the end of next year.

The first stage of the development by Japanese home builder Sekisui House will comprise 64 lots which will be available to the public for purchase early in 2013.

The sales centre will include the showcase Shawood design home that is being used in the Sekisui House development at Coolum.

While those homes will not be available in the first release at Ripley Valley, Sekisui House manager for development and communities Chris Hall said the sales centre would "demonstrate our design skills and aspirations".

The initial 64 houses are only the first stage of an initial 12-stage development that will see 540 dwellings constructed. Sekisui House will build 2500 homes over 25 years with a population of 120,000 slated for the community by 2027.

Mr Hall estimated that "30 to 50 jobs" would be created in the initial construction of the first stage of homes.

House and land packages will start from $320,000 with a specific range of homes designed for Ripley Valley.

The first stage of the town centre is expected to be completed by 2017 and will be a mix of retail, commercial and community-use buildings.

Ipswich councillor Paul Tully said that when at full steam, the Ripley Valley development would see "so much building in the space of 10m."

"If you were a youngster and got into a trade there you could spend the rest of your working life between Springfield and Ripley Valley...with all the houses, commercial buildings, schools and moderate high rises," he said.

[ozbob]

From the Queensland Times click here!

Ripley Valley set for 2014 move-in

Ripley Valley set for 2014 move-in
Geoff Egan 15th Feb 2013 7:22 AM

RIPLEY Valley is set to welcome its first residents next year.

Developer Sekisui House has begun early works on the first stage of the massive housing development: demolition of existing buildings, stabilising the site and disconnecting utilities.

A spokesperson for Sekisui House, Japan's biggest house builder, said civil construction on the site would begin this year.

"In the coming months, the community can expect to see construction hoarding being assembled and an increase in the presence on site of engineering, surveying and construction staff," the spokesperson said.

"Sekisui House plans that its project sales and information centre will be operational early 2014, with the first residents to be welcomed later in the year."

The Japanese developer held a groundbreaking ceremony at the site last November to kick off the long-delayed project.

The spokesperson said an information centre would be set up to show off plans for the Ecco Ripley development.

"The sales and information centre will demonstrate the Sekisui House difference and innovation, especially seen through the approach to landscaping, urban design and our overall attention to detail," the spokesperson said.

"In line with Sekisui House's four key design pillars, Environment, Connected, Community and Opportunity, we will be commencing our project with a strong focus on infrastructure with the delivery of the first phase upgrade of Ripley Road, ensuring a well-connected community from day one."

The development will take shape on a 194ha site and includes 4000 homes, with more than 10,000 residents expected to live there.

Ipswich Mayor Paul Pisasale has been campaigning for the area to be connected to the Springfield and Ipswich rail lines.

According to Sekisui House, Ecco Ripley is set to become the centre of the Ripley Valley area, which the company expects to be home to 120,000 people and 50,000 dwellings.

Stage one of the project will see 257 approved dwellings released on 30 lots.

A range of houses is being designed by Sekisui House.

[#Metro]

http://www.sekisuihouse.com.au/qld/Communities/Our-Communities/Ripley-Valley,-QLD

[SurfRail]

Sekisui's presence is a major reason why I think Ripley will work.  I don't trust Mirvac/Stockland/Australand/Delfin/Devine etc with anything like this.

[SteelPan]

I suppose, FOR ONCE, it's too much to ask two things of the powers that be:

1) keep land values viable for first home buyers to start their dream becoming a reality and not just a short-term ca$h grab opportunity for corporate greed!

2) COMMIT to a high-quality RAIL line with FIRM timetable for delivery.

Something "really good" could stand as a legacy for generations if the local govt/state work together to get the basics right - FOR ONCE!

  or   

[mufreight]

I suppose, FOR ONCE, it's too much to ask two things of the powers that be:

1) keep land values viable for first home buyers to start their dream becoming a reality and not just a short-term ca$h grab opportunity for corporate greed!

2) COMMIT to a high-quality RAIL line with FIRM timetable for delivery.

Something "really good" could stand as a legacy for generations if the local govt/state work together to get the basics right - FOR ONCE!

  or   

2nd that.

It should actually be written in the sales contract with the developer and with govt.
1) Land to be preserved as you mention
2) $X per m2 of property sold contributes to PT, $Y for schools etc etc
3) On reaching say 20,000 population, project to build the railway will be triggered.
4) Failure to build the line will result in the govt to be in default and moneys contributed towards the line refunded with interest.

The first three points are more than reasonable but with the present circus in government and so far their track record is every bit as bad as the previous clowns to expect they would come good on point four is expecting a little much.

[ozbob]

From the Queensland Times click here!

Rail line extension vital to success of Ripley Valley plan


http://media2.apnonline.com.au/img/media/images/2013/04/03/9-1782356-ips030413rail03a_fct1024x630x72_t460.jpg

Rail line extension vital to success of Ripley Valley plan
Geoff Egan 4th Apr 2013 3:00 AM

THE new Springfield train line must be extended to Ipswich for the Ripley Valley housing development to take off, according to an urban planning expert.

Springfield Central station is set to be opened before the end of the year, but University of Queensland planning associate professor John Minnery believes the new line doesn't go far enough.

Prof Minnery said Ripley needed access to rail to properly flourish.

The first housing estate in the Ripley Valley, Ecco Ripley, is set to welcome new residents next year and while the extension of the Springfield line to Ipswich via Ripley is in the Department of Transport's long-term plans, the State Government has no date finish the line.

According to State Government plans the Ripley Valley will see 50,000 homes and 120,000 people, a target Prof Minnery said could be achieved in the long term.

"A lot of the development depends on whether the rail line is extended to Ripley," Prof Minnery said.

"Ripley will not work unless there is good supporting infrastructure. People need to access jobs in Ipswich, Springfield or Brisbane. They aren't in Ripley."

Prof Minnery said the plan for 120,000 people to live in the area was "ambitious", but possible with the right infrastructure.

"It is ambitious, but it's achievable in the long term," he said.

An Economic Development Queensland spokesman said the bulk of the development was scheduled to finish within 20 years.

"The Ripley Valley Priority Development Area (PDA) which was declared in 2010 has been identified as a major long-term growth area for the Ipswich region," he said.

"While the progress of development is subject to market forces, it is expected that significant development of the 4680 hectare site will occur by 2031 with full development by 2057."

Ipswich Mayor Paul said he wanted to see the State and Federal Governments support Ripley Valley by investing in infrastructure. "I agree 100% that we need rail," he said. "Completing the loop from Springfield, through Ripley, to the aerospace precinct at Ipswich is important."

Cr Pisasale has been a prominent supporter.

"Investing in infrastructure is the best gift a government can give Australia," he said.

"We need to encourage more spending by Governments in growth areas rather than in marginal seats."

The QT was still awaiting a response from the office of Minister for Transport Scott Emerson's last night.

[ozbob]

From the Queensland Times 6th April 2013 page 10

Federal funds needed to get Ripley moving

[ozbob]

Good luck!  Unless there are coalies going via Ripley I think a blue federal government would not be very supportive ...

[colinw]

Abbott says "we have no history of building urban rail".

Hmmm...

Brisbane Suburban Electrification was two thirds federally funded (Whitlam Gov't)  Adelaide was supposed to be next but Fraser canned it.
Moreton Bay Rail Link has federal funding (Gillard)
Gold Coast Light Rail has federal funding (Gillard)
Briztram / Brisbane Light Rail had federal funding (Howard), but of course Beattie canned it.  Money ended up wasted on Beaudesert Rail & the Bruce Hwy.

Adelaide electrification has Federal funding (Gillard).

I'm sure there are others examples.

As far as any chance of me voting LNP / Liberal next federal election, this is a deal breaker (and I am speaking as someone who has a history of voting for team "blue" about 80% of the time at Federal level, state is a different matter because I've never really forgiven the coalition parties for the Joh years).

[somebody]

Federal Liberals probably contributed to the Melbourne-Albury standardisation.

I wonder if the Feds contributed to the SSFL?

[ozbob]

http://www.danielbowen.com/2013/04/05/commonwealth-funded-railways/

[somebody]

http://www.danielbowen.com/2013/04/05/commonwealth-funded-railways/

All funded while labour was in federally.  Add Melbourne-Adelaide standardisation.

SSFL was never given funding while Liberals were in power either.  Although the ARTC did apply for funding in the dying days of the Howard govt, it wasn't approved until Kevin 07.  Wow.

I'm really reaching to think of some rail project funded by the feds while the Libs were in power.  I'm presuming Mel-Albury standardisation.

[ozbob]

I think the point that has upset everyone was the comment that the Commonwealth doesn't fund urban rail.  It does of course, he could have said "Coalition Federal Governments don't fund urban rail"  or words to that effect,  but that is to decisive politically I guess.    But I really think he has made a blunder here.  I get back to your earlier comment Simon to the effect that he didn't have to say anything really.

I also think this might now change the outcome of the election in some seats.

[ozbob]

Queensland Times --> Chance to invest in infrastructure for Ripley Valley

[Jonno]

"People can get a long-term, stable return, which is most attractive to super funds."It's a win-win for Queensland"

- is that the same long-term return that super funds were going to get from his TransApex Tunnels

[ozbob]

Minister for Energy and Water Supply
The Honourable Mark McArdle
Thursday, May 09, 2013

Visit to show green light for growth in Ipswich's Ripley Valley

Energy and Water Supply Minister Mark McArdle and Member for Ipswich Ian Berry, will visit the Ripley Valley development, hosted by Cr Paul Pisasale, Mayor of Ipswich City Council.

The tour is a part of an initiative by the Energy and Water Supply Minister to discuss with local councils important issues relating to the growth of their regions and how electricity and water supply can support this growth.

Mr McArdle said Ipswich had a special place in the history of Queensland and a promising future with up to 120,000 people to live in the Ripley Valley upon project completion.

"Master planned communities like Ripley Valley place greater emphasis on ensuring we have the long-term energy and water supply planning right", Mr McArdle said.

"The Newman Government is developing 30 year strategies for electricity and water, which will help to provide the framework for this long-term growth.

"Working with local government and local Members to share a vision for the growth of regions like Ipswich is vitally important for access to cost-effective services and for long term economic development."

Ipswich City Council worked extensively on plans for Ripley Valley over many years which included the development of the Ripley Valley Structure Plan and a master planning framework.

Cr Pisasale said his council had provided a leadership role which brought together key landowners though a public consultation process and facilitated innovative Enquiry by Design workshops.

"Ripley Valley will ultimately be home to 120,000 people in 50,000 dwellings and firmly positions Ipswich as the major regional centre to serve the western corridor," Cr Pisasale said.

"The areas are within the heart of the state's employment and economic growth regions, with future residents being able to tap into employment prospects in areas such as Swanbank, Ebenezer and Amberley."

Mr McArdle will continue discussing great opportunities for energy and water planning with local governments all across Queensland.

[ENDS] 9 May 2013

[Stillwater]

Passenger rail is slated for Ripley Valley because it is a 'master planned' community.  The other valley, the Brisbane Valley, has had its railway line ripped up.  Admittedly, it was on a poor alignment.  Council and government should see the potential for growth of the towns on the former Brisbane Valley Line (Fernvale, Lowood, Esk, Toogooloowah) and reserve an improved alignment for rail there.

[ozbob]

The Brisbane Valley line to Yarraman was a quintessential QGR branch line.  I was fortunate to be on the second last train to Yarraman.

Parts of it now constitute the Brisbane Valley rail trail --> http://www.dsdip.qld.gov.au/bvrt-homepage.html

At Yarraman



On the branch line ..



Photographs R Dow circa 1986

[ozbob]

Queensland Times --> Roadworks kick-start Ripley Valley progress

[Jonno]

Queensland Times --> Roadworks kick-start Ripley Valley progress

And the guarantee of car centric sprawl and congested roads is on its way.  What riles me is that the local politicians say they're trying to reduce congestion/car usage whilst doing exactly what is needed to ensure it !!'

[#Metro]

Does anyone have a link to the plans?
Plenty of land around the Rosewood line, PT already pre-installed.

[SurfRail]

Does anyone have a link to the plans?
Plenty of largely undevelopable land and next to no employment around the Rosewood line, PT already pre-installed.

Fixed.  The railway is literally the only saving grace, and alone is not sufficient.

Land ownership is far too fragmented to do anything with Rosewood or the adjacent areas.

[ozbob]

Queensland Times --> Ripley ... believe it or not

Vid --> http://www.qt.com.au/videos/take-tour-planned-ripley-town-centre/19289/

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Road works start near Ipswich as Ecco Ripley masterplanned community becomes reality

[ozbob]

Queensland Times --> Ripley Valley's new Providence to be home to 20,0000

[ozbob]

Queensland Times --> Raging Ripley: New development attracting 750 enquiries a week

[#Metro]

Cue calls for multibillion dollar rail extension to la la land.

[ozbob]

Cue calls for multibillion dollar rail extension to la la land.

It is already factored in, same sort of situation as Springfield ...   Springfield didn't wait 100 years for rail and neither will Ripley ..

[ozbob]

Queensland Times --> Believe it, Ripley on a roll

OVERWHELMING demand for Stage One of Ecco Ripley has resulted in the second stage of the housing development being fast-tracked.

With more than 90% of land in the first release of Brooking Rise sold in just under eight weeks, it is now time to release Stage Two ...