Those temporary platform extensions built 2009/2010

[mufreight]

When the temporary platform extensions were built the duplication from Beerburrum to Nambour was intended to proceed within two years and new stations were to be built on the new duplicated alignment, so much for politicians promises.
A logical move now would be to build these new stations on the new alignment and slew the present main line to connect with each end of these sections of the new duplicated alignment with the sections of duplicated alignment being made long enough to accommodate maximum length freighters.

[Stillwater]

Local media is reporting that the three new railway station platforms to be built north of Nambour will open in this order -- Cooran, Eumundi, Pomona.  The works will be completed about March-April 2017.  Yandina had a makeover and restoration a while back, as did Cooroy (including new sealed car park and bus stop interchange for Noosa bus services).  The historic Traveston station was rebuilt, but the short platform remains there.  All Nambour-Gympie North stations and platforms (but not Traveston) will be refurbished and rebuilt by April 2017, so maybe time to re-examine Nambour-Gympie North shuttles, especially with the provision of additional stabling facilities at Woombye about to come on line.  A working paper presented to Noosa Council recently shows that people living in the Noosa Hinterland tend to travel north-south, using buses and trains, to shop and work, and also to attend medical appointments, in preference to travelling to swanky Noosa Heads.

[Stillwater]

Survey pegs and spray paint reference points appearing at these locations as a prelude to construction starting.

[Fares_Fair]

Good to hear.

If only there were the northbound/southbound train services to go with them...   

A regular shuttle service up to Gympie North would be wonderful.

[Stillwater]

The goss is that the plans for the new railway station platforms at Cooran, Eumundi and Pomona will be ready about the end of November, allowing for a public consultation phase before Christmas, with construction starting in the New Year.

UPDATE:  Seems that start of construction has been put back several months, but QR still committed to these works.

[Stillwater]

The rain downpour associated with Cyclone Debbie saturated the plywood flooring at the Pomona 'temporary' station.  Yesterday, about 60 panels, each approx. 1m by 1.5m, were replaced at Pomona.  This comes on top of the major flood in 2012, when the 'temporary' station (installed in 2009 'for 18 months') was substantially damaged due to flooding and had to be reconstructed, again as a 'temporary' standard station.  It makes you wonder about the relative cost of 'temporary' versus permanent.

[ozbob]

It is just one cluster-fuk after another sadly ... 

[Fares_Fair]

I wonder what the world record is for a temporary platform that was designed to last for 12-18 months and was promised to be made permanent?
They are maintained with replacement of rotting plywood decking from time to time, but they are temporary scaffolding, all the same.

These 7 platforms were constructed in December 2009 and January 2010.

7 Years Ago

3 were promised (for the second time) to be replaced by December last year.. it's now October 2017 and still no movement on those 3 to date.


The Sunshine Coast has to be the most rail neglected region in the nation.. at every level. 

[#Metro]

I wonder what the world record is for a temporary platform that was designed to last for 12-18 months and was promised to be made permanent?
They are maintained with replacement of rotting plywood decking from time to time, but they are temporary scaffolding, all the same.

These 7 platforms were constructed in December 2009 and January 2010.

7 Years Ago

3 were promised (for the second time) to be replaced by December last year.. it's now October 2017 and still no movement on those 3 to date.


The Sunshine Coast has to be the most rail neglected region in the nation.. at every level. 

I enjoyed your photo release of "QR Fungi" many years ago. 

I think that there were more photos than the 1 that the CM had published IIRC.

Queensland Rail Fungi http://www.couriermail.com.au/questnews/fungi-stuff-found-growing-from-platform/news-story/e0b7030462b9bcc76cc0c8794fd4847e?sv=ab1491b2a2546c033b7ff22e7604d5b6

[Fares_Fair]

 
Ah yes, those were the days..

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/919245783135748097

[ozbob]

Media release 15 October 2017

SEQ: State Government neglect and breaches of promises equals millions of dollars squandered over 7 temporary rail platforms

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 called on the State Government to explain why seven temporary Sunshine Coast Line rail platforms located at Mooloolah, Eudlo, Palmwoods, Woombye, Eumundi, Pomona and Cooran, are still there.

The platforms were erected December 2009 to January 2010. A QR Passenger document said that they were a short term solution and 'will ultimately be replaced with a permanent platform within a period of 12 to 18 months'(1). They are all still 'temporary' almost 8 years later.

Jeff Addison Sunshine Coast Region Spokesperson for RAIL Back On Track said:

"The Sunshine Coast has to be the most rail neglected region in Australia. Our deficiencies start with an antiquated tortuous single train track, 29% of daily trains that are literally buses, a service frequency of 1.5 – 2 hours throughout the day and, if all that isn't enough to deter you from train travel, a series of ramshackle temporary railway platforms that are still in place almost 8 years after they were constructed."

"In February 2012, some 2 years after their 'temporary' construction, they were costing us almost $300,000 per annum. Today, we estimate that over $2.5 million has been wasted. In that same month it was also discovered that the timber plywood platforms were being eaten away by fungi (2).

"The litany of promise breaches has continued with the most recent promise to replace 3 of the seven platforms located at Eumundi, Pomona and Cooran, north of Nambour, with permanent ones, by December 2016, broken once more. Today, in October 2017, no work has even started.

"Another breach of trust with the Sunshine Coast's long  suffering rail neglected yet burgeoning population."

Jeff Addison went on to say..

"We are tired of the rail neglect. We are tired of the wasted money. We are tired of our wasted time. We are tired of the sub-standard single line, we are tired of the breaches of promises that fill our rail history on the Sunshine Coast.

"We want to see rail prosper. We want to see happy commuters. We want to see patronage and freight increase, we want to see traffic congestion ease, and we want to see trucks off the highway that needn't be there. We want to see passengers on safe stable  station platforms – not ones that get eaten away by fungi.

" 'Promise Much' and 'Do Nothing' is the State Government action plan for the Sunshine Coast, from our single train track to our permanently 'temporary' platforms.

"Who knew that Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk's plan for jobs in our region, her claimed number one priority, was full time roles maintaining temporary rail platforms that are regularly eaten away by fungi?

"Lets stop the rot and fix the mess!"

Contacts:

Jeff Addison
Sunshine Coast Region Spokesperson for RAIL Back On Track

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

References:

1. QR Passenger Brief 4th December 2009

Brief part 1


Brief part 2


2. 10th February 2012: Mushrooms growing from Sunshine Coast temporary rail platforms could be safety risk, with a "strong possibility that it will give way"
http://www.couriermail.com.au/questnews/fungi-stuff-found-growing-from-platform/news-story/e0b7030462b9bcc76cc0c8794fd4847e

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/919438684234981376

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/919439242853433344

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/919441828830576640

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Jeffrey_Addison/status/919449834624389121

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/919458189195616258

[Fares_Fair]

You wouldn't believe it, a Bombshell to come..

[Fares_Fair]

EXTRAORDINARY #SunshineCoast rail neglect repeated in 2017.
5 years after fungi infested platforms created a safety emergency.
They're back!

I was shocked!
I inspected 2 of the 7 temporary rail platforms late this afternoon, at Palmwoods and Woombye stations - and I found fungi growing on them all 
Neglect is the hallmark of the #SunshineCoast line.

https://t.co/GnBe5gHf00
I took a number of photos, need to downsize them at some point to fit the website.

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Jeffrey_Addison/status/919490217244893186

https://twitter.com/Jeffrey_Addison/status/919488474897571842

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/919601268229783552

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/919601533779456000

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/919610879150137344

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Jeffrey_Addison/status/919691335723974656

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/919967215260073984

[Fares_Fair]

  

[Fares_Fair]

The new campaign slogan for the #SunshineCoast seven.

if it's fungi-ed, forget it.

https://twitter.com/Jeffrey_Addison/status/920609260500795392

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/920687941713764352

[Stillwater]

When QR springs a three-car service on the SCL in the afternoon peak, it is a case of not-mush-room.

[ozbob]

When QR springs a three-car service on the SCL in the afternoon peak, it is a case of not-mush-room.

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Jeffrey_Addison/status/920607782948167680

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Jeffrey_Addison/status/921602673190739969

[Fares_Fair]

These seven platforms cost $3m to install and rent amounts to around $2.5m since they opened in December 2009 (pre-Nambour) and January 2010 (past Nambour).

Total wastage to date: $5.5m and counting...

Time to be rid of the #SunshineCoast seven.

[ozbob]

Sunshine Coast Daily --> Mushrooms invade: Fungi sprout at Coast transport hubs

A WAVE of mushrooms sprouting at Sunshine Coast train stations has left long-time Coast traveller and rail advocate Jeff Addison appalled at their state of disrepair.

He snapped photos of the mushrooms sprouting at the Palmwoods and Woombye stations, two of seven temporary stations on the Coast.

Mr Addison, SC Rail Back on Track spokesman, described the mushrooms as wood-eating fungi and said it was a repeat of a similar infestation which sprouted about five years ago.

"It's just extraordinary, it really is," Mr Addison said.

"It's typical of the (rail) neglect that our region experiences.

"Our single track, temporary platforms and 29% of trains that are literal rail buses with 1.5 and 2-hourly services make for a state and national disgrace."

Queensland Rail briefings obtained by Mr Addison through Right to Information from December, 2009, revealed the temporary platforms currently in place at Mooloolah, Eudlo, Palmwoods, Woombye, Eumundi, Pomona and Cooran were due to be replaced with permanent platforms "within a period of 12 to 18 months".

The briefings showed installation of the temporary platforms - comprised of scaffolding supporting a painted plywood deck - was budgeted for $3 million and were meant to be rented for up to 18 months.

After six months a rental fee for the seven stations of $5000 per week was noted in the briefings.

Mr Addison estimated about $2.5 million had been wasted on long-term rental of the temporary platforms to-date.

The briefings noted the platforms were a "short-term solution" and should be removed within 18 months, with the plywood surface requiring repainting and possible replacement after 12 months.

Deputy Premier and Transport Minister Jackie Trad said the temporary platforms had been in place "for a number of years" and said nothing had been done during the former Newman-Nicholls government.

"The Palaszczuk government is progressing a program of works to upgrade these to permanent platforms and work is scheduled to begin in the first half of next year at Pomona, Cooran and Eumundi stations," she said.

"We will then plan for the replacement of the remaining platforms."

Mr Addison said works on the three northern platforms had already been delayed.

"In the meantime, Queensland Rail will replace the timber decking, as required, as part of ongoing maintenance," Ms Trad said.

The Daily understands inspections were undertaken of the fungi to ensure it was safe, but additional inspections would be carried out following issues raised by the community.

Ms Trad said the duplication of the Beerburrum to Nambour rail line was "critical for the Sunshine Coast community" and they'd carried out a detailed business case and submitted it to the Federal Government for funding consideration.

"However, we simply won't have the capacity to build Beerburrum to Nambour without a second inner city river crossing," she said.

"That is why we have fully funded Cross River Rail in our State Budget, which will allow us to open up the network, increase services on the Sunshine Coast and build the new Sunshine Coast line."

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/922552672254906368

[Fares_Fair]

"However, we simply won't have the capacity to build Beerburrum to Nambour without a second inner city river crossing," she said.

"That is why we have fully funded Cross River Rail in our State Budget, which will allow us to open up the network, increase services on the Sunshine Coast and build the new Sunshine Coast line."

Total falsehood is what we get from Deputy Premier, the Hon Jackie Trad.

There is no reason whatsoever to NOT build #2tracks Beerburrum to Landsborough now.
It's shovel ready and good to go.

Instead they make it a federal / state political football.
Who knew?

[ozbob]

Agreed FF ..

Sent to all outlets:

19th October 2017

Sunshine Coast Line upgrade key election issue

Good Morning,

Article in today's Couriermail:  Nine years on, commuters waiting on 20km line duplication promised by government

The article highlights the now long term neglect of the Sunshine Coast Line upgrade.

We challenge the Deputy Premier re this comment in the article:

" But she said a second Sunshine Coast line could not be completed until Cross River Rail was operational,
allowing more trains in and out of Brisbane. "

We disagree strongly. We support Cross River Rail however the upgrade of the Sunshine Coast Line was going to proceed in 2009, only stopped by the 2009 election results.  If it was good enough to do in 2009 it is certainly far more urgent now.

The duplication between Beerburrum and Landsborough North, and improvements with passing loops between Landsborough North and Nambour will allow more reliable and more frequent running between Caboolture and Nambour.  It will allow more free train paths for passenger (interurban and long distance passenger) and freight services.  In the same way that the upgrade between Caboolture and Beerburrum in 2009 has helped on that section.  The Caboolture to Beerburrum duplication was not dependent on Cross River Rail and neither directly are the upgrades between Beerburrum and Nambour, although ultimately Cross River Rail will allow more express Sunshine Coast services.

As the notice from 2008 states.  This project was already underway  ...  It is now 2017 for goodness sakes!  The temporary platforms are rotting!



Best wishes,
Robert

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

[Stillwater]

It is not just a case of fungi in the plywood, as the pictures in this thread shows, the rusting scaffolding sits on wood blocks that sit on the ground.  These wooden blocks are disintegrating.

[tazzer9]

The worst part of these extensions is that so many of the platforms could have been built properly very cheaply.  Just look at yandina's platform.   

[Stillwater]

To improve the safety and reliability of services, Queensland Rail will carry out rail delivery and sleeper replacement between Cooran and Cooroy stations – Tuesday and Wednesday 22-23 January and Saturday/Sunday 27-28 January. Works will involve the cutting, removal welding of rail.

[Stillwater]

This media release has gone up on the dontdividepomona Facebook page:

Queensland Rail to retain and upgrade Pomona pedestrian crossing

After listening to community feedback, Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey said Queensland Rail (QR) will retain the current pedestrian crossing at Pomona station.

Minister Bailey said he wanted to assure locals the crossing would remain, but that it would require a number of safety upgrades.

"QR put a number of options forward, one of which was to close the crossing, but after public consultations the message was loud and clear that people wanted the crossing to stay," Mr Bailey said.

"Safety is always our number one priority, and as the crossing is situated on a curved section of railway, a number of possible safety upgrades will need to be completed.  One of the safety concerns is there is currently inadequate sight distance for approaching trains, and while I appreciate there have been no serious incidents to date, QR needs to put plans in place to safeguard the community and ensure this remains the case. 

"While design work is yet to be undertaken, the upgrade may include the installation of audible and visual alarms, footpaths and signage.  I understand locals feel passionately about the future of the crossing, its historical significance to the town and its role in promoting walkability. QR is committed to working with the community and delivering a solution which balances the need for safety with providing a crossing that meets the town's requirements now and into the future.

QR CEO Nick Easy said they had been overwhelmed with the community's feedback regarding the pedestrian crossing – 100 per cent of which called for the crossing to be retained and upgraded. "Of 148 submissions received during community consultation in August this year, 100 per cent of feedback indicated a preference for the crossing to be retained and upgraded to ensure walking connectivity remains in place at this location," Mr Easy said.

"QR has taken this feedback on board, in addition to consulting with Noosa Shire Council, community groups and local businesses, and has made a decision to upgrade the crossing to ensure it meets national rail safety standards, while retaining connectivity at this site for local pedestrians.  Queensland Rail will keep the Pomona community informed regarding the progress and timing of the design investigations."

ENDS

https://www.facebook.com/dontdividepomona

[ozbob]

 

See >> https://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=12774.msg205791#msg205791

[Fares_Fair]

This media release has gone up on the dontdividepomona Facebook page:

Queensland Rail to retain and upgrade Pomona pedestrian crossing

After listening to community feedback, Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey said Queensland Rail (QR) will retain the current pedestrian crossing at Pomona station.

Minister Bailey said he wanted to assure locals the crossing would remain, but that it would require a number of safety upgrades.

"QR put a number of options forward, one of which was to close the crossing, but after public consultations the message was loud and clear that people wanted the crossing to stay," Mr Bailey said.

"Safety is always our number one priority, and as the crossing is situated on a curved section of railway, a number of possible safety upgrades will need to be completed.  One of the safety concerns is there is currently inadequate sight distance for approaching trains, and while I appreciate there have been no serious incidents to date, QR needs to put plans in place to safeguard the community and ensure this remains the case. 

"While design work is yet to be undertaken, the upgrade may include the installation of audible and visual alarms, footpaths and signage.  I understand locals feel passionately about the future of the crossing, its historical significance to the town and its role in promoting walkability. QR is committed to working with the community and delivering a solution which balances the need for safety with providing a crossing that meets the town's requirements now and into the future.

QR CEO Nick Easy said they had been overwhelmed with the community's feedback regarding the pedestrian crossing – 100 per cent of which called for the crossing to be retained and upgraded. "Of 148 submissions received during community consultation in August this year, 100 per cent of feedback indicated a preference for the crossing to be retained and upgraded to ensure walking connectivity remains in place at this location," Mr Easy said.

"QR has taken this feedback on board, in addition to consulting with Noosa Shire Council, community groups and local businesses, and has made a decision to upgrade the crossing to ensure it meets national rail safety standards, while retaining connectivity at this site for local pedestrians.  Queensland Rail will keep the Pomona community informed regarding the progress and timing of the design investigations."

ENDS

https://www.facebook.com/dontdividepomona

Congratulations SW 
A great win for the Pomona community.

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/1027086318373761024

[ozbob]

[Fares_Fair]

TEMPORARY PLATFORMS UPDATE
For Interested Commuters

I wanted to update you on our activities to upgrade platforms on the North Coast line and invite you to an information session we are having this Saturday at Pomona, if you or any colleagues are interested in attending.

As you'd be aware, work is currently underway on the platform at Cooran station to improve facilities for customers. Works will be undertaken until approximately early December, at which time the team will move onto Pomona station. We have staged works to ensure customers can access the train and platform during construction. I've attached the latest project update produced for the Cooran community, in case of interest, which provides the layout of the new platform.

Queensland Rail is holding an information session at Pomona to provide the community with details on the platform upgrade and other station improvements, as well as the upgrade of the pedestrian crossing just north of the station. The information session will be held on Saturday 13 October, from 10am until 2pm at Pomona Hall.

We welcome you to attend the session and would be happy to discuss the project at any time with you.

Please feel free to pass this information on to any interested contacts you have.