25 Mar 2012: Queensland: New Government new approach ...

[ozbob]

Media release 25 March 2012

Queensland:  New Government new approach to public and active transport?

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 election of the LNP Government is an opportunity for public and active transport renewal.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Congratulations to the LNP on their electoral success.  The time is right to improve public and active transport options throughout Queensland."

"TransLink has a new CEO, and soon we will have a new Transport Minister."

"We call on the new Minister to commission a review into the entire public transport network with a view to implementing a core-frequent-network rail, bus and ferry, with frequent feeder bus services (1)."

Reference:

1. Building a Core Frequent Network  http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=5173.0


Contact:

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

[Stillwater]

Given the change of government and its desire to rein in costs, perhaps all we could hope for in respect of the Sunshine Coast line is an initial survey/commissioned report into the level of freight likely to be moving on the SCL in 2020 and an examination of the measure of the impediment the single track poses to the efficient movement of freight; also the extent of freight 'spilling over' to the Bruce Highway from rail.  Armed with that information, the state could work up a case for federal funding (as well as state money) for the SCL.  The feds would be interested in freight issues, more so than passenger trains, but track upgrades for one indirectly benefits he other.  While the new state government would not spend hundreds of millions initially on SCL duplication, it should be able to find $1-$2 million for a study that would compile the information for the state to put together a case for joint funding of the SCL in the second term of an LNP government.  With some effort, we could have the state and federal ministers turning a sod on the works during the 2015 election campaign!