G20 Brisbane November 2014

[STB]

Twitter

Phillip Coorey @PhillipCoorey

The g20 has turned Brisbane into a nasty, dysfunctional hellhole, avoid at all costs

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

No surprise .. Phillip is not an anonymous twitter troll .. he is Chief Political Correspondent, Australian Financial Review ...

Nasty, dysfunctional, hellhole....isn't that Brisbane all the time?   

[SurfRail]

Even gets exported to Logan, which was running on Saturday timetables despite it not being a public holiday.

What absolute dimwits we have running this state.

[ozbob]

Obama has just shafted Abbott at UQ ... maybe there is some good karma on the way ...

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Obama's slap in the face for Abbott

[techblitz]

G20 Now front page news on bbc and cnn news sites....
There was a crowd of about 400 watching the u.s president leaving parliament house..
King george square car park consistently parked out...others told to alternative carparks where possible..

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> G20 summit: Barack Obama puts climate change at fore in speech at University of Queensland

[ozbob]

Twitter

Felicity Caldwell ‏@fel_caldwell

Adelaide St is pretty quiet - almost entirely police and SES #G20

[HappyTrainGuy]

Still more people in that photo than people on the majority of Brisbane's buses.

[ozbob]

Twitter

Amy Remeikis ‏@AmyRemeikis

Empty Brisbane

[Golliwog]

Not completely empty. Footpaths were packed along Adelaide St and Edward St around 1:45-2:30pm as Adelaide, Edward, Elizabeth and George Streets (I think it was George, I didn't head up that way for a look) were all shut for various motorcades. Asking SES/Police who were manning the barricades if there was anyway to get out from the inside of the box: "Nope."

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

16th November 2014

Re: SEQ: Golden opportunity wasted for G20

Greetings,

A failed opportunity to energise Brisbane and promote public transport, that is how G20 will be remembered by many.

A suggestion.  Roll out a free travel weekend prior to Christmas. It has been a difficult weekend for the average punter. Might undo some of the damage done to public transport during G20.

Might help avoid road congestion chaos as the masses drive around in ever chaotic circles outside overflowing car parks at shopping centres as well.

Best wishes
Robert

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

Sent to all outlets:

15th November 2014

Re: SEQ: Golden opportunity wasted for G20

Good Morning,

I have an internet radio.  Marvellous devices these, but let's cut to the chase.  I have been monitoring interstate and overseas reports of G20 Brisbane.

It is being projected as a desolate people barren place.  Many businesses are being reported as closed.  If you think that the G20 is promoting Brisbane in a favourable light you might need to re-think that.

It is still not to late to save Brisbane.  Roll out free public transport for this weekend.  It is a no-brainer.  Much inconvenience for transport but it is only logical to energise Brisbane.  People will then return to Brisbane  and put up with the searches, delays, and confusion better.

Great shame that this golden opportunity is being squandered.  We care ...

Best wishes
Robert

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

Sent to all outlets:

14th November 2014

Re: SEQ: Golden opportunity wasted for G20

Greetings,

The free car parking was full early according to Brisbane Times.

Pity about the lack of positive initiatives for public transport.  Once the the car parks are full what then?

I guess they drive around in circles, bit like the failing transport policies for SEQ.

Best wishes
Robert

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

Media release 14th November 2014

SEQ: Golden opportunity wasted for G20

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 Newman Government has failed the community with its failure to energise Brisbane by making public transport travel free for Brisbane during the G20.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Around 7000 G20 delegates have been given go cards to travel free on the public transport in south-east Queensland."

"There are now extensive disruptions on the public transport network during the G20 (1).  A sensible move would have been to simply to extend free travel to all citizens from Friday the 14th to Sunday 16th November 2014 inclusive."

"Confusion and disruption would have been better tolerated and people would have been more inclined to visit the CBD as encouraged by the Lord Mayor and Government."

"This would have also helped create a better community spirit towards the G20, as well as business multiplier effects. Foregone ticket revenue would have been returned many times over by increased patronage after the G20."

"Other jurisdictions can see the value of encouraging people onto public transport.  For example in Perth (2), apart from a fare cut there on 1st November 2014, they also rolled out a day of free travel on Monday the 3rd November 2014!

"Here in SEQ, because the declared public holiday on the 14th November 2014 is not gazetted, passengers will pay full peak fares for the disrupted services on the public holiday."

"TransLink have indicated that they will not be notifying public transport users of all disruptions (3).  Hardly convenient to be waiting for your hourly bus, it being a no show and not knowing what is going on is it?"

"Fortunately Queensland Rail is maintaining an active social media presence over the G20.  Rail is the best option for travel, particularly inner Brisbane for the G20 weekend."

"The failure to deliver for G20 public transport by the Minister for Transport and Main Roads and staff is a sad indictment on their competence. It is hardly the way to promote Brisbane is it?"

"A golden opportunity lost."

References:

1. http://translink.com.au/travel-information/service-notices/24626/details

2. http://www.transperth.wa.gov.au/Service-Updates/Service-Update-Details/new-fares-from-1-november-free-travel-day-on-3-november-2014-4564

3. http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=8742.msg148844#msg148844

Contact:

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

[ozbob]

Financial Review --> Barack Obama delivers a lesson in power

The sooner we have new PM the better IMHO ...

What a sad sad performance by Abbott  ...  at the top and at the state level.

[ozbob]

Twitter

QPS Media Unit ‏@QPSmedia

Good morning #Brisbane. Ready for another day of #G20

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Cool leaders, hot weather as climate change goes on G20 agenda

[ozbob]

Twitter

QPS Media Unit ‏@QPSmedia 1 minute ago

.@CoPStewart says if coming to town try to use public transport. Will be traffic disruptions from lunchtime on #G20

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

[ozbob]

Twitter

Eammon Atkinson ‏@EAtkinson7 4 minutes ago

If you have a flight soon you might want to catch the train to the airport. @7NewsBrisbane #G20Brisbane

[ozbob]

What I have seen of the Premier this weekend, I think he has done a great job.

Cannot say the same for all of his ministers however ..   

[ozbob]

Twitter

The Courier-Mail ‏@couriermail 57 seconds ago

Traffic headed back into #Brisbane: http://trib.al/REDHPqs  #G20 #G20Brisbane Pic: Megan Slade

[Stillwater]

In an exercise that was copybook in how it is done, President Obama sidelined the PM, reaching over him to the next generation to put the pitch on climate change.  Mr Abbott was snookered and outclassed.  The president had the audience eating out of his hand and actively encouraged them to use every democratic means to demand action on climate change.  And they will.

[ozbob]

The Conversation --> G20 leaders pledge on growth and support climate action

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Abbott shirt-fronted by climate change reality

[#Metro]

I often wonder what the trains are doing when pictures like that beam around. Is it possible for QR to run more services or is it just too costly?

[STB]

In an exercise that was copybook in how it is done, President Obama sidelined the PM, reaching over him to the next generation to put the pitch on climate change.  Mr Abbott was snookered and outclassed.  The president had the audience eating out of his hand and actively encouraged them to use every democratic means to demand action on climate change.  And they will.

I must admit, you could really tell the difference of quality of a politician between Abbott and Obama after what happened this weekend with Obama walking all over Abbott politically as if Abbott was nothing.  Abbott looked like the ball boy, while Obama looked like the star tennis player, who put the ball of climate change into our courts to do something about it and rise above the dinosaurs like Abbott who is frankly too far gone and will never think that climate change is a major issue, of which in reality it is.

You could clearly see that Abbott was still stuck on shortsighted myopic politics while the other Leaders, including notably Obama were true politicians with a vision for the future.

Top marks Obama (and the other G20 Leaders) who slapped Abbott down on Climate Change at the G20, it was absolutely beautiful to watch and I hope Australians took notice of it on who Abbott really is, an intellectual nobody (as Keating put it).

Obama and other G20 Leaders 

[#Metro]

What can I say. This is politics, talk is cheap. Anyone can pretty much say anything they like and create any kind of vision that people like. Look at Victoria, NSW and QLD - we've had years of 'vision' that we've only been able to glimpse through glossy brochures and plans and reports.

On the other hand, I think blue team need to get it into their head that there are at least two other dimensions to human existence - social (or even moral you could say), and environmental. People who are much wealthier now (than generations ago that subsisted on rations) have the time to think about other things and it is becoming less acceptable to hurt people / destroy the joint just to make money.

A price on carbon is something I agree with, tax or cap and trade or similar.

[STB]

What can I say. This is politics, talk is cheap. Anyone can pretty much say anything they like and create any kind of vision that people like. Look at Victoria, NSW and QLD - we've had years of 'vision' that we've only been able to glimpse through glossy brochures and plans and reports.

On the other hand, I think blue team need to get it into their head that there are at least two other dimensions to human existence - social (or even moral you could say), and environmental. People who are much wealthier now (than generations ago that subsisted on rations) have the time to think about other things and it is becoming less acceptable to hurt people / destroy the joint just to make money.

A price on carbon is something I agree with, tax or cap and trade or similar.

I think in this case, the talk wasn't wasted as it forced climate change be put on the agenda, something Abbott wanted to hear nothing of it.  It also put into people's minds from Obama's speech in particular that we need to do more on it and move above those who are in denial or don't see it as a major issue, it gave people a drive to get change happening, and that's a very powerful thing, especially to those who attended the speech personally, the next generation of thinkers, doers and voters.

While it would be nice to see some action taken and that action speaks louder than words, and there was some kind of action taken between China and the US on it, at the end of the day though it's very difficult to get policy up and keep it up, not helped by personal ideologies or beliefs that certain politicians have.  Scare tactics was used by the Abbott Government when they were in opposition on the Carbon Tax and mis worded Gillard to push their agenda, and the people believed it, they got caught up in the emotion of it and didn't think rationally on it at the time, however that trend seems to be temporary with many I'm noticing now (from forums to news comments etc) believing that they do need to do something about it, and I can tell you right now, this lot that's currently in won't do a thing about it.

I do believe that Obama was genuine in his speech, the difficulty for leaders like him though is that he has to deal with those who don't believe in his vision or have different ideals and beliefs, something that's very difficult to overcome, and honestly I think will only be overcome as the next generations (Gen Y and Z in particular who I find in general to be more open minded and aware than the older generations - frankly I think Gen X has lost their way a bit and become disillusioned in general) step up and participate in getting change to happen.

[red dragin]

Even if some people don't believe that global warming is happening, isn't reducing the amount of s**t we pump into our air and water supplies reason enough to change?

[STB]

Even if some people don't believe that global warming is happening, isn't reducing the amount of s**t we pump into our air and water supplies reason enough to change?

Not according to Abbott, he thinks coal is the best thing since sliced bread! 

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Brisbane set new G20 benchmark: Quirk

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

17th November 2014

Re: SEQ: Golden opportunity wasted for G20

Greetings,

Well done all on the G20.  How much better it would have been had our public transport system been better promoted and enabled for free travel?

The spectacle of the Premier and Lord Mayor pleading for people to come to Brisbane would have been avoided.  A better reinforcing positive spirit generated.

No amount of spin can mask this failure - a golden opportunity wasted.

Best wishes
Robert

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

Sent to all outlets:

16th November 2014

Re: SEQ: Golden opportunity wasted for G20

Greetings,

A failed opportunity to energise Brisbane and promote public transport, that is how G20 will be remembered by many.

A suggestion.  Roll out a free travel weekend prior to Christmas. It has been a difficult weekend for the average punter. Might undo some of the damage done to public transport during G20.

Might help avoid road congestion chaos as the masses drive around in ever chaotic circles outside overflowing car parks at shopping centres as well.

Best wishes
Robert

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

Sent to all outlets:

15th November 2014

Re: SEQ: Golden opportunity wasted for G20

Good Morning,

I have an internet radio.  Marvellous devices these, but let's cut to the chase.  I have been monitoring interstate and overseas reports of G20 Brisbane.

It is being projected as a desolate people barren place.  Many businesses are being reported as closed.  If you think that the G20 is promoting Brisbane in a favourable light you might need to re-think that.

It is still not to late to save Brisbane.  Roll out free public transport for this weekend.  It is a no-brainer.  Much inconvenience for transport but it is only logical to energise Brisbane.  People will then return to Brisbane  and put up with the searches, delays, and confusion better.

Great shame that this golden opportunity is being squandered.  We care ...

Best wishes
Robert

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

Sent to all outlets:

14th November 2014

Re: SEQ: Golden opportunity wasted for G20

Greetings,

The free car parking was full early according to Brisbane Times.

Pity about the lack of positive initiatives for public transport.  Once the the car parks are full what then?

I guess they drive around in circles, bit like the failing transport policies for SEQ.

Best wishes
Robert

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

Media release 14th November 2014

SEQ: Golden opportunity wasted for G20

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 Newman Government has failed the community with its failure to energise Brisbane by making public transport travel free for Brisbane during the G20.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Around 7000 G20 delegates have been given go cards to travel free on the public transport in south-east Queensland."

"There are now extensive disruptions on the public transport network during the G20 (1).  A sensible move would have been to simply to extend free travel to all citizens from Friday the 14th to Sunday 16th November 2014 inclusive."

"Confusion and disruption would have been better tolerated and people would have been more inclined to visit the CBD as encouraged by the Lord Mayor and Government."

"This would have also helped create a better community spirit towards the G20, as well as business multiplier effects. Foregone ticket revenue would have been returned many times over by increased patronage after the G20."

"Other jurisdictions can see the value of encouraging people onto public transport.  For example in Perth (2), apart from a fare cut there on 1st November 2014, they also rolled out a day of free travel on Monday the 3rd November 2014!

"Here in SEQ, because the declared public holiday on the 14th November 2014 is not gazetted, passengers will pay full peak fares for the disrupted services on the public holiday."

"TransLink have indicated that they will not be notifying public transport users of all disruptions (3).  Hardly convenient to be waiting for your hourly bus, it being a no show and not knowing what is going on is it?"

"Fortunately Queensland Rail is maintaining an active social media presence over the G20.  Rail is the best option for travel, particularly inner Brisbane for the G20 weekend."

"The failure to deliver for G20 public transport by the Minister for Transport and Main Roads and staff is a sad indictment on their competence. It is hardly the way to promote Brisbane is it?"

"A golden opportunity lost."

References:

1. http://translink.com.au/travel-information/service-notices/24626/details

2. http://www.transperth.wa.gov.au/Service-Updates/Service-Update-Details/new-fares-from-1-november-free-travel-day-on-3-november-2014-4564

3. http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=8742.msg148844#msg148844

Contact:

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

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> G20 Brisbane communique: a step-by-step guide

[ozbob]

Sydney Morning Herald --> View from the Street: Abbott was told the G20 was about international matters, surely?

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Brisbane returns to normal after G20

[ozbob]

Letter to the editor Queensland Times published 17th November 2014 page 21

Free public transport could have prevented desertion

[ozbob]

Letter to the editor Queensland Times published 18th November 2014 page 15

Good work with the G20 but it was a lost chance

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Opinion: Australia's isolated view on climate out of step with G20's grand vision

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> G20 Brisbane: Queensland Government cold on compo for traders hit by summit

[BrizCommuter]

Couriermail --> Opinion: Australia's isolated view on climate out of step with G20's grand vision

Good to see that even news corp is coming down hard on Abbott's backwards mentality.

[ozbob]

Fairfax radio news, OL calling for a free weekend of PT on 13/14 Dec 2014 to help compensate traders who lost business ...

An idea I raised earlier

Sent to all outlets:

16th November 2014

Re: SEQ: Golden opportunity wasted for G20

Greetings,

A failed opportunity to energise Brisbane and promote public transport, that is how G20 will be remembered by many.

A suggestion.  Roll out a free travel weekend prior to Christmas. It has been a difficult weekend for the average punter. Might undo some of the damage done to public transport during G20.

Might help avoid road congestion chaos as the masses drive around in ever chaotic circles outside overflowing car parks at shopping centres as well.

Best wishes
Robert

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

but thanks for the support!

[ozbob]

Twitter

AnnastaciaPalaszczuk ‏@AnnastaciaMP 9 seconds ago

Brisbane residents deserve a w/end of thanks on Dec 13 & 14 of free public transport after G20. Would help businesses and residents. #qldpol

[ozbob]

Statement --> Brisbane sign to live on after G20