Ipswich region

[BrizCommuter]

Paid parking is a good idea for the future, however IMO it should not be introduced to a station until proper feeder buses are available. If there are bugger all feeder buses (or very unattractive ones, such as most of the Springfield area), it is a complete slap in the face to charge for parking and people will simply go back to driving to work. If there are good feeders, then they have the choice to pay to park or catch the bus.

Yes agree.  Paid parking is contingent on good feeder buses being in place.

...and a good train service as well!

[ozbob]

Queensland Times --> INSIDE STORY: The highlights of your $150 million CBD

THE Ipswich public was promised world class and now the QT can reveal what world class will look like, and where the key components of the $150 million Ipswich CBD redevelopment will be located.

The Ipswich City Square shopping centre rejuvenation is a joint project of Melbourne-based developer epc.Pacific, Ipswich City Properties (ICP) and Ipswich City Council with work expected to start in the second half of 2017.

Cr Paul Tully, ICP chairman, took the QT on a tour of the redevelopment plans which have identified the location of the council administration building, the new Ipswich library, food and beverage outlets, a zero-depth water feature and other key features.

As he pointed at the plans we turned from Brisbane St into Nicholas St, where the mall is currently located.

"We turn into the existing mall, which will be converted partly into a single-lane street and go right to the end of what is now the mall and turn back into Union Place," Cr Tully said.

"There will be plenty of room for people to be dropped off because we want a lot of people (in the mall)."

Cr Tully said the speed limit would be very low along the one-way street.

He then pointed to the connectivity which will exist by the linkage of the mall with Bell St, which will require existing structures to be demolished

"That linkage will include green space, pop-up and food and beverage all through there, and that's an important link.

"There will also be the direct link from Brisbane St right through to the river and across to Riverlink.

"That is a vision that we haven't had since 1987 when that was blocked off completely."

Moving down to the northern end of the mall we will have the water feature on the left, along with the new library which will be surrounded by more civic space and food and beverage outlets.

"On the right at the northern end is the council administration building with a civic plaza and more greenery on the corner of Bremer and Bell Sts.

"We also hope to have a buyer for Murphy's Pub (owned by ICP) and utilise that in the future."

Two or three of the buildings on the corner of Ellenborough St and Brisbane St have also been identified as residential, including student accommodation, with connectivity laneways through to the mall planned.

The above mentioned redevelopment was based largely on 300 community submissions to Co-Design, the company set up to handle the community consultation.

When unveiling the plans, Ipswich Mayor Paul Pisasale turned to Greek mythology to liken the redevelopment as "a Phoenix rising from the ashes".

Almost a decade ago, Cr Pisasale was mulling over how to transform the mall area, which had lost its lustre.

No developer was interested in rejuvenating the space.

So Cr Pisasale called Cr Tully at 4.30am with an idea. That idea was the bold one to buy the CBD. A council-owned company was set up - ICP - and $50 million was borrowed.

In 2011 construction started on the Icon Tower.

"That was pre-sold to Cromwell Property Group for $93 million which was used to repay the loan with the Queensland Treasury," Cr Pisasale said.

"Then 12 months ago a heads of agreement was signed with epc.Pacific to develop this stage - which we are calling stage two.

"It was a big call for a council to buy its own CBD but it enabled us to take control of our own destiny.

"The feedback we received on what the community wanted strongly supported more open space, large scale entertainment and water play areas.

"We listened to the people.

"This water feature will be world class. It will give kids entertainment and will be something they can run through and splash in during the day.

"By night it will light up as a sound and light show.

"I have people on a daily basis wanting to invest in our new CBD. One phone call today they were talking about $150 million."

[ozbob]

Check out the revised plans for the $150 million revamp of Ipswich CBD. @Chris_Campey #7News https://t.co/qzMKohCzbt

— 7 News Queensland (@7NewsQueensland) December 6, 2016

[ozbob]

Ipswich city centre to be transformed under a bold revamp plan. @brittneykleyn_9 #9News https://t.co/VzoaZAc5Xh

— Nine News Brisbane (@9NewsBrisbane) December 6, 2016

[verbatim9]

It looks good, but is it going to include cafes and bars to rejuvenate the area. Can be a bit sterile just with Government buildings such as Library and Council offices with temporary pop up Food outlets. Look what happened to Caboolture town centre. Nice buildings but no weekend activation. Due to no 7 day dining precinct included, nor 7 day cafes or bars running till late.

[BrizCommuter]

Will the shops still close at midday on a Saturday?

[verbatim9]

^^Thats the challenge how to create weekend activation to make it successful. Markets? Monthly events? Pop up Outdoor cinema? Another Lagoon, wave pool or lap pool?

[dancingmongoose]

One of our own featured in the QT

http://www.qt.com.au/news/why-darth-vader-taking-selfies-ipswich-train-stati/3123884/?ref=hs

[ozbob]

Why Darth Vader is taking selfies at Ipswich train stations> https://t.co/Did4UGmri8 #qldpol
ping @darthcaligula66 < thanks! pic.twitter.com/jehoTgxDos

— Robert Dow (@Robert_Dow) December 20, 2016

[ozbob]

. @darthcaligula66 G&#39;day! Page 7 Queensland Times 22nd December 2016 pic.twitter.com/tBrUz3uYyq

— Robert Dow (@Robert_Dow) December 21, 2016

[ozbob]

^ Well done Darth.  Great cause and an innovative way of raising funds.  Thank you.

[ozbob]

Queensland Times --> Rail line a must for Ipswich boom suburb

ALL roads lead to the booming Redbank Plains and now it is time the railway line leads there as well.

That was the message coming through loud and clear at the Ipswich City Council ordinary meeting yesterday.

Councillors David Morrison, Andrew Antoniolli, Paul Tully and Sheila Ireland all spoke in the meeting or to the QT about the need for the State Government to fast track the proposed connection between Springfield Central and Redbank Plains.

Cr Antoniolli, the city's planning boss, released the planning and development annual report card for 2016 which revealed the top five suburbs for new dwellings and additional population. Redbank Plains led the way with 376 new dwellings and 1051 new residents.

That was ahead of Springfield Lakes with 336 and 960 respectively, Bellbird Park (237 and 620), Leichhardt (214 and 562) and South Ripley (185 and 594).

When Mayor Paul Pisasale and the other 11 mayors from south-east Queensland met on the Sunshine Coast for a strategic planning workshop it was to guide future infrastructure in the region and lobbying efforts.

The rail extension was one of the items Cr Pisasale put forward as a priority locally, and he pointed to the extension as being a part of the State Government planning study.

In the council meeting Cr Morrison made the point the development in the region wasn't just about to happen, but "it is happening now".

Cr Antoniolli said Redbank Plains had been the fastest growing area for several years and the report made a clear case for infrastructure funding from the State and the Federal Government.

The council has made a considerable investment in upgrading roads and facilities in the suburb.

"But we only get a small amount of the public funds to deliver infrastructure needs, so we do need the support of the State and Feds," Cr Antoniolli said.

"One thing that needs to be on the agenda is the continuation of that line from Springfield Central to Ipswich, through Redbank Plains and Ripley.

"We need a commitment from the state on that with some projected timelines on it reaching Ipswich city."

Yong Real Estate's Matt Boettcher, based in Redbank Plains, was not surprised the suburb was booming with population.

He said that several years ago investors saw the value for money and the high rental yields and took advantage but now young families from other Ipswich suburbs were relocating to take advantage of big blocks and the value for money.

"Our figures from last year show that our total sales were 51% to owner occupiers and 49% to investors, which is a pleasing thing," he said.

"From 2010 to 2013 investors held court in the market, but from the start of 2014 the owner occupiers have been flooding the market."

Mr Boettcher said that surveys had shown numerous people from Redbank Plains were driving to Springfield Central to catch the train and that the rail line extension was "a necessity".

A Translink spokesperson said the rail extension was part of the government's long term vision but that there were other rail priorities.

"The South East Queensland Rail Horizon report (2016) has identified the Cross River Rail project as the Government's infrastructure priority to provide the necessary capacity for an expansion of the rail network," the spokesperson said.

"The Department of Transport and Main Roads has completed planning to identify a corridor for the proposed extension of the Ipswich and Springfield rail lines to support population growth in the Western Corridor. The Ipswich to Springfield corridor is part of the Queensland Government's longer-term vision for the South East Queensland rail network."

[Gazza]

I think ICC need to put maybe $10-20 mil on the table to get the attention of the state and get this happening.

All well and good to say CRR is the #1 priority, but:

-Smaller projects state wide don't just stop because of the presence of a larger one.

-If CRR really is #1, it needs more than $850 million from the state.

[SurfRail]

The kicker is that CRR is absolutely not required for this - probably the only new rail route extension on SEQ for which that is true.

[ozbob]

^

Indeed ..

To suggest the extension to Redbank Plains is contingent on CRR is bulldust !@StirlHinchliffe @TMRQld @TransLinkSEQ
Build it now!#qldpol https://t.co/QWITlJmlxQ

— Robert Dow (@Robert_Dow) January 31, 2017

^

Rail line a must for Ipswich boom suburb > https://t.co/iGUCGwwGcY #qldpol@QLDLabor
Time to get cracking!@StirlHinchliffe @TMRQld pic.twitter.com/EZLxlAZc2q

— Robert Dow (@Robert_Dow) January 31, 2017

[dancingmongoose]

The only thing it does depend on is funding, if we can afford to build it yes we should just go for it., unless those funds can actually make CRR and/or Beerburrum-Landsborough happen. CRR and SCL are the absolute priorities but if they're not going to go anywhere, just get on with it

[ozbob]

Queensland Times 6th February 2017 page 4

Redbank Plains rail must start now, says advocate

[ozbob]

Queensland Times --> Rail line a must to the Ipswich boom valley

AHEAD of the game.

That is what Ipswich civic leaders and public transport advocate Robert Dow said the State Government must be when it comes to providing infrastructure to cater for the population explosion set to occur in Ripley Valley.

It is why they insisted an extension of the line from Springfield Central to Redbank plains and Ripley was AHEAD of the game.

More than half the current population of Ipswich will be living in the Ripley Valley in the decades to come.

Some projections have that being reached by 2036, although Ipswich City Council is not putting a time frame on it except to say that when fully developed it will reach 120,000.

A rail corridor from Springfield Central right through Ripley in a loop to Ipswich has been put in place by the Queensland Government and Cr Antoniolli, council's planning boss, said it was within the council's planning scheme.

"We need that rail line to go to Redbank Plains and Ripley to capture that large population growth," he said.

"Redbank Plains has been one of the fastest growing suburbs for three or four years and Ripley is going is to grow at a faster rate than Springfield and be a much larger population.

"We have got major connecting roads already there, but that rail line is vitally important in solving the congestion between the western corridor and Brisbane.

"This is where governments should be looking ahead of the curve rather than beyond it.

"The need will be there sooner rather than later but governments are reluctant to spend money ahead of the game. It is almost like the game is over before they spend."

Mr Dow said the Springfield line was the first new rail network, apart from the re-establishment of lines like the Gold Coast, to be built since the early 1900s.

He said rail to Ripley was a must.

"The first priority is to get an extension of the line to Redbank Plains which is a priority because of the development there and I think it should be started within 12 months," he said.

"It is something the State could handle within their own resources and some help from Ipswich City Council.

"While they are getting that constructed, you can look at getting it extended to Ripley based on the planned population and the development that has occurred.

"When you have a construction process (of a rail line) it is relatively cheap to keep it going.

"You would look at doing some early works at Ripley, and by that I mean factoring in the railway station even though it might not be built in five or 10 years.

"If they build (developments) without making allowance for it by the time they come to do it then it will be too late.

"While there is a rail corridor identified to Ripley, making sure it remains identified and protected is another thing."

[ozbob]

Queensland Times --> Mayor has China solution to Redbank Plains rail line

WITH no money likely to be allocated in the State and Federal budgets, Ipswich Mayor Paul Pisasale is set to investigate a partnership with a giant Chinese construction company to get the railway line extension to Redbank Plains built.

Cr Pisasale said he had been given the green light by the State Government to further his plan after meeting with the China Railway Construction Corporation (CRCC) in Beijing recently.

At the meeting Cr Pisasale said he discussed putting together business plans to get infrastructure models in place for projects such as the extension of Springfield Central to Redbank Plains.

"I have spoken to the Treasurer Curtis Pitt about it," Cr Pisasale said.

"I asked that if I put together a business model that works to get the infrastructure built with Chinese investment, would he be interested. He said 'yes'.

"It is up to us to come up with these different models because the people of today should not be paying for the infrastructure of the future."

Under such a scheme an enterprise such as CRCC would build the infrastructure and lease it back to the State Government.

CRCC is a state-owned construction enterprise and one of the world's largest construction and engineering companies.

It has built most of China's rail infrastructure and numerous other rail lines in Asia, Africa and the Middle East.

Cr Pisasale and the other 11 mayors from south-east Queensland met last year for a strategic planning workshop to guide future infrastructure in the region and lobbying efforts.

The rail extension was one of the items Cr Pisasale put forward as a priority locally, and he pointed to the extension as being a part of the State Government planning study.

"As a significant growth area, this will improve accessibility to public transport, reduce vehicles on the Centenary Hwy and reduce parking demand in the Springfield town centre," he said at the time.

Blair MP Shayne Neumann said Cr Pisasale's China plan was "an innovative and creative idea".

"But we want to see more details. The crucial thing is to find the pathway to finance it."

Mr Neumann said he would like to see the Federal Government allocate funding for the rail extension in next week's budget, as outlined in the South-East Queensland Council of Mayors 2017 Federal advocacy document.

"That is at a cost of $150 million to extend the passenger line from Springfield Central to Redbank Plains," Mr Neumann said.

"Redbank Plains is a significant urban growth area and there is a need for a new centre at School Rd for a railway station there and that would improve public transport usage in the western corridor.

"I would like to see a commitment from the Federal Government in the budget."

Public transport advocate Robert Dow said Ipswich City Council should be one of the lead proponents in the funding of the extension.

" Ipswich City Council could show the lead by making some sort of financial commitment to the project in the same way that Moreton Bay council did for the line to Kippa-Ring which was a combination between State, Federal and council," he said.

"They could link that back into future development costs and returns because it certainly increases the value of properties when you have first class public transport."

Mr Dow said that Federal and State funding would also be required.

Cr Pisasale said he agreed with Mr Dow about the need for the extension, but said council did not have the money for it.

"Robert is spot on, but we have to get the right people behind it and the Federal Government has the purse strings to put in infrastructure.

"But they have to stop putting money into marginal seats. Start putting money into growth seats.

"Council does not have that type of money for major infrastructure items.

"We could not afford it. Council collects 3% of all rates and charges, the State Government 16% and the Federal Government 81% - and that should be the breakup.

"We are already doing business studies and looking at funding models

"But for us to fund that we would have to increase the rates, and that is something the pensioners of Ipswich and other ratepayers cannot afford."

Mr Dow said the chances of the Federal Government putting funding in next week's budget was "zero"

But he said Cr Pisasale's idea of Chinese investment had merit.

"The Federal Government is always looking for these innovative funding solutions, so maybe they can come up with some private partnership," he said.

[ozbob]

Mayor has China solution to Redbank Plains rail line > https://t.co/HsJZtikB87 via @qld_times #qldpol
WTG Mayor @PaulPisasale ! pic.twitter.com/kDnC7L5LSb

— Robert Dow (@Robert_Dow) May 2, 2017

[#Metro]

Agree that lpswich council probably would not have the funds, but I will also point out that overseas local councils operate entire train, bus and tram networks.

Auckland is one such example.

[Stillwater]

Why not get the Chinese to build CRR and lease it back to the state?

[techblitz]

Why not get the Chinese to build CRR and lease it back to the state?

the chinese realise that they can make more money off other interests....such as private hospitals,agri-business,commercial and residential real estate....that is where all their money is going......the current mob simply have no clue on how to entice all that wealth into qld projects....



Commercial real estate alone is attracting 15 times the investment than transport

I also think its an absolute embarrassment to state leaders that its taken a local mayor to investigate this line of funding when they should have been doing this years ago...

[ozbob]

How the today's article looked in the QT.

Queensland Times 3rd May 2017 pages 1 & 3.

[ozbob]

...

I also think its an absolute embarrassment to state leaders that its taken a local mayor to investigate this line of funding when they should have been doing this years ago...

Nailed it TB ...

[SurfRail]

Agree that lpswich council probably would not have the funds, but I will also point out that overseas local councils operate entire train, bus and tram networks.

Auckland is one such example.

In New Zealand terms, Auckland Regional Council, Wellington Regional Council, Environment Canterbury etc have similar responsibilities to a state government, so the comparison is a bit wobbly.  Ipswich would be closer to one of the subsidiary local councils (eg Wellington City, Christchurch City, one of the Auckland local councils etC).

[ozbob]

Queensland Times --> Future gridlock fears as state rejects rail debate


LET DOWN: State Opposition leader Tim Nicholls says Annastacia Palaszczuk and Labor have let down the people of Ipswich over rail funding. DAN PELED

PROPOSED extensions for the Ipswich rail line will not go ahead under this state government, leaving residents with little option but to join the traffic gridlock in and out of the city.

The Labor Party's pre-election conference in Townsville kicks off today, where a raft of motions will be debated.

Those debates won't include extending the railway line from Springfield Central to Ripley Valley or Springfield to Redbank Plains, according to documents leaked ahead of the conference.

The leaked Labor Party documents show motions put forward on the railway extensions were rejected.

South Ripley and Redbank Plains are two of Ipswich's fastest growing suburbs.

According to Ipswich City Council's latest planning and development report, 517 people moved to Redbank Plains in the three months between March and June.

There are long-term state government plans to extend the rail line to service both areas, although funding is yet to be allocated.

Goodna resident and passionate rail advocate, Robert Dow said without adequate transport infrastructure, congestion on the roads surrounding Ipswich would continue to worsen.

Mr Dow was shocked to hear the proposed rail extensions wouldn't even be debated.

"I'm a little bit stunned they would do that," head of advocacy group Rail Back On Track, Mr Dow said.

"We need to push that line through, particularly at Redbank Plains and South Ripley.

"There are columns of traffic every day going back kilometres.

"Almost daily, there is gridlock on the Centenary Highway, which is a flow-on from commuter traffic in and out of Ipswich.

"This is a project that would set those new residential areas up from day one and that would mean getting those people off the roads.

"We need roads, of course we do, but we can't expect everyone to keep travelling on roads. We need a better transport option and that option is rail."

An extended rail line would also service Deebing Heights, Bellbird Park and Springfield Lakes.

Along with Redbank Plains and South Ripley, these suburbs are the five fastest-growing in Ipswich.

During the three months between March and June this year, 1646 people moved into those five suburbs, the council's figures show.

The people moving into those booming suburbs will likely join the long queue of frustrated drivers sitting in traffic every morning and afternoon.

The State Government's website says while the rail line extension is needed, the majority of the corridor is likely to be built after the Cross River Rail Project, a project facing fresh controversy over its business case.

Opposition leader Tim Nicholls said Ipswich residents had been treated as "like mugs".

"Annastacia Palaszczuk and Labor have let down the people of Ipswich over the past three years by failing to identify and build crucial infrastructure, while only focusing on Brisbane's Cross River Rail," Mr Nicholls said.

Rejected motions

Labor will extend the Springfield Line through to Redbank Plains and Ipswich by December 2023 and supply appropriate infrastructure and resources to the line's functionality

Labor commits to completing the extension of the railway line from Springfield Central to Ripley Valley

[Stillwater]

We are seeing a policy position pattern emerging - any suggestion of a network expansion will be met with the line 'not until after CRR'.  Probably this is due to the fact that the feds are not putting money into CRR, forcing the state government to go it alone.  The state will be putting every brass razoo it has into the project and, for the moment, can't contemplate construction of any other rail infrastructure.

This position is short-sighted.

There is no reason why Qld Labor cannot start preparing a business case for the extension of the Springfield Line to Redbank Plains for submission to IA.

A business case for such a project could be sold positively during a state election campaign.

Why not adjust the role and function of the CRR Delivery Authority to encompass other strategic urban rail infrastructure projects?  It could become the 'Rail Infrastructure Delivery Authority' adapting the concept of a PPP to funding railway line extensions and building houses etc around new stations.

Qld has not been too successful with PPPs.

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

29th July 2017

' Future gridlock fears as state rejects rail debate '

Good Morning,

One of the real issues we have with public transport in Queensland is we do not capitalise on our existing infrastructure to maximise the opportunities to help relieve the out of control road congestion and trauma. No better example than today's revelations in the Queensland Times (article below).  The ALP cannot even be bothered to consider the opportunity for much needed rail extensions from Springfield Central.  A Government that is really interested in the community and  ' jobs jobs jobs ' would commence the rail extension from Springfield Central to Redbank Plains now.

Little wonder the masses are becoming very disillusioned with the major political parties hey?

Best wishes,
Robert

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

Queensland Times --> Future gridlock fears as state rejects rail debate


LET DOWN: State Opposition leader Tim Nicholls says Annastacia Palaszczuk and Labor have let down the people of Ipswich over rail funding. DAN PELED

PROPOSED extensions for the Ipswich rail line will not go ahead under this state government, leaving residents with little option but to join the traffic gridlock in and out of the city.

The Labor Party's pre-election conference in Townsville kicks off today, where a raft of motions will be debated.

Those debates won't include extending the railway line from Springfield Central to Ripley Valley or Springfield to Redbank Plains, according to documents leaked ahead of the conference.

The leaked Labor Party documents show motions put forward on the railway extensions were rejected.

South Ripley and Redbank Plains are two of Ipswich's fastest growing suburbs.

According to Ipswich City Council's latest planning and development report, 517 people moved to Redbank Plains in the three months between March and June.

There are long-term state government plans to extend the rail line to service both areas, although funding is yet to be allocated.

Goodna resident and passionate rail advocate, Robert Dow said without adequate transport infrastructure, congestion on the roads surrounding Ipswich would continue to worsen.

Mr Dow was shocked to hear the proposed rail extensions wouldn't even be debated.

"I'm a little bit stunned they would do that," head of advocacy group Rail Back On Track, Mr Dow said.

"We need to push that line through, particularly at Redbank Plains and South Ripley.

"There are columns of traffic every day going back kilometres.

"Almost daily, there is gridlock on the Centenary Highway, which is a flow-on from commuter traffic in and out of Ipswich.

"This is a project that would set those new residential areas up from day one and that would mean getting those people off the roads.

"We need roads, of course we do, but we can't expect everyone to keep travelling on roads. We need a better transport option and that option is rail."

An extended rail line would also service Deebing Heights, Bellbird Park and Springfield Lakes.

Along with Redbank Plains and South Ripley, these suburbs are the five fastest-growing in Ipswich.

During the three months between March and June this year, 1646 people moved into those five suburbs, the council's figures show.

The people moving into those booming suburbs will likely join the long queue of frustrated drivers sitting in traffic every morning and afternoon.

The State Government's website says while the rail line extension is needed, the majority of the corridor is likely to be built after the Cross River Rail Project, a project facing fresh controversy over its business case.

Opposition leader Tim Nicholls said Ipswich residents had been treated as "like mugs".

"Annastacia Palaszczuk and Labor have let down the people of Ipswich over the past three years by failing to identify and build crucial infrastructure, while only focusing on Brisbane's Cross River Rail," Mr Nicholls said.

Rejected motions

Labor will extend the Springfield Line through to Redbank Plains and Ipswich by December 2023 and supply appropriate infrastructure and resources to the line's functionality

Labor commits to completing the extension of the railway line from Springfield Central to Ripley Valley

[ozbob]

We are seeing a policy position pattern emerging - any suggestion of a network expansion will be met with the line 'not until after CRR'.  Probably this is due to the fact that the feds are not putting money into CRR, forcing the state government to go it alone.  The state will be putting every brass razoo it has into the project and, for the moment, can't contemplate construction of any other rail infrastructure.

This position is short-sighted.

There is no reason why Qld Labor cannot start preparing a business case for the extension of the Springfield Line to Redbank Plains for submission to IA.

A business case for such a project could be sold positively during a state election campaign.

Why not adjust the role and function of the CRR Delivery Authority to encompass other strategic urban rail infrastructure projects?  It could become the 'Rail Infrastructure Delivery Authority' adapting the concept of a PPP to funding railway line extensions and building houses etc around new stations.

Qld has not been too successful with PPPs.

I have just been contacted with advice that the QT premise behind the article is not correct, and that there are motions before the conference on the rail extensions.  In all probability they would be supported.  I thought it was a bit odd when contacted by media yesterday and even Mayoral candidate Cr. Paul Tully mentioned the extensions at his policy launch. 

[ozbob]

I have received this statement in response to the article in QT today ^

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

29th July 2017

Statement from Deputy Premier and Minister for Transport Jackie Trad:

The story today is completely and utterly false.

There are motions before the conference, put forward by Ipswich members, to complete the extension of the Springfield line and build the Ripley line - and they will be passed.

We have consistently said we will build these vital connections and we will.

But to build this vital infrastructure, we first need to build Cross River Rail - it will be a catalyst for the whole South East Queensland region.

It will enable us to unclog the bottleneck, deliver extra services and commuters won't have to face delays if a possum causes a power outage in the overhead lines. The trains will keep running because we have a second rail crossing through the city.

Tim Nicholls and the LNP need to stop trash talking vital rail projects in a bid to keep One Nation on side.

The only two infrastructure projects the LNP have announced for the state are two projects smack bang in Brisbane's CBD - its seems eerily familiar to their time in government when the only project they built was the white elephant 1 William St.

Background

ALP Motions

    Labor will complete the extension of the Springfield to Ipswich line and provide appropriate infrastructure to support the line's functionality.
    Labor will build an inner city solution consistent with the Cross River Rail capacity outcome as part of a broader vision to revitalise and transform rail services. It will increase frequency and provide more express services. It will also deliver new links to Flagstone, Ripley, Coolangatta, Maroochydore and through the North West rail link along the Trout's road corridor, consistent with the SEQ Connecting 2031 transport strategy.

[BrizCommuter]

CRR is not required to build the Ripley Line. It just requires the extension of Springfield Line services, preferably higher capacity ETCS to allow for an increase from 20tph on the mains to 24tph, more trains and crew.

[ozbob]

CRR is not required to build the Ripley Line. It just requires the extension of Springfield Line services, preferably higher capacity ETCS to allow for an increase from 20tph on the mains to 24tph, more trains and crew.

Agreed.

[ozbob]

Queensland Times --> UPDATE: State Govt says it will build rail infrastructure

UPDATE:

THE State Government has this morning said it is committed to extending the Ipswich rail network.

Deputy Premier and Infrastructure Minister Jackie Trad says her government will fully deliver on rail infrastructure for Ipswich but says first, the Cross River Rail project must go ahead.

"There are motions before the conference, put forward by Ipswich members, to complete the extension of the Springfield line and build the Ripley line - and they will be passed," Ms Trad said.

"We have consistently said we will build these vital connections and we will. 

"But to build this vital infrastructure, we first need to build Cross River Rail - it will be a catalyst for the whole South East Queensland region. 

"It will enable us to unclog the bottleneck, deliver extra services and commuters won't have to face delays if a possum causes a power outage in the overhead lines. The trains will keep running because we have a second rail crossing through the city. 

"Tim Nicholls and the LNP need to stop trash talking vital rail projects in a bid to keep One Nation on side.   

"The only two infrastructure projects the LNP have announced for the state are two projects smack bang in Brisbane's CBD - its seems eerily familiar to their time in government when the only project they built was the white elephant 1 William St." 

The motions to be debated

    Labor will complete the extension of the Springfield to Ipswich line and provide appropriate infrastructure to support the line's functionality.   

    Labor will build an inner city solution consistent with the Cross River Rail capacity outcome as part of a broader vision to revitalise and transform rail services. It will increase frequency and provide more express services. It will also deliver new links to Flagstone, Ripley, Coolangatta, Maroochydore and through the North West rail link along the Trout's road corridor, consistent with the SEQ Connecting 2031 transport strategy. 
...

[Stillwater]

What a strange choice of words: 'an inner city solution consistent with the Cross River Rail'

Is it CRR or an inner city solution consistent with CRR?

That is a bit like my friends promising me a chocolate cake for my birthday and presenting me with a lamington -- a treat consistent with a chocolate cake.

[ozbob]

Queensland Times --> Rail extension a win for Ipswich people power

A WIN for the advocacy of ALP branch members and the people of Ipswich.

That is how Blair MP Shayne Neumann has described the upshot of a motion carried at the ALP's State Conference that "Labor will complete the extension of the Springfield to Ipswich line and provide appropriate infrastructure to support the line's functionality".

This extension, via Redbank Plains and Ripley, has been a hot political topic at ALP branch meetings in Ipswich and in the wider community for years.

The growth at Redbank Plains and Ripley area is real and happening now. In the future the population of the greater Ripley suburbs will be 120,000, city planning boss Cr Andrew Antoniolli said this week.

Already commuters are driving from Redbank Plains and nearby suburbs to park at Springfield Central station, clogging the roads and putting a strain on car park spaces.

Mr Neumann, a delegate to the state conference, said local branch members could be "very proud" they had convinced the Palaszczuk Government to commit to the extension.

Public transport advocate Robert Dow has also welcomed the news while adding that the extension to Redbank Plains should be done in the next term in office, and not be dependent on Cross River Rail.

Mr Neumann said the state conference was "a victory for local Labor Party branch members in Ipswich who have really pushed this issue of the rail extension really hard".

"The growth areas in Ipswich are Springfield, Redbank Plains and Ripley, so Redbank Plains and Ripley will be critical railway stops," he said.

"I get the enrolment figures and in my electorate of Blair there has been 1300 new enrollees since December and most of that has been in Ripley, Springfield and Redbank Plains."

Mr Neumann said that, asides from the obvious benefit to commuters, the completed extension to railway to Springfield Central had already been "a boon for economic development, infrastructure and jobs' in the region.

Mr Dow said the main thing to come out of the ALP's state conference commitment was the rail extension being firmly on the political agenda.

"We are absolutely delighted that there is a commitment of the rail extension from Redbank Plains and through to Ripley," he said.

"It capitalises on the existing infrastructure we have and we need to build on what we've got.

"The only thing I will say is that the extension of the line to Redbank Plains and Ripley is not dependent on Cross-River Rail, as they try to paint.

"We think the extension to Redbank Plains could be done very soon by the State and certainly in the next term in office."

Mr Dow earlier told the QT how he was pleased to see local politicians keeping the issue in the public eye.

He referred to Bundamba MP Jo-Ann Miller raising the matter in estimates hearings as one of those.

Former mayor Paul Pisasale was vocal about the need for the extension, as have been Councillors David Morrison and Cr Sheila Ireland.

"Paul Tully has also made mention of the need for it in his mayoral campaign and we are grateful that the Acting Mayor has kept the focus on this issue," Mr Dow said.

Mr Neumann said himself, Ms Miller, Ipswich MP Jennifer Howard, ALP candidate for Jordan Charis Mullen and Oxley MP Milton Dick had pushed hard to get the issue on the agenda at state conference.

"The rail extension has the support of the chambers of commerce in Springfield and Ipswich, the support of the Ipswich council and it is critical infrastructure," Mr Neumann said.

"It is vital that the Palaszczuk Government prioritise the extension, provide an updated business case and lobby the federal government.

"The motion (carried at the ALP conference) also spoke about supporting the functionality of the rail line so we also need an upgrade to the carpark facilities at Springfield Central, and I know Charis Mullen is pushing hard for that to be done."

Deputy Premier Jackie Trad was unequivocal about the commitment of the State Government to the rail extension to Redbank Plains and Ripley.

"We have consistently said we will build these vital connections and we will," Ms Trad said in light of the carried motion at the state conference.

Ms Trad said this would follow the construction of Cross River Rail which she described as "a catalyst for the whole south-east Queensland region".

"It will enable us to unclog the bottleneck, deliver extra services and commuters won't have to face delays if a possum causes an outage in the overhead lines," she said.

"The trains will keep running because we have a second rail crossing through the city." 

[Stillwater]

It behoves Ipswich City Council to design a Redbank Plains Town Centre in anticipation of the (temporary) railway terminus being located there.

[ozbob]

Queensland Times --> Ipswich suburbs leading the state in population growth

THREE Ipswich suburbs are home to some of the largest and fastest growing populations in the state.

Redbank Plains, Bellbird Park and Springfield Lakes are leading the way for Ipswich growth hotspots, new Australian Bureau of Statistics data reveals.

More than 11,000 people moved to Springfield Lakes in the past 10 years, bringing the population up by 223% to 16,068 and moving the suburb into the third place for the largest growing and fifth place for the fastest growing Queensland hot spot.

A few kilometres down the road, 10,481 people moved to Redbank Plains, increasing the population by 20,011 people, or by 110%.

It was cause for a party for the suburban locality which smashed the 200,000 barrier earlier this year and also topped the city for the most new dwellings built - 198 to 6978 homes in total.

Bellbird Park is the sixth fastest growing suburb in Queensland, increasing by 184.5% to 9269 people in the same period.

McGrath real estate agent Clare May said a spike in population at Redbank Plains was reflected in a booming residential property market.

She said continued growth in outer Ipswich suburbs like Springfield Lakes and Redbank Plains would push property prices up in suburbs that did not traditionally hold a powerful real estate market.

"I believe that there is a lot of stigma on certain suburbs that is not the case," Ms May said.

"People who live in those areas can enjoy things like their bin gets taken out, their lawn gets mown and they have absolutely wonderful neighbours.

"When people say they moved to Redbank Plains, others don't understand that but the community spirit is really good."

She said there had been continued interest in Redbank Plains from interstate investors looking to make the most of increasing populations and infrastructure like the Centenary Hwy development.

It means the community will be able to drive from the end of School Rd to Springfield Lakes and Orion Shopping Centre in under five minutes.

The work has already started and is expected to be completed by the end of next year.

"That's going to work wonders for investment in Redbank Plains," Ms May said.

"Interstate investors have been calling me, asking to source investment properties in Redbank Plains.

"I don't think it's a new trend, it's always been there and it's been a little bit hidden. It has not been given the credit that it deserves.

Springfield Lakes and Redbank Plains were joined in the top ten largest growing Queensland suburbs by North Lakes, Upper Coomera, Deeragun, Caloundra, Jimboomba, Murrumba Downs, Coomera and Caboolture.

Queensland growth hot spots

Largest growing population increase percentages in the 10 years to 2016.

    North Lakes - Mango Hill: 240.1%
    Coomera: 234.0%
    Springfield Lakes: 223.4%
    Deeragun: 158.5%
    Upper Coomea - Willow Vale: 118%
    Murrumba Downs - Griffith: 114.4%
    Redbamk Plains: 110%
    Caloundra, west: 108%
    Jimboomba: 58.6%
    Caboolture: 51.6%

[ozbob]

Queensland Times --> No work on Ipswich rail line expansion until 2024

IPSWICH commuters will have to wait at least another six years before work starts on the local network's long-awaited rail extensions.

The extension to the Ipswich rail network, including connecting Ipswich to Springfield and Redbank Plains, has been repeatedly promised by the Labor State Government.

Now, it has confirmed work will not start until after 2024, with the Government claiming "the extension(s) rely on the completion of Cross River Rail".

That has been vehemently disputed by Ipswich Rail Advocate Robert Dow, who says work on the extensions should start immediately before the lack of transport infrastructure hits crisis point.

The Palaszczuk Government said this month it remained committed to the extension of the Springfield line and had set aside land for a future passenger rail.

But the Department of Main Roads did not say when the works would start and gave no budget details or an explanation as to why these extensions related to the city-centric Cross River Rail project.

Cross River Rail is a Brisbane CBD rail project that includes a 10.2km rail line between Dutton Park and Bowen Hills with a twin tunnel under the Brisbane River.

The inner-city transport project is due to be finished in 2024.

A spokesperson for the Palaszczuk Government said Cross River Rail would "provide the necessary capacity to expand the rail network, it is the key to unclog the bottleneck on our rail network and deliver additional services".

According to a statement issued last year by Deputy Premier Jackie Trad, Cross River Rail will deliver new links to Flagstone and Ripley.

Rail Back on Track advocate Robert Dow said the Ipswich extensions could, and should, go ahead independent of Cross River Rail.

"The lines can simply be extended out to Redbank Plains and Ripley," Mr Dow said.

"The roads are failing badly and there is a massive amount of development happening along that corridor. We need to get more people on to public transport and off the roads. The only way to do that is have public transport.

"Redbank Plains is one of the fastest growing residential areas in this country. This is just nonsense.

"We have consistently been far too late in matching our infrastructure needs to actual growth."

What Main Roads said

"The Ipswich to Springfield Future Public Passenger Transport Corridor has been preserved since 2009 following extensive community consultation.

The corridor is also identified as a future rail corridor in strategic documents such as SEQ Rail Horizon and Shaping SEQ.

Transport and Main Roads is undertaking a study to review and update rail corridor planning in response to surrounding land use.

The required timing of the extension will be determined as part of a broader rail network investment strategy.

It will consider factors such as whole of network train operating strategies and capacity constraints, as well as population growth along corridors and associated demand forecasts, particularly in peak periods when demand is at its highest.

Redbank Plains' road network is mostly council."

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/952994185090547717