What is a State Government definition of Priority ?

With reference to the text below shown in red (and kept in context).

A priority, and that means somewhere between 2026 and 2031.
She has got to be kidding !
We now have the state government's definition of what defines a priority.

The Transport Minister's appalling response is to an independant member of parliament, the Hon. Peter Wellington MP, Member for Nicklin.
He has consistantly retained his Sunshine Coast seat because he actually represents his electorate.
For the Minister to use a perfectly legitimate question to attack the opposition shows very poor judgment IMHO.

This really smacks of the incumbent government's politicisation of the Sunshine Coast and it's growth issues.

We are the first to lose the Sunshine Coast University Hospital at Kawana, now they hope for private enterprise to bail them out and then buy some beds there.
Gold Coast hospital goes ahead of course. There must be Labor seats there.
Sunshine Coast rail duplication given "priority" and relegated to 2031 or beyond. Thats a 20 year sentence to Sunshine Coast commuters!

I am appalled.

I would have thought those who have Hon. in front of their titles - would act so.

Apparently not.

Queensland Parliament Hansard
Questions without notice 5th October 2010
http://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/view/legislativeAssembly/hansard.asp?SubArea=latest


Nambour-Landsborough Rail Line

Mr WELLINGTON: My question is to the Minister for Transport. With respect to the current
indicative date for the construction of the additional railway line linking Nambour to Landsborough being
still 15 to 20 years away, I ask: what can the Minister for Transport do to bring forward the indicative
construction date of this important railway line?

Ms NOLAN: I thank the honourable member for Nicklin for the question. Before answering it, I
want to acknowledge the presence in the gallery of the member for Yeerongpilly’s father, David Finn,
and his partner, Ann.


In relation to the question, the Labor government has preserved a corridor in order to further
duplicate the line. Last year at Easter time we finished the first stage of this project, with the
straightening and duplication of the line from Caboolture to Beerburrum. We have now preserved the
corridor to run from Beerburrum further up to Nambour, so that corridor is there. As the member for
Nicklin rightly indicates, the project is currently indicated to be undertaken between 2026 and 2031
through the South East Queensland Infrastructure Plan and Program.


To cut to the member’s question, though, about what this government can do to build that project
sooner, the answer quite simply is that we can follow through on our economic strategy. Unlike
members opposite, this government has a clear economic strategy that is allowing us to improve the
state’s finances so that we can build infrastructure for now and for the future.


This is a government that has made tough decisions and that has the runs on the board around
infrastructure delivery. In that regard, we stand in stark contrast to members opposite, who front up here
a year and a half after we announced this economic strategy with no particular cogent position on asset
sales but over and over again indicating to the House that they can somehow build more infrastructure
more quickly. What all members know is that this state needs infrastructure, like the public transport
infrastructure to which the member refers, and that to deliver it there has to be a clear economic
strategy. We the Labor government are the only side of the House that can present such a plan to the
people of Queensland.

So I can say to the member, yes, this project is a priority. That is why we have built the first stage
of it and that is why we have preserved a corridor so that the second stage is ready.

Great Support for Petitions

Hi all


I currently have 940 signatures on paper. I have just checked the epetition, which has 104 signatures, which is impressive considering it hasn't been online all that long.

This means that, in addition to any sheets anyone else may be passing around, we have well and truly cracked the 1000 signature mark!

As you may know, we also have Andrew Powell's full support and he is sponsoring this petition, as well as organising a proper public forum along with other State members. Further, I was speaking to a Translink representative who told me that Translink will attend any such forum they are invited to.

Keep up the good work!


Kind regards

Jess

Draft 2011 Timetable Nambour Information Session Report

Draft 2011 Timetable Information Session, Nambour held today, Saturday 4th December, 2010.

There was a large turnout at this mornings information session regarding the Draft 2011 Sunshine Coast timetable.
Much of the feedback given was common to many commuters and both QR and TRANSLink heard the messages loud and clear.

QR also announced that the draft timetable is NOT a fait accompli
and that there is room to move on the arrival and departure times.
These are the core issues, at the heart of much of the angst felt by Sunshine Coast commuters.
We await their response, expected some time early next year.

I also received an assurance from QR that all Sunshine Coast services will have toilet facilities by June 2011.
I was told that these are currently limited by the availability of appropriate rollingstock for our line.

We were also very pleased with the attendance of 3 current serving state MP's to bolster our cause.
Tracy Davis MP, Shadow Minister for Public Transport and Member for Aspley;
Andrew Powell MP, Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Mental Health, Drug Strategy and Health Personnel and
Member for Glass House and Mark McArdle MP, Shadow Minister for Health and Member for Caloundra.

Many of the commuters arrived and expected a formal meeting, rather than the walk-in, walk-out scenario.

One of my fellow commuters contacted TRANSLink by 'phone almost 2 weeks ago asking this specific question;
"What is the format of the meeting?" and the customer service person did not even know of the information sessions,
let alone their format !
He was given the usual "we will respond in 10 working days" response.

I raised this typical TRANSLink response directly with them in no uncertain terms,
and let them know I was still awaiting their response to my questions found here and submitted to them online:
http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=4884.0
I now know the answer to Q1 is yes; Q2 is yes; Q6 is incorrectly worded by me; and Q7 is no.

I also asked that TRANSLink stop sending stock-standard replies that avoid the questions asked of them
and actually respond to the feedback with real and relevant answers.
I told them that this was very frustrating for commuters and only raised our ire.

Our 3 State MP's have offered to host a forum for Sunshine Coast commuters
to express their views in this manner (rather than the walk-in, walk-out scenario).
QR and TRANSLink will be invited to attend and do a presentation and receive questions from the floor.
Stay tuned for more information as it comes to hand on the date, time and venue.

Many, if not all of the issues raised, were also addressed by RBoT as a media release on 23 November 2010.
"SEQ: New timetable for the Sunshine Coast line leaves commuters behind"
http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=4899.msg41657#new [Scroll to top of page].

I also asked if all disaffected persons would write to the Transport Minister,
Rachel Nolan MP, Member for Ipswich and tell her directly of their concerns.

Thank you for all of the support today shown by Sunshine Coast commuters.

Regards,
Jeff Addison

The Proposed 'Central to City' and 'City to Central' Sprint Race

The Proposed 'Central to City' and 'City to Central' sprint races.

Have you have heard of the 'Bridge to Brisbane'?
It's a 10km race from the Gateway Bridge to the RNA Showgrounds.

Soon there may be 2 new races to challenge your fitness ... and speed.
both very conveniently located in the heart of the CBD.

In the morning peak there'll be the 'Central to City'.
This specialist short distance race (up to 2 km depending upon where you work)
is because the service that used to arrive at Central from Nambour at 8:16am
will now arrive at Central at 8:26am.
If you are an 8:30am starter - this is the race for you!

But don't worry, if you fail to complete this leg of the race in time,
you may just end up with a shortened lunch break.
Besides, how hard can it be to down 2 sandwiches in 10 minutes ?

In the afternoon peak there'll be the complementary 'City to Central'.
This specialist short distance race (also up to 2 km) is because the service
that used to depart from Central at 5:16pm will now depart at 5:02pm.
If you are a 5:00pm finisher - this is your race!

But for those who don't finish the 'City to Central' in time, don't rush.
You will have 3/4 hour (5:47pm) to finish this leg of the race - and catch a train home.
Walking is allowed.

Entry Cost: 15% more on your fares in 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014.

[Read with tongue firmly planted in cheek]

Express Services Analysis : Sunshine Coast

I have compiled an analysis of the Rail express services to the Sunshine Coast,
comparing the current timetable with the draft 2011 timetable.
This is a weekday services analysis only.
I have not included the Caboolture only express services.

LEGEND TO LIST e.g. Caboolture-Petrie - 14 X
denotes express leg start and end stations - and the 14 X = number of those services.

CURRENT TIMETABLE
3 Express Patterns observed, they are:

Type 1. 20 Bypassed Stations
Type 2. 18 Bypassed Stations
Type 3. 14 Bypassed Stations

Type 1.
20 Bypassed Stations
Caboolture - Bowen Hills - 3 X
Bowen Hills - Caboolture - 2 X

Type 2.
18 Bypassed Stations
Caboolture - Bowen Hills (incl. Petrie/Northgate Stops) - 8 X
Bowen Hills - Caboolture (incl. Petrie/Northgate Stops) - 9 X

Type 3.
14 Bypassed Stations
Bowen Hills - Northgate - Petrie - 1 X

DRAFT 2011 TIMETABLE
4 Express Patterns observed, they are:

Type 1. 13 Bypassed Stations (9 + 4)
Type 2. 20 Bypassed Stations
Type 3. 14 Bypassed Stations
Type 4. 9 Bypassed Stations

Type 1.
13 Bypassed Stations (9 + 4 Stations)
Caboolture - Petrie - Northgate - 6 X
Northgate - Petrie - Caboolture - 8 X

Type 2.
20 Bypassed Stations
Caboolture - Bowen Hills - 2 X
Bowen Hills - Caboolture - 2 X

Type 3.
14 Bypassed Stations
Caboolture - Northgate - 4 X
Northgate - Caboolture - 3 X

Type 4.
9 Bypassed Stations
Petrie - Northgate - 2 X
Northgate - Petrie - 2 X

SUMMARY
Currently there are a total of 23 weekday express services from Roma St to Nambour.
These comprise a total of 420 stations bypassed.
Average Express Leg = 18.26 Stations Bypassed.


Under the draft 2011 timetable there are a total of 29 weekday express services from Roma St to Nambour.
These comprise a total of 396 stations bypassed.
Average Express Leg = 13.66 Stations Bypassed.

Interesting Observation:
Whilst there are 6 more express services in total under the draft 2011 timetable,
the express legs themselves are shortened by (on average) 5 stations.

Beerburrum to Nambour Upgrade (Have Your Say)

There is an e-petition for the Beerburrum to Landsborough and Nambour rail duplication to be brought forward from 2031 to 2021. Go to the following link to sign.
http://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/view/EPetitions_QLD/CurrentEPetition.aspx?PetNum=1565&lIndex=-1

15% Fare Hikes coming this January (and annually until 2014)

Source: TransLINK web site.
From Monday 17 January 2011, a number of changes will be introduced to fares and ticketing.
The changes include:

• New daily go card cap on fares for Seniors, Pension Concession Card holders and Repatriation Health Care Card (Gold Card) holders - after two journeys are made in one day all additional journeys are free.
• Increase in the go card off-peak discount from 10 to 15 per cent providing more incentive to travel during the day and on weekends or public holidays.
• go card fares and single paper ticket fares will increase by 15 per cent - a go card fare will still be 30 per cent cheaper for a single journey.
• go card will replace all multi-trip paper tickets - including all daily, weekly, monthly and Queensland Rail one-third student paper tickets.
• Single paper tickets will remain for sale to ensure infrequent users and tourists are able to easily access public transport.

These changes will help ensure we are well placed to continue to deliver a world-class public transport network and address the challenges of a rapidly growing population and record patronage.

• More information on the fare restructure (PDF, 496KB).
• 2011 fares - effective 17 January 2011.
• Fare table for the next five years - 2011 to 2014.

And Another Thing

The 2011 timetable debacle was the subject of a piece in Sunshine Coast Daily column And Another Thing.  The respected columnist, Peter Richardson, suggests  TransLink may have stirred up a hornet's nest. Let's hope he is right.

You can read Peter's column online at:
 http://www.sunshinecoastdaily.com.au/story/2010/11/27/peter-richardson-relax-were-airport/

Show Your Support

There is an information session re: the Draft 2011 Timetable for the Sunshine Coast.

Where: Nambour Community Centre, Cnr. James St. and Shearer St. Nambour.
Date:   Saturday 4th December, 2010.
Time    10:00am to 12:00pm

I would invite all affected parties to please attend this session (if possible) and have your say.

Please contact TransLINK via their online feed-back form and voice your concerns.https://forms.translink.com.au/site-information/contact-us-and-help/feedback

Please also contact the office of Andrew Powell MP, Member for Glass House on 07 5435 2013
and let his office know if this timetable adversely affects you.

Email contact may be made using the link below.

http://www.andrewpowell.com.au/get-in-touch/

If we get our situation as well supported as possible, we may make a difference and win changes.

Our major issues are itemised below.

Thank you.

Kind regards,
Jeff Addison  0435 987903

Source: Rail Back on Track Media Release 23/11/2010.

Major issues identified are:

1. Moving the 5:16pm Nambour service ex Central back to 5:04pm means no 5pm office worker can catch it.

2. Moving the  current afternoon 5:43pm service to later still (5:47pm) for the longest haul commuters in the entire network, so that there is now a 50% longer (3/4 hour) gap between this and the previous (5:04pm) service.

3. Moving the morning service such that it used to arrive in the CBD from Nambour at 8:16am now arrives at 8:26am with no time for an 8:30am starter to get to work in time.

4. Moving the morning service such that it used to arrive in the CBD from Nambour at 7:42am now arrives at 8:02am with no time for an 8:00am starter to get to work in time.

5. Reducing the express pattern from 20 stations by passed down to 13 on most services to those who travel furthest and by far the longest, with two services (during peak times) in each direction which only pass 9 stations.

6. Failure to schedule a Nambour service from Central each weeknight between the 7.34pm and 9.34pm services. This is a two hour gap!  A Nambour service is needed to depart Central at 8.34pm.

7. A failure to guarantee trains with toilets on all services north of Caboolture. The Sunshine Coast line should have the priority for IMU trains.

"The new early morning services out of Nambour at 5:10am and 5:38am (which replace the current 5:26am) are welcomed by those who need to arrive in the CBD early, by 7:02am and 7:36am respectively.  The extension of the weekday Cooroy service to Gympie North also means that there are now two daily return services to Gympie North Mondays to Fridays."

"It is critical to note that the limited number of rail services north of Caboolture means that those services that are available need to be very carefully timed to ensure the maximum utility to commuters.  The draft 2011 timetable does not do that."

"In the medium term, another innovation that would allow even more frequent services between Brisbane and Nambour on the restricted  'third world' rail infrastructure between Nambour and Beerburrum would be be to put shuttle services on between Nambour and Gympie North.  This would allow a higher frequency of service between Nambour and Gympie North and allow more express services south of Nambour as more train paths would be available. The ICE trains would be removed from the peak timetable through the rail choke points and this would then allow more uniform operating patterns hence improved frequency and capacity."

"The failure to continue with the duplication of the railway line from Beerburrum to Landsborough is now impacting severely. Another major transport bungle in south-east Queensland."

There is also an e-petition for the Beerburrum to Landsborough and Nambour rail duplication to be brought forward from 2031 to 2021. Go to the following link to sign.
http://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/view/EPetitions_QLD/CurrentEPetition.aspx?PetNum=1565&lIndex=-1

Make your travel calamity known on the PlanSTINK blog by emailing planstink@hotmail.com

Sunshine Coast Daily Article

Concerned commuter, Jeff Addison, contacted the Sunshine Coast Daily regarding the 2011 timetable.
The result was an article in the Daily on the 19th November. In the article Jeff highlighted a number of the concerns, such as:

The 6.27am service from Nambour has also been pushed back to 6.40am on the draft timetable, arriving at Central at 8.28am rather than 8.16am, which Mr Addison said was too late for many to get to work on time.

Those aiming for an 8.30am start in the city would be forced to catch a 6.08am service from Nambour, arriving at Central at 8.02am.

Read the entire article at http://www.sunshinecoastdaily.com.au/story/2010/11/19/changes-to-train-service-blasted/

Great work Jeff.

Rail Back on Track

Rail back on Track is the peak rail commuters group. For years the crew from Rail Back on Track have relentlessly represented the interests of rail commuters. Most recently they have done a great job exposing the 2011 timetable for the ill-conceived document it is.

Visit the Rail Back on Track forum at http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=4891.0;topicseen

Community Info Session - What's the Format?

Despite numerous phone calls to TransLink, nobody there could tell me what format the community information session in Nambour will take.

Will it be smiling young ladies handing out glossy brochures, or will it be an open forum where commuters can put their concerns to the TransLink decision makers?

TransLink Community Information Session

There will be an information session regarding the Draft 2011 Timetable for the Sunshine Coast.

Where: Nambour Community Centre, Cnr. James St. and Shearer St. Nambour.
Date:   Saturday 4th December, 2010.
Time    10:00am to 12:00pm

MP's Media Release Ridicules New Timetable

Member for Glass House, Andrew Powell, has distributed a media release which highlights the absurdity of the 2011 draft timetable and calls on locals to support a petition to reassess the Sunshine Coast line upgrades now, not in 2031 as proposed by the government.

"..... the Minister has now released a draft train timetable for 2011 that will make it next to impossible for Sunshine Coast commuters to travel to and from Brisbane at a convenient time."

The full text can be viewed on Andrew Powell's website:
http://www.andrewpowell.com.au/2010/11/22/powell-media-release-did-someone-mention-a-rail-upgrade-22-november-2010/

Support the petition to reassess the Sunshine Coast line upgrades now.
http://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/view/EPetitions_qld/CurrentEPetition.aspx?PetNum=1565

I'll Be Driving

Hi there

I commend your effort & also want to express my concerns about the draft for 2011.

For trains that don’t gather much more speed than an average of 50km’s (50kms takes 1 hr), the thought of spending even longer on a train with less express services, more stops & more $$$ confirms that I’ll be car pooling in my new turbo diesel – in the long run, it’ll be cheaper to get to work, will break down less & afford me the comfort of a seat!  Good luck with the new timetable QR.

Kathleen