There are many things that will contribute to the way communitites behave and respond to the challenges of the future. The solution lies not in one thing, but in the development of a number of things. In the context of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, I would like to briefly touch on rail transport.

In 2005, the Queensland Government distributed a questionnaire to households along the railway corridor between Caboolture and Nambour, to ask for feedback on proposed developments to the rail network. I was delighted at the opportunity to participate. A few months later, the project plans were announced.

The plans are for upgrades to railway stations between now and 2015. In addition, track duplication will proceed along the corridor, from south to north, between now and 2026; plus a link to Maroochydore from Beerwah is set for completion by 2026. Apparently, this is the largest ever investment in the future of rail in SEQ. This commitment is, in my opinion, good, and suggests forward thinking.

However, I would like to see this plan 'sped up'. Furthermore, a relocalisation plan should also cater for more regular service to the communities of Yandina, Eumundi, Cooroy and further north to Gympie. This reflects the need for rail to pick up the slack that is likely to result from the decline of the use of the long-haul freight truck because of the price of petrol.

If, as I suggest, that relocalisation plans will still depend on the need for inter-local transport services, it seems to me that the railway is going to be a vital cog in these plans.

So...

1) Can we wait for 20 years for the completion of this project? How does one place political pressure for the expedition of the railway projects, if one believes this is part of the long-term solution?

2) If rail is going to be a substantial means for the future of inter-local transportation of goods and people, how can the Sunshine Coast Hinterland develop to maximize the benefits of the railway for its citizens (not just big-business)?

3) How would such developments affect the nodes of, say, Eudlo, Mooloolah, Elimbah, and Beerburrum (and North Arm, Cooran and Pomona, for that matter)?

4) Given that rail runs on coal, is it environmentally responsible to replace petrol-based transport on the Sunshine Coast with coal-based transport? To ask the question another way, how does a comparison of CO2 emissions result mathematically, and what parameters does one use to make such an assessment? Are alternative modes of electricity production feasible over the long-term? (Ed. note) In a personal communication (see attachment) by Wade Oesterich, Policy Advisor in the Queensland State Office of Minister for Energy and Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Policy (2005), it was stated that

"...existing renewable technologies are unable to supply large amounts of reliable and cost competitive electricity. Significant technology breakthroughs will be required for renewable sources to meet Queensland’s future demand for electricity."

5) Which brings me to my last, more general energy-based question...how are going to know when a technology breakthrough hits us? Has anyone considered that it may be too late to wait for future technology to come on-line? Is it (even remotely) possible to develop the technology in existence today on a widespread basis? Hmmm...sounds like some serious number crunching to me...

Food for thought? What do you think? Please drop me a blog...is that what you do on blogs? I'm a bit of a rookie blogger...

For more info on what QRail has planned:
http://www.qr.com.au/SEQIP/projects/b2l/default.asp

To let your State minister(s) know what you think (and based on the list at

http://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/view/legislativeAssembly/members_minist...,

there are about 7 or 8 to choose from) I would suggest (Hon) Paul Lucas, Minister for Transport and Main Roads? His email is:

transport@ministerial.qld.gov.au

By the way, all of the minsterial email addresses are on the above link. And yes, they do get back to you, even if it takes a while. The attachment is an example of this, and may be of interest to some.

Cheers,

Clive