Quote:
Originally Posted by llamaorama
Is grade separating commuter rail in an already highly developed city and country going to really result in meaningful reductions in pollution and sprawl or impart large economic gains, or is it largely for show?
|
You might want to ditch the North American idea of 'commuter rail' (i.e low frequency) when thinking about our network. This is a map from the published heavy rail network plans in 2012 (there's been some updates, not just published yet,and a refresh expected to be released by year's end but the peak frequency figures are likely to be the same or revised upwards). Beyond 2030, this will be the peak frequency of each line in Melbourne's rail network
Running trains - in both directions - on frequencies even as low as 6-10 TPH creates mayhem at level crossings (we're living through this now) so the notion of running more trains on the existing network would be met with pitchforks - thus there's a massive grade separation programme (which is really only half the job that needs doing).
The new metro tunnel is partially a PPP as well - an availability PPP that will see a construct & operate contract likely drawn up (tenders have been announced, contract signing for the heavy work is due by year end as well).
I get the arguments against PPPs and for the most part have the same concerns - but it's not really associated with one side of politics here anymore - both major parties are quite happy to use them to get new infrastructure built.
We might, at long freaking last, get an airport rail line - that map from 2012 above has it as part of the existing (but expanded) rail network, in the federal budget just released a month ago, $30mil is going to be spent on a feasibility study on how to get it built faster, possibly not as part of the existing rail network.
Quote:
Will privatizing a port facility negatively affect the cost and access of cargo shipping for small businesses? How will that affect jobs and economic opportunity?
|
Depends on how the contract is structured. There's also a gauge / regional rail conversion programme occuring so that all freight from Victoria's West and North can be shipped by one train from the regions (grains/produce/rare earths) to Victoria's three major ports: Melbourne, Geelong & Portland.
This is publicly financed and will allow competition. Melbourne will remain the main containerised freight port and the current car export facility will become import as Australia's car industry is shutting down (Toyota, [GM] Holden and Ford have all announced exit plans).