POLICY INITIATIVE FOR TRANSPORT
Liquid fuels are vital.
Our lifestyle depends on them, and that can’t change anytime soon because our entire infrastructure is built around them. As demand outstrips supply, oil based fuel costs continue to rise, impacting especially on air transport. Our new airports may only be accessible in the future to the wealthy and those politicians who will visit us at election times.
The recent volcanic ash cloud disruption over Europe demonstrates just how vulnerable air transport can be. This system is subject to spiralling fuel costs and environmental impacts. Internationally there seems no alternative to air travel, but nationally we can provide a speedy rail network which can be driven by alternative energy sources currently available.
We simply must start building more railroads now.
Railroads can provide speedy, more reliable, more energy efficient transport outcomes for Australia.
Hinkler can become a leader.
I propose to commence construction of a dual track rail system to start here in Bundaberg and simultaneously in Brisbane to connect to complete the first leg of a system to eventually span the state.
This could be our own “Snowy Mountains” style project that will provide employment for displaced persons/refugees and home-grown unemployed, skilling these people for entry into the mainstream workforce.
A parallel rail system provides one-way traffic which is faster and safer. The second track will closely follow the existing corridor where practical so that existing bridges can be shared. This will initially reduce costs and delivery time dramatically. In the long term separate bridges would be built to service the growing demands on the system.
Getting heavy vehicles off the highways.
Trucks and heavy road transport are unbeatable for local distribution but their use for long distance haulage is extremely inefficient energy wise and extremely costly in wear and tear on our road systems. A new rail system will fully support a drive on, drive off facility or alternatively a crane unload system to allow rapid turnaround for these vehicles. Redesign of railway rolling stock and heavy vehicles may be required to accommodate any height restrictions that may present. Obviously all new bridges constructed will eliminate this restriction.
Such service would be ideal for privatisation. The state need not be required to provide full services. For instance a large trucking company could own its own railway stock to move their own and other companies’ heavy vehicles, paying a fee to the state for the use of the tracks.
This transport system could also be developed for small vehicles and the motoring public in general. This is a system already in current use in Queensland rail, whereby travellers are able to rail their cars for long distance travel. It would be expected that local manufacturers would participate in building the new rail rolling stock. This would add to our local economy and provide security to many employed in this industry.
This is a proposal to dramatically reduce our liquid fuel needs, reduce the high costs of highway maintenance and construction, reduce the carnage on our roads and improve the efficiency of transport.
ACT NOW TO PROTECT OUR LIFESTYLE-
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