Keeping our expectations at base camp
WE seem to be at that stage of the state election where everyone’s promising the world and nobody wants to talk about what all that might just cost.
The LNP’s promise to review the Sunshine Coast Direct Rail Line with a preference to extend it from Beerwah to Maroochydore is a case in point.
The current government’s business case took more than a year to complete and found the cost from Beerwah to Maroochydore would be $12 billion and couldn’t be completed by 2032 even if they did have the money.
Everyone also seems happy to forget that the $5.5 billion committed to the Beerwah to Caloundra stage was actually at the low end, with the higher end estimate coming in at $7 billion. What’s $1.5bn between friends?
Anyway the LNP reckons there’s a chance they will have a better solution in just a few months.
There’s a chance pigs might fly too, but it’s a grand idea. I wish them well.
HOLIDAY FUN TIMES
Speaking of trains, it’s school holidays so no vaping teens, but plenty of other colourful characters in the Nambour line menagerie.
Found myself sitting near an Aussie and a few Europeans who were having a good old chit chat.
Had my trusty headphones on so didn’t hear much of the conversation until the train started pulling into Beerwah.
“Now remember, the show is at 1.30. Keep your expectations low and you won’t be disappointed?” the Aussie said as they all stood up.
What on earth were they talking about?
HIGH RISES
It seemed an almost apologetic announcement – proposed new (but temporary) local planning rules to encourage luxury hotel development.
The, cough cough, issue is that the council will have to allow an increase in building heights to encourage these otherwise absent developers.
Good to see they’re making it easy for some developers.
Just ask a few locals trying to build a few houses about their experience with council and development approvals.