A few facts in there not quite correct..
Fact, Gold Coast light rail is 2 years ahead of budget usage estimates.
Fact, the management company offered to build the next stage to join up with the rail network (for the 30 year rights), Brisbane said no we will go to tender.. thus almost a 5-year delay.
Fact, there are plans already been drawn up as long as 4 years ago, with different scenario for a fast train network that have been presented to Austrade by different Chinese and German groups. all with vested interest in supply and maintenance contracts plus also detailed financial planning that includes long term bond/loan agreements coming via Chinese banking sectors. (think good for Chinese jobs, good for Australia transport prospects)
My money is on that is is going to happen sooner then later, "if" the political will is there.
The fast train network IS good for Australia..
It is Good for the future of Australia.
Already the Chinese are working and trialing night time fast freight trains on their network. which as an extension will what could happen here. so lets say, public transport stops at 11pm per night then Freight is shifted from 12-5.
I was fortunate to be working in china as the network came online.. the first two years we took planes everywhere, the last 3 we took fast trains, as it was just as cost effective and time effective.
On a fast train we could board, relax use the laptop have a sleep and be 1,000km in 5 hours.
A plane..
we still need to battle traffic to get to the airport.. 1-2 hours..
wait for the plane.. 1 hour.
.fly.. 1.5 hours..
wait for baggage 30 mins..
get picked up and go to out destination1-2 hours..
the fast train network now in China takes you from South to north to west to east.
If the Chinese want to build it for us let them..
