Do you have an opinion to share? Submit a Letter to the Editor at Sunshine Coast News via news@sunshinecoastnews.com.au. You must include your name and suburb for accountability, credibility and transparency.
- Read the story: ‘Ghost’ bookings: unused campsites causing frustration
What is the issue, as long as the site is paid for? Campers are happy to have fewer campers invading personal spaces.
People should be more concerned with the illegal campers sneaking in after dark and leaving at daylight without paying any fees. This is common practice at many sites around all areas yet QPWS suggests unless it finds them there during work hours, there is little it can do about it.
I say stop complaining about those that paid and failed to show for whatever reason and start harassing the freeloaders.
Darren Gilson, Nambour
Most of the bookings are done over the net and camping tags are sent via email. Why not send a reminder to bookers four days prior reminding them they can get a refund by pressing the link if they can’t make it?
One problem is that if you book for a week you can’t get a partial refund, say, one day prior to the start, even though you are giving 48 hours notice on most of the days. You just lose the lot. I’d say some people just say stuff it.
Ian Tucker, Deception Bay
Queensland parks (as well as parks in other states) request people to pre-book a campsite, which is at the root of the problem. This legislation was introduced some years back and although I understand its reasons, I see more negatives than positives in that rule.
As a camper myself I see how often the plans can be changed because of unforeseen circumstances – health problems, car/mechanical issues, weather changes, a hike taking longer and you found yourself on the road after sunset and it might be not safe to continue to a planned camping destination.
I also want to point out that the ‘must pre-book’ rule is a big joy killer of the holiday mood. Once you restrict your holiday to a rigid plan and you know in advance where you will be every single day of it, a long-anticipated trip starts to feel like going to work instead of a holiday. The atmosphere of freedom and relaxation is gone (when you linger longer in a place that you like and move on faster from the place that did not impress you).
Queensland has a lot of remote areas to travel to/through, which can take many days and often have poor internet coverage (for example, Lakefield and Iron Range national parks), so some flexibility should be allowed and I do not think the ‘must pre-book’ system is traveller-friendly.
I might support that system for super-popular places during high-demand periods such as public/school holidays, but not everywhere all year around.
Svetlana Ryzhykova, Auchenflower
Campsite No.3 on the upper reaches of the Noosa River, upstream from Harrys Hut, always seems to be fully booked. Yet we have been there and it has been totally deserted on several occasions, even although the website says fully booked.
It is a campsite that accommodates groups, unlike the other campsites, which are limited to eight people. I am told that it is booked by commercial groups with the full knowledge of the QNPWS. I can’t confirm this but it would be good to know.
Peter Weallans, Lennox Head, NSW
- Read the story: Media personality announces run for mayor
Maybe Rosanna Natoli would be kind enough to explain to the Sunshine Coast voters her own interpretation of the phrase “transparent leadership”.
This particular phase has been bandied about by countless others seeking high office and it always comes to a zero. Does transparent leadership exist anymore in the local government environment? I believe not, however I am happy to be proved wrong.
Phillip Adamson, Maroochydore
Finally a future mayor that will protect and serve the interests of our community and not the vested interests of the few that we have had to endure with the current circus.Paul, Mooloolaba
- Read the story: Light rail vs buses: transit options down to two
I don’t understand why we have already completed surveys related to the light rail option, and we are being asked again.
It has been opposed quite vigorously, particularly by the residents of Alexandra Headland and on the streets in Maroochydore, which will be directly and daily affected. The community consultation process is beginning to feel like an exercise in box ticking. Had this always been the council strategy – to confuse everyone, create anger and frustrate people to the point of giving up and giving in? One has to wonder.
Jane Kennedy, Alexandra Headland
Narrow-visioned views and opinions have to be set aside for the benefits of us all and the future of our beloved Sunshine Coast.
The transport corridor is set and now it is imminent to find the best solution.
A dedicated line, trackless or with track, but available also for emergency vehicles, has to be the way to go. Efficiency and costs must be the driving factors. Having gained positive experiences with light rail systems overseas, in my opinion, the best solution for the Sunshine Coasts future seems to be a trackless mid-tier transit option.
Currently used in China and some parts of Europe, a trackless tram can travel at 80km/h with rapid acceleration and deceleration while carrying a few hundred passengers. The technology also allows for autonomous operation and can be sustainably powered using rooftop solar panels and wheel generators that feed back reserve power storage as the tram moves. Future technologies like hydro, magnetic or other options not excluded.
B. Benecke, Alexandra Headland
Regarding the question of light rail or buses. There is no question about the viability of each option. Buses are the most efficient and flexible. Bus routes can be changed to facilitate the amount of usage required by the population and can be adjusted as required. Smaller buses can be put on a distant route, but still give the service to the outlying areas.
The alternative fixed route down the main street of a main road such as Nicklin Way for a distance of about 8km is absolutely ludicrous. It would destroy an existing beautiful palm tree-centred six-lane roadway. This light rail would take two lanes of traffic away, making it only one lane, which is totally inadequate at present.
This proposal is only another expensive white elephant, which would take only through traffic for the distance of the line, then call upon the bus service to complete the journey to get to the proposed destination.
Where is a proposed light rail client expected to park? A car to ride on a light rail at a
non-existent car park, or on the streets, where there is now no parking at all?
This is only a developer’s dream of making more money at public expense without any real public transport benefit.
Put this crazy proposal to the garbage bin where it belongs. Leave it there forever.
Ron Roney, Buddina
Current bus routes already provide an efficient passenger service between Maroochydore and Caloundra, with services running every 15 minutes or 30 minutes at quieter times.
Considering the low patronage that I observe on these services, I question why light rail is even being considered.
The time and expense involved in construction of a light rail network will be far greater than bus options, thus increasing the disruption caused to residents and road users, and weighing heavier on tax/rate payers. In operation, the contact of steel wheels on steel rails is almost certainly to be louder than that created by rubber tyres, impacting the amenity of residents and visitors. Future changes to a rail network, such as alterations to route or addition of stations, will also have greater impact on the community and costs.
I contend a better option is to streamline the existing bus services as required, perhaps by creating a transit lane along more of the route during peak hours. If patronage increases, routes can be improved/tweaked and the current bus fleet can be progressively replaced with models such as those in TMR’s bus rapid transit option. This would mean that the public transport system evolves as required by demand, at lower cost and disruption, resulting in a continually modernised fleet. This is in contrast to a ‘big bang’ approach today, resulting in more costs and inconvenience and an ageing infrastructure 20 years from now.
W. Wells, Alexandra Headland
I am fed up with council and state government. It’s just a waste of time and money. We’ve heard and read this over and over again: “Give us your comments survey”. Just start on what people want, but no more surveys please.
Suellyne Lott, Maroochydore
In my opinion, having lived in Melbourne for years, with trams you can have a tram stop every 500 metres, with no platform or car park required.
The tram fits more passengers than a bus. With trains an island platform is required, which makes it more difficult to access for older people, disabled people and mums with prams. Also, car parks are required. Please take my advice and go with light rail.
David Dwyer, Petrie
Build the rail and they will come as long as the ticket price is right.
Don’t forget it’s a people’s train built and run by the taxpayers, so keep it simple and cheap. All who ride must pay regardless of their place in life.
Simon Lattimer, Little Mountain
I have lived on Gold Coast and Brisbane and my preference is definitely for buses.
The Gold Coast light rail was budget blow-out of massive proportions and remains total disruption to traffic, with many visiting drivers finding themselves on the rail lines.
The buses in Brisbane are fantastic. Something I have not heard anyone mention is that buses can be removed from the busway to be used on any suitable road. The trains/trams are limited.
Buses get my vote.
Bev Marshall, Golden Beach
I am of the belief that the Sunshine Coast is in dire need of quality local public transport, especially considering the failures of car-centric planning wrought out over the past years.
The whole campaign against light rail feels extremely lacking in forethought. As a user of multiple public transport systems and keen planning/transport enthusiast, I am unconvinced by several arguments, which appear to be borne more out of ignorance than a grounding in transport planning. I would like to address a couple of points raised by objectors.
Objections around density, particularly those raised around having 3000 persons per square metre and that such a density would be imposed in service of the project, appear to be raised in ignorance. Various areas near the corridor already feature those numbers as of 2021 and have likely exceeded them with recent construction. In particular, the Alexandra Headland area closest to the corridor ranges in density from 3000 to 5000 persons/sqm. The Maroochydore section of the project would run within walking distance of the Plaza, Ocean Street and various areas that exceed that threshold. The corridor along Nicklin Way either reaches that threshold or borders it enough such that the difference would be negligible. Birtinya, with construction and the heavy rail, is well on track to reaching that point based off of current approvals alone. The idea of a low-density beachfront strip, which some objectors believe exist, is not borne out by population data. The Sunshine Coast could very well accept light rail and still retain the present medium-density feel. Light rail alone does not make an area the Gold Coast – the Gold Coast was the Gold Coast long before the light rail came along.
I would like to cite the phenomenon of induced demand, in objection to the argument that “buses run empty, therefore we should not invest in light rail” and other arguments based off existing travel patterns. Induced demand is the phenomenon, most encountered in the construction of highways, where the provision of a more accessible travel mode leads to more trips using the mode. This is a key reason why investing in road capacity, as some seem to believe is a better course of action, would ultimately be ineffective. More people would simply end up using the added lanes. Along with the complexity added by more lanes and the traffic movements associated, this ends up creating traffic. This is a well-documented phenomenon borne out by over 50 years of professional observations. The traffic jam just gets bigger. Additionally, we can’t just keep building more roads.
To fight congestion effectively, we need alternatives to driving, not just for long-distance trips, but local travel too. Induced demand also works in reverse – if you provide more capacity in alternative modes and make alternatives appealing and reliable, more people will end up using those modes. One light rail vehicle could take about 132 cars off the road (using average occupancy and capacity data) and that means more space for those who may need to drive.
As for the argument that “the light rail will service nobody and commuters won’t use it” – the bus route that the system would replace is the most patronised bus route in the region. There are plenty of local destinations along the line that are under-served by public transport, from SCUH to the retail sites along Nicklin Way, as well as the two big shopping centres. Additionally, commuting is just one part of the travel demand pie – what about local shoppers, people visiting others along the corridor, or other under-served local trips? Public transport should not just be about servicing commuters – there’s plenty of travel demand for local journeys. The great thing about light rail is that it runs in its own corridor. While it may involve removing a lane for cars, that area can move a lot more people more efficiently. As a resident of an area that desperately needs more buses, the two don’t have to exist in opposition. Adding a guaranteed transfer from a bus to light and heavy rail trains in Maroochydore would be a huge boon for local travel and replace lots of trips I currently drive due to the abysmal reliability of the current bus system. My experience of the bus system has been one of delays, driver shortages, questionable service reliability and poor street presence. If light rail can massively induce people onto public transport to the point where the surrounding bus network gets incentives and vehicles are free to service more areas (a story borne out by light projects in other parts of Australia) then bring it on. If they can extend it north of the river to my area, even better.
I would like to inquire as to whether those who claim that Gold Coast trams are underused have used the system. By all facts, it has been a massive success, breaking number expectations. Anecdotally, the trams have been packed or at a significant capacity when I have used them – ever since the Helensvale transfer has been added, it has been massively used by train users on their holidays. The claim just doesn’t seem borne out by the actual state of the system.
Annie G, Coolum Beach
I don’t support the idea of a new light rail because it will cost a lot of our money plus the expensive maintenance.
Our authorities can organise a better bus service with ‘light’ or mini buses every five minutes or less depending on the demand, and open the participation of private buses companies.
Frank Calvo, Sippy Downs
- Read the story: Route, stations revealed for proposed public transport system
The proposed transit stations bypass Parrearra and Brightwater, and mainly support those suburbs located on existing main roads.
Where does that leave these populated areas? The route should be altered to allow for these suburbs access.
Laurence Jones, Parrearra
- Read the story: Heavy rail plan updated
After having lived in China for 13 years where things happened, I get quite despondent when talking about capital works in Australia.
Here we have so much talk and no action. Yes, we need to complete feasibility studies, but foremost of importance is logic and community benefit. You will never please the whole community, but even with elections nearly half the voters are unhappy with the result. Life goes on.
Heavy rail will be a success if integrated properly with swift commute times to the Brisbane CBD and suburbia. Caloundra station is logically positioned provided the adjacent roundabout gets a proper flyover system, which is already five years overdue.
Hopefully the engineers will apply common sense to the project, unlike the farcical Bruce Highway diamond interchange disaster. Australia is getting left behind, all a result of applying its purest brush to projects. Get on with it.
Graham Cormack, Pelican Waters
- Read the story: What to expect from foreshore transformation
Viewing the new proposed Mooloolaba foreshore project … how much? I have been trying for 10 years to get 500m of footpath along South Coolum Road so kids can ride safely to school. The latest update from the Division 8 councillor’s office: no go, too expensive.
Our rate money is spent on visitors’ amenities but nothing is spent on local needs. Disgusted.
Beverley Young, Maroochydore
Total revamp of Loo with a View needed. Think of a mirror-type construction as in the Norman Foster structure in Marseille.
Also, for new Maroochydore CBD: a piazza and major fountain, like the magic fountain in Barcelona or Aix-en-Provence fountain.
John Hood, Maroochydore
- Read the story: ‘The Picture Show Man’ of iconic theatre retires
Silent films were never silent, they always had music to accompany and highlight the action, whether drama, romance, intrigue, adventure or comedy.
Ron West played for them all, using his wonderful talent as an organist to help bring the great films of the past to life for audiences of today. We so enjoyed bringing busloads of people to the Majestic for screenings. Enjoy your retirement Ron.
Gary Thorpe, Coorparoo
I remember visiting the Pomona theatre back in the ’70s.
I was in company with John Mitchell, who was responsible for preserving the last ‘Cinerama’ equipment and film in Australia, another unique form of cinema. I remember Rob telling us that he was in the navy previously.
Gordon Cork, Dorrigo, NSW
- Read the story: Turtle nesting season begins
Some more care is needed in regard to the degradation of the coastal dunes in turtle nesting areas.
The dune grass has been getting trampled on, and in large areas the denuded dunes have become victims of erosion (wind, higher tides) at Marcoola-Mudjimba. This is a result of larger numbers of uninformed or ignorant people using these areas for access or recreation. In the past there were ‘keep off the dunes signs’.
Craig Smith, Marcoola
- Read the story: Century-old hotel set to reopen after painstaking renovation
I read with interest the story about the newly refurbished Country Life Hotel in Kin Kin.
My parents, Bob and Stella Payne, were dairy farmers in the district from the early 1930s until their retirement in 1971.
My mother’s maiden name was Stella Risley, the second child of Harold (Harry) Risley, who with his brother William (Billy) migrated to Cooran from Northern Rivers of New South Wales in 1902 in search of fertile farm land. They with a band of workers felled dense forest opening the land to dairy farming. It was in 1904 that a road was constructed over the range to Kin Kin, which subsequently was opened to dairy farming. My mother’s family are known as the Risley Group, who along with other groups pioneered the area from Cooran through to Kin Kin. Recognition of the Risley Group is shown on the plaque opposite the community hall.
My father’s family, William (Bill) Payne and his wife Sarah, along with many of her relatives, moved into the Kin Kin district in 1910 and began dairy farming. The Kin Kin Junction School was opened in 1909 and was attended by children in the district until 1981 when it was closed. The building was then transported to the Kin Kin Community Recreation Ground in 1986 and is used as a clubhouse for various organisations.
The first store in the area operated just below the range on the Kin Kin to Cooran road on land that my father later owned. It was closed in approximately 1913.
Billy Rohen had the first store in the Kin Kin township which was situated where the Country Life Hotel now stands. The hotel was built 1914 along with the butter factory across from the community hall.
Reading the story of the restoration of the Country Life Hotel struck a nostalgic nerve and I felt the need to let you know how pleasing it is to learn that the hotel is open for business once again.
I trust that this small snippet of Kin Kin’s history may be of interest to you.
Loma Holmes (nee Payne), Moorooka
Do you have an opinion to share? Submit a Letter to the Editor at Sunshine Coast News via news@sunshinecoastnews.com.au. You must include your name and suburb for accountability, credibility and transparency.
