Editorial: Dud Airtrain deal holding Queensland back

A deal struck in 1998 by Queensland’s then Coalition government has had far-reaching effects on the state’s growth, writes the editor.

Premier Rob Borbidge and treasurer Joan Sheldon in 1998

Two things that Queensland in general and Brisbane in particular have never been short of are ambition and ideas.

While other states humbly accepted the duopoly of historical powerhouses NSW and Victoria, Queensland has always had an eye towards a future that would see us, at the very least, the equal of the other east coast mainland states.

But while we have no shortage of good ideas, we are also capable of some absolute stinkers – some real own goals.

One is the contract the Borbidge state government signed in 1998 with the Airtrain operators, banning any competition in the form of buses operating out of the domestic or international terminals until 2036.

It was a bad deal then and a worse one now, especially as the airport – now dealing with 20 million passengers a year – will have to cope with 30 million a year by 2032. The workforce at the airport is tipped to increase at a similar rate.

And with fares at around $20 each for the short trip to Central, larger groups are already shunning the train for taxis and Ubers.

Even if passengers wanted to shell out for the train, capacity issues would come into play, with services only able to run every 15 minutes at peak times because of the single track line. The dud deal threatens to hurt tourism growth in Queensland, if it isn’t already.

Which is a great shame, for as we point out in our Future Brisbane series look at public transport in South East Queensland, there are a lot of great ideas out there.

One in particular is a call by the RACQ to develop a “glider” network of electric buses to improve connectivity between existing Brisbane train, bus and metro lines.

They would provide a cheap, efficient solution to an existing problem that wouldn’t involve years of delays while expensive infrastructure is built.

It works overseas and is something that deserves careful consideration.

Another great idea worthy of consideration is using Brisbane’s greatest natural asset – the Brisbane River.

Fast water taxis could slash travel times from Hamilton to South Bank, for example, while reducing pressure on roads.

And, of course, it would be a spectacular way to travel.

Queensland Tourism Industry Council CEO Brett Fraser said for decades we had built with “our backs to the river”, but that was starting to change.

“The river is one of our greatest assets and we’re still not using it as much as we can,” he said.

“There’s no question we should have better connectivity on the river as a means to move people around the city, and out to Moreton Bay and the islands.”

And then there is the proposed Gympie Rd Bypass tunnel from Kedron to Carseldine that would link with our existing tunnel network and could save motorists up to 30 minutes in the afternoon peak.

In today’s Courier-Mail we exclusively reveal that Transport Minister Mark Bailey has confirmed negotiations have taken place to get out of the Airtrain contract, but they were unsuccessful.

It’s not good enough, according to Brisbane City Council transport chair Ryan Murphy, who says Airtrain has been a “complete disaster”.

“Mark Bailey has washed his hands of this as if it isn’t his problem,” Mr Murphy said. “Meanwhile, Airtrain and its pitiful patronage will limp on. Our message to Queensland’s strife-prone transport minister is simple: ‘do your job and fix the Airtrain’.”

We concur. Find a way, minister. Brisbane cannot afford to be held back because of this.

FIRST SIGNS OF PEACE IN GAZA

Reports that the US is close to brokering a ceasefire in the bloody war between Israel and Hamas should be treated with caution, but welcomed nonetheless.

The White House has denied a deal has been reached – although they are working towards one – but it is believed it would see all parties halt combat operations for five days while 50 Israeli hostages are released each day. The pause in fighting will also give aid agencies the chance to treat civilian casualties in Gaza.

Such a development would be the first indication that Israel and Hamas are willing to negotiate, and there might be a way to end the carnage that Hamas sparked on October 7.

Of course, this war will only come to an end when Israel has completed its military objectives, that they believe will protect them from further bloodthirsty Hamas raids. They deserve the right to defend themselves against further terrorist action.

Around the world, billions will be hoping that US President Joe Biden’s envoy Brett McGurk is successful and that the Israeli hostages can be returned to their families.

Responsibility for election comment is taken by Chris Jones, corner of Mayne Rd & Campbell St, Bowen Hills, Qld 4006. Printed and published by NEWSQUEENSLAND (ACN 009 661 778). Contact details here