Gold Coast property professionals Jared Johnson and Zac Potter have teamed up to launch their debut property development, Basalt Lane, a boutique collection of architecturally designed warehouse units set to rise in Tweed Heads South.

Potter, a proven developer in his own right, is the founder of 21 Property Group and son of respected developer John Potter, while Johnson, director of leading commercial real estate agency Coastal Commercial, has been involved in hundreds of high-profile industrial transactions across South-East Queensland and Northern NSW.&nbsp;

Located at 80–82 Industry Drive, Basalt Lane will feature just eight premium warehouse units with flexible low-impact zoning, rare dual street access, and sleek, contemporary finishes not often seen in the Industrial sector. Construction is scheduled to commence in Q4 2025.

“This joint venture made sense from day one,” says Johnson, who is spearheading the sales campaign.

“Zac brings proven development experience, and I have a strong grasp of the local industrial market through years of commercial sales in the area. By combining our strengths, we saw an opportunity not just for ourselves — but to deliver something the local community genuinely needs. There’s a clear demand for modern, flexible, and flood-free industrial spaces in this region, and Basalt Lane is our answer to that.”

Strategically positioned just 700 metres from the M1 Motorway and under 10 minutes from Gold Coast Airport, the project offers high appeal for investors, small business owners looking for a coastal work base with premium connectivity or a secure storage solution.

The launch of Basalt Lane comes amid a surge in industrial development across the Tweed region. According to Tweed Shire Council, the area is undergoing major transformation, including the Industry Central Land Swap, a government-backed initiative relocating flood-affected businesses to higher ground. The $11.3 million program is creating modern, job-generating industrial hubs built for long-term resilience.

Projects like Quarry Business Park, also marketed through Johnson’s Coastal Commercial — are also breaking ground in 2025 — highlight the growing demand for flood-free, future-proof industrial space in one of Australia’s fastest-growing regional economies.

“We’re proud to be contributing to the next chapter of growth here,” said Potter. “Basalt Lane is a long-term play — it’s designed to deliver value now and remain relevant for years to come.”

The project responds to broader market trends, including the rise of flexible “co-warehousing”, demand for hybrid industrial-office spaces, and growing interest in regional coworking hubs. With Australia’s coworking sector forecast to grow at 23.6% CAGR to 2030, and similar small-scale developments selling out in major cities, Basalt Lane offers a timely, lifestyle-forward business solution.

Potter and Johnson bring years of experience across real estate and development throughout the Gold Coast and Northern Rivers corridor. For them, Basalt Lane represents more than just a business move — it’s a personal milestone.

“There’s no big fund behind us. We’re not a national group,” said Potter. “We’re two mates with experience and vision and we’re having a go.”

With limited supply and rising demand, Basalt Lane is expected to attract strong early interest from entrepreneurs, trade-based businesses, owner-occupiers, and investors seeking solid long-term returns in a high-growth coastal hub.

Jared Johnson and Zac Potter, have teamed up to launch their debut property development: Basalt Lane, Tweed Heads - a boutique collection of architecturally designed warehouse units set to rise in Tweed Heads South.

Urban Editorial

Gold Coast entrepreneurs launch premium industrial project in booming Tweed Heads South

Enfield may be home to fewer than 3,000 residents, but its prime location between Strathfield and Burwood has cemented its status as one of the Inner West’s hidden gems.

The suburb offers a village-style lifestyle with an abundance of cafés, restaurants, and boutique shops, staples of Inner West living.

At the last census, there were only around 300 apartments in the suburb. Fewer than a handful of new apartment developments have been delivered in recent years, but none are as well positioned as The Carlyle, just a three-minute walk to Henley Park, arguably one of the best parks in the area.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-carlyle-enfield-164-liverpool-rd-enfield-nsw-2136">The Carlyle</a> will comprise 32 one- and two-bedroom apartments, a mix rarely seen in the new development market across Sydney.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=148733 project_image_fid=6667]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/ray-white-projects-western-sydney">Ray White Projects WS</a>&nbsp;is fielding enquiry from several buyer types.

"First home buyers are realising this is the best time to get into the market," says Mark Bernberg, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/ray-white-projects-western-sydney">Ray White Projects WS</a>&nbsp;Managing Director.

"There are now several government incentives assisting first home buyers to get onto the property ladder. The recent announcement to waive lender's mortgage insurance for those with low deposits puts tens of thousands back in their pockets. Pair that with stamp duty savings in the new apartment space, and there has never been a better time to be a first home buyer in the off the plan apartment market."

Bernberg has also seen a re-emergence of investors, attracted to the low supply of apartments in Enfield and the suburb's lifestyle, while also being on the fringe of Burwood, which is set to undergo a huge transformation with its recent rezoning around the new metro station.

"That will bring a wealth of new retail and amenity to the area, which tends to drive prices higher," Bernberg says.

"Rents are at record highs, and with interest rates coming down from the highs earlier this year, investment apartments are starting to stack up again financially."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=148733 project_image_fid=6665]

The Carlyle apartments will sit above doorstep amenity, with a two-level retail podium incorporated into the striking building. The retail component will include a new ground-floor café facing Carlyle Street.

Two-bedroom apartments range from 67 sqm to 83 sqm internally, with some of the larger residences on the top level featuring expansive wraparound balconies. These layouts are designed to enhance seamless indoor-outdoor living, maximising natural light and views.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=148733 project_image_fid=6666]

The Carlyle's proximity to Henley Park is one of its biggest drawcards. The 13-hectare park includes multiple sports fields, two fenced playgrounds designed for various age groups, and Enfield Aquatic Centre, complete with Olympic-sized swimming pool.

The Carlyle is on track to welcome residents in early 2026.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=6667]

Joel Robinson

The Carlyle in Enfield launches to undersupplied Inner West market

A new Metro stop, a thriving café scene, and proximity to village-style retail have cemented St Leonards as one of the Lower North Shore’s most sought-after suburbs for new development.

Among those seizing the opportunity is Sekisui House Australia, which has chosen this prized pocket, in the St Leonards South precinct, for its first-ever inner-city apartment project, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/waterstone-st-leonards-24-berry-road-st-leonards-nsw-2065">Waterstone</a>.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134191 project_image_fid=230]

Set for completion in the summer of 2027, Waterstone comprises 207 apartments across five buildings, designed to look south back to the&nbsp;Sydney&nbsp;CBD.&nbsp;The new project offers residents the rare balance of connected urban living and tranquil green surrounds.

Just moments from home lies Smoothey Park, a blend of natural bushland and manicured parkland. It forms part of the Wollstonecraft cluster of reserves, including Gore Cove, Badangi Reserve, and Berry Island, all offering peaceful escapes on the Harbour’s edge.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KCD5mtyKBjc?si=DcC6Koxg6shdDFzq" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

When it comes to lifestyle, St Leonards and its neighbouring suburbs, Crows Nest, Waverton, Greenwich, and Wollstonecraft, deliver an endless array of cafés, restaurants, and boutique retailers. Nearby Mall 88, only 650 metres from Waterstone, adds convenience with over 30 specialty stores.

Connectivity is another major drawcard. The new Crows Nest Metro Station is just one kilometre away, while St Leonards Train Station is a short seven-minute walk. For a more scenic commute, the Greenwich Point Wharf ferry reaches Circular Quay in under 30 minutes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134191 project_image_fid=351953]

For peace of mind, Royal North Shore Hospital, one of Sydney’s most prominent medical hubs, sits just 650 metres away, making Waterstone ideal for healthcare professionals or residents seeking easy access to world-class medical facilities.

Perfectly positioned on the fringe of vibrant activity yet embraced by parkland serenity, Waterstone offers the best of both worlds in Sydney’s evolving Lower North Shore.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134191]

Nature and connection define life at Waterstone in emerging St Leonards South precinct

A new collection of residences is now available at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/sol-by-walker-maroochydore-first-avenue-maroochydore-qld-4558">SOL by Walker</a>, the residential development that continues to take shape within the Maroochydore City Centre.

The second release introduces 137 apartments to the market, adding to the growing community in what is set to become one of South East Queensland’s most significant urban renewal precincts. The new offering includes a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments, alongside a limited number of terraces and penthouses designed to suit a range of lifestyle needs.

“SOL represents the beginning of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/maroochydore-qld-4558">Maroochydore</a>’s exciting next chapter, redefining expectations around life in this beautiful coastal city,” David Gallant, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/walker-corporation">Walker Corporation</a>, said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=147777 project_image_fid=319853]

Located on South Sea Islander Way, SOL forms part of the broader vision to deliver a connected and vibrant city heart for the Sunshine Coast. Construction is already underway on the first 19-storey tower, with completion targeted for early 2028. The development is being delivered by Walker in collaboration with Sunshine Coast Council and SunCentral.

SOL’s second stage continues the project’s focus on high-quality apartment living, with access to a suite of resident-only amenities including a rooftop sky terrace, wellness retreat, co-working lounge, gym and landscaped garden spaces.

Interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/plus-studio">Plus Studio</a> combine timeless design with natural materials, generous layouts and panoramic outlooks to the ocean, hinterland and river.&nbsp;

“SOL by Walker establishes a new standard in apartment quality, seamlessly integrating superior craftsmanship with unmatched design,” Danny Juric, Director at Plus Studio, said

[smartcode_project:default project_id=147777 project_image_fid=346899]

Apartments feature open-plan layouts with high ceilings and expansive glazing to enhance natural light and ventilation.&nbsp;

A warm, neutral palette ties together stone benchtops, brushed platinum accents, and sandstone-toned carpet, while large sliding doors connect living areas to generous outdoor spaces.&nbsp;

Kitchens are fitted with integrated Miele appliances, refined cabinetry and thoughtful storage, while bathrooms offer double vanities and oversized showers to balance function and comfort.

As part of the Sunshine Coast’s new CBD, residents will be within walking distance of local retail, dining and green space, with transport connections set to expand as the precinct grows. Once complete, Maroochydore City Centre is expected to deliver thousands of new homes as part of the region’s long-term housing strategy.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=147777]

Second release at SOL by Walker expands residential offering in Maroochydore City Centre

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/mirvac">Mirvac</a> has marked the topping out of Prince &amp; Parade in Brunswick, celebrating the completion of the building’s highest point and a major step forward for one of the developer’s landmark Melbourne communities.

The milestone forms part of Mirvac’s strong construction momentum across Victoria, with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/prince-parade-by-mirvac-brunswick-701-park-street-brunswick-vic-3056">Prince &amp; Parade</a> and The Albertine both recently reaching structural completion. Together, the two projects will deliver 265 new apartments, contributing to much-needed housing supply in Melbourne’s inner suburbs.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4802 project_image_fid=3627]

Designed in collaboration with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bates-smart">Bates Smart</a>, Prince &amp; Parade continues a long-standing partnership that has delivered The Melburnian (2002) and The Eastbourne (2019).

The new <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/brunswick-vic-3056">Brunswick</a> address comprises a mix of one to four-bedroom residences complemented by extensive amenity, including a residents’ lounge, shared dining room and kitchen, library, yoga room, gym, and rooftop terrace, with landscaping by Jack Merlo and a concierge service.

Construction is rapidly transforming the site, with significant milestones achieved across two buildings, supported by 73 slab pours and six fully constructed building cores. Completion is expected in 2026.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4802 project_image_fid=269383]

Mirvac’s General Manager, Residential Development Victoria, Elysa Anderson said Prince &amp; Parade has been strongly received by buyers seeking quality design and trusted delivery.

“These communities have been well received, attracting strong interest from downsizers and professionals who value high-quality design, premium locations and the confidence of buying with Mirvac,” Anderson said.

Prince &amp; Parade has also achieved a record-breaking apartment sale in Brunswick, underscoring its design quality and market appeal.

“We’re incredibly proud to see Prince &amp; Parade set a new benchmark for Brunswick. This <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/vic/exclusive-mirvac-breaks-brunswick-record-with-prince-parade-sale">record-breaking sale</a> is a testament to Mirvac’s design excellence, quality craftsmanship, and our strong reputation for delivering high-quality residential communities across the country,” Anderson said.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=4802]

Prince & Parade tops out in Brunswick as Mirvac marks dual Melbourne milestones

Metro Trains

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The first tracks have been laid on the City &amp; Southwest Metro, Australia's biggest public transport infrastructure project.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian said extending Sydney Metro from the north west into the city and Bankstown will forever change how we get around Sydney and will create vital jobs.

“The construction of this mega project couldn’t come at a more important time for our State. Metro forms a key part of the Government’s record $107 billion infrastructure pipeline, which will be a major jobs creator during our COVID-19 recovery. More than 5000 people are currently working across the City &amp; Southwest Metro project and, by the time the project opens, around 50,000 people will have worked on it,” she said.

Minister for Transport and Roads Andrew Constance said Sydney will have 31 Metro railway stations and a 66 kilometre standalone Metro railway system in 2024.

Systems Connect, a joint venture between CPB Contractors and UGL, is designing and converting the excavated tunnels into a working railway, including distributing and laying the rail tracks along the tunnels.

The company is also expanding the Sydney Metro Trains Facility at Rouse Hill, building a new facility at Marrickville and installing the power systems for the Sydney Metro extension.

Metro trains will start running through the tunnels in 2024, extending from the North West Metro, into the city and beyond to Bankstown.

New stations will be delivered at Crows Nest, Victoria Cross, Barangaroo, Martin Place, Pitt Street and Waterloo, along with new underground platforms at Central Station.
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The first tracks have been laid on the City & Southwest Metro, Australia's biggest public transport infrastructure project

urban.com.au

First tracks laid in Australia's biggest public transport infrastructure project

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The Premier last night, through his facebook page, gave a media alert of sorts for a big announcement to happen at 7am this morning and sure enough it was right.

For so long orbital connections in Melbourne have been all about freeways - take the North East Link, it's the final piece of our primary rail network - and now the ALP Government is taking an orbital rail network to the November state election.

All rail lines, except Alamein &amp; Sandringham, will have a connection to the new underground line and all middle and National Employment and Innovation Clusters will be linked.  The only clusters not directly serviced by this line would be Parkville, Fishermans Bend and Dandenong South.

The Government asserts 400,000 passengers will use the line every day and over 20,000 jobs will be created during what one can only presume will be a very long construction phase.

And the pricetag? A cool $50 billion.

<iframe allow="encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="true" allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="476" scrolling="no" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FDanielAndrewsMP%2Fvideos%2F268286560488175%2F&amp;show_text=1&amp;width=560" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" width="560"></iframe>

At a press conference held subsequently after we first published the Premier and Public Transport Minister outlined other project parameters:

<ul>
<li>The project will be built in phases with the first to be the Cheltenham to Box Hill section.  The Premier also mentioned that the North West section (between the Airport and Sunshine) is already underway in the form of the Melbourne Airport Rail Link.</li>
	<li>The Premier said the Cheltenham to Melbourne Airport section will be entirely underground, that's over a whopping 50 kilometres.</li>
	<li>If the Andrews Government has been re-elected, the detailed planning and geotech work will begin early next year as part of the $300 million to be allocated toward planning.</li>
	<li>The Premier also said the project, championed by Jacinta Allan, has seen internal department work on the concept for over 12 months.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Comment &amp; analysis</h2>

Given the volume of money to be set aside for planning - $300 million - the project appears to have progressed far beyond just a concept internally.  That is the kind of money you'd expect to be spent for a major project such as this to progress to construction.

Other media are reporting 12 stations as stated in video published by the Premier at 7am this morning however any Melburnian will know there are huge areas - especially in the west - that if 12 stations was the total would go unserved.  One suspects more stations will be announced should the government be re-elected and the planning work kicks off in earnest (that's what business cases are for).

Likewise, there's a big question on the type of trains to be used.  At 400,000 passengers per day once complete as the government has claimed - which would make it the most heavily patronised rail lines in the city if not the country - the trains will presumably be 'heavy' but will the project be built to the same rail specifications as the rest of the network or will this be a chance to do what the NSW government has done and introduce a new operationally independent rail service utilising driverless trains?

$50 billion is eye-watering and paying for it will be interesting - less so if construction of the entire line is phase and scheduled to be complete over a longer period of time - however we need only look at the work Infrastructure Victoria is and has been doing on value capture.

The<a href="https://vpa.vic.gov.au/project/monash-employment-cluster/"> Monash NEIC</a>, Deakin University in Burwood, Box Hill, <a href="https://vpa.vic.gov.au/project/la-trobe-employment-cluster/">La Trobe NEIC</a>, Melbourne Airport, <a href="https://vpa.vic.gov.au/project/sunshine-employment-cluster/">Sunshine NEIC</a> and <a href="https://vpa.vic.gov.au/project/east-werribee-employment-precinct/">Werribee NEIC</a> are all in the path of this new rail line and as we've reported on time and time again on Apartments.com.au are all centres that are already seeing significant residential or commercial development.  Throw in other established job precincts at Heatherton between Cheltenham and Clayton, Glen Waverley itself, Broadmeadows and it's not hard to see how the line could get people out of cars and on to PT.
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Alastair Taylor

Victorian Government unveils Suburban Rail Loop election proposal

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Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews announced the second phase of upgrades to the Hurstbridge Line that promises to increase peak hour services through Melbourne's north-east, should the Andrews Government be re-elected.

The $530 million project will see Greensborough station (pictured above) rebuilt as well as implement track duplications between Greensborough and Montmorency stations and between Diamond Creek and Wattle Glen stations.

Spring Street says it will allow trains to run every 6-7 minutes from Greensborough, every 10 minutes from Eltham and Montmorency and every 20 minutes from the end of the line stations at Hurstbridge, Diamond Creek and Wattle Glen.

The project also includes improvements to the Clifton Hill junction to cater for an extra five-morning peak services to be run on the Mernda line.

The omission of track duplication between Montmorency and Eltham appears to be related to the Eltham Trestle Bridge which has local heritage protection and a re-elected Andrews Government would seek to 'protect this important piece of Melbourne's history with planning work to be carried out for a long-term solution as part of the project'.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/grange_road_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Grange Road in Alphington had its level crossing removed as part of phase one - image: LXRA"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/grange_road_1.jpg?itok=p4cYmy73" title="Grange Road in Alphington had its level crossing removed as part of phase one - image: LXRA" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Grange Road in Alphington had its level crossing removed as part of phase one - image: LXRA</figcaption></figure>The first phase of Hurstbridge upgrades included removing the Grange Road level crossing in Alphington, removing the Lower Plenty Road level crossing in Rosanna and duplicating the track (which included a new tunnel) between Rosanna and Heidelberg stations.

Under previous governments, the Hurstbridge line has seen other upgrades including duplicating the bridge from the Clifton Hill junction across the Merri Creek into Westgarth.

Clifton Hill's junction is not grade separated at present - South Morang/Mernda trains headed to the city not only conflict with Hurstbridge line trains heading to the city, but they also conflict with Hurstbridge line trains heading out of the city.

The Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan also announced upgrades to Donnybrook and Wallan stations which will see the V/Line service area stations have their platforms extended, car parks expanded, access roads altered and pedestrian access will also be improved.  Wallan will see an extension of its waiting room, new bathrooms, more bus bays and more bike facilities.

The Donnybrook and Wallan upgrades are costed at $24 million and funded through the joint state and federal government $1.57 billion Regional Rail Revival Program.  

Regional Rail Revival will see a multitude of upgrades to all the various lines, some of which - specifically on the Ballarat line - are precursor projects to wider electrification and metro expansion projects to Melton for instance.

Lead image credit: <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greensborough_railway_station">Wikipedia</a>.
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Greensborough station to be rebuilt in Hurstbridge Line second phase upgrade

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<h2>Comment</h2>

Elections are fun, the posturing in the lead up to them is not, especially when another level of government gets involved.

For those from outside Victoria, the Frankston railway line on Melbourne's metropolitan rail network runs through a series of marginal seats in the Victorian Parliament and at the end of the line, the Federal seat of Dunkley is one of the Commonwealth Government's most marginal seats.

In an era when federal government population policies are keeping the immigration taps open and Melbourne is attracting a big percentage of them, there are pressures right across the metropolitan area with vacancy rates in the vast swathes of new apartments that have been completed in the past 12-24 months are down and the large numbers of people moving to the fringe as well.

In short, the fringe areas which are seeing the growth are in Melbourne's south-east (beyond Dandenong), Melbourne's north (beyond Craigieburn and Epping) and Melbourne's west and south-west (between Werribee and Deer Park). The Frankston line, and for the most part all the marginal state parliament seats, are hemmed in by green wedges inland to the east and Port Phillip Bay to the west.

The only way suburbs dotted along the Frankston railway line will help shoulder the burden of Melbourne's increasing population is through brownfields development - utilising general and residential growth zones as well as any mixed-use commercial zones in existing areas to increase dwelling, and therefore population, density.

The thing is, the bayside corridor - in political terms often referred to as the 'Sandbelt' - hasn't got all that much in the development pipeline compared to the eastern corridor along the Belgrave and Lilydale lines (this rail corridor is in the same corridor as Frankston: no more greenfields) nor the west in general.

The last Victorian election saw the area swing to the ALP and help deliver the current state government and naturally it'll be a battlefield once again because the margins are still small.

Frankston is quite a long distance from the CBD and there are plans, at least from 2013, to extend the electrification of the Frankston line to Baxter, inland, and south-east of Frankston. But much like the slither of developed land between the bay and the south-east green wedge, there's not a lot of scope for Baxter to shoulder the same burden that other regions of Melbourne's metropolitan are destined to do.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/b_carrum_ground_activation_3508x2480_v02.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Station Street in Carrum will be grade separated - image: Level Crossing Removal Authority"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="410" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/b_carrum_ground_activation_3508x2480_v02.jpg?itok=Jm8eEoel" title="Station Street in Carrum will be grade separated - image: Level Crossing Removal Authority" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Station Street in Carrum will be grade separated - image: Level Crossing Removal Authority</figcaption></figure>It was with dismay that I read in The Age a few days ago that there appears to be some backroom argy-bargy going on in relation to extending the Frankston line's three tracks southwards from Moorabbin in order to extend express services further down the bay.

Aside from the fact this region of Melbourne is not poised to do as much heavy lifting in terms of housing and employment for Melbourne's increasing population (with the except of the Moorabbin-Bentleigh area), putting political weight behind extending a third track is bygone era thinking.

The Frankston line from Moorabbin to Caulfield and the Belgrave/Lilydale lines from Box Hill to Burnley have triplicate - three - track sections which allow for the peak flow of faster trains to overtake stopping all stations.

<blockquote>
Three tracks was fashionable in Melbourne up until the 1980s, with prominent examples on the Ringwood and Frankston lines. Expresses can overtake slower trains in one direction only.

The catch is that since the 1990s, the amount of inner-city stabling has been reduced markedly, so all those trains need somewhere to go between peak hour runs.

This is problematic with three tracks — in the morning the single outbound track gets congested; this can result in delays and clogged level crossings, and may be problematic when aiming to connect outer suburban centres like Dandenong and Ringwood with express trains (in both directions) from the inner city.
<cite>Daniel Bowen - <a href="https://www.danielbowen.com/2016/02/09/how-many-tracks/">How many tracks</a>?</cite>
</blockquote>

As Daniel Bowen points out, express services on three tracks need to have trains stored at the end of the run - and the inner-city does not have that capacity anymore. 

I can understand a state or federal MP hearing his or her community's concerns about commuting times but in the wider metropolitan context, express services to the city - and doing it in a substandard way - is a luxury, especially as the region we're talking about will not be under the same pressure to shoulder the burden of population growth.
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Two tiers of service on the Frankston is a nice to have, not a necessity

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Victoria's Minister for Public Transport, Jacinta Allan, has provided an overview of new train services that will operate across Melbourne's network once the Mernda extension opens toward the end of the year and on the same day, the Minister announced a new Skybus contract had been signed.

190 new metropolitan train services will be spread across lines to the north, west and south-east.

On the South Morang line, an additional 115 new and extended services will run up and down the line and when the terminus shifts to Mernda upon that station and the extension's opening, the new stations beyond South Morang will have access to 982 services every week.

The Werribee line will see 35 new services over weekdays that will provide passengers using South Kensington, Seddon, Yarraville and Spotswood stations with a turn-up and go services until just after 8pm on weekdays.

Passengers living between Eltham and the City will see 35 new and extended services each week and the Dandenong corridor will see 80 new and extended services each week which will see that corridor's frequency increase so as turn up and go services (a train every 10 minutes) until 10pm on weeknights.

The numbers announced by the Minister across the different rail line corridors represent 40 extensions of service on top of the 190 new services.

No exact date has been provided for when the new timetable is expected to come into effect however it is anticipated it will be in force later in the year.   

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/skybus_wiki_cc_by_sa.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Skybus in Docklands - image: wikipedia"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="338" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/skybus_wiki_cc_by_sa.jpg?itok=Hs2jjQ5v" title="Skybus in Docklands - image: wikipedia" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Skybus in Docklands - image: <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Skybus_number_65_(5177AO)_Scania_in_Wurundjeri_Way,_2013.JPG">Wikipedia</a></figcaption></figure>Melbourne Airport's Skybus service has had a shakeup as well with a new 10-year performance-based contract signed with the state government coinciding with the launch of a new route from Melbourne's western suburbs to the airport.

The new Skybus route will go from Werribee via Tarneit to Tullamarine Airport and will run on 60-minute frequencies between the hours of 7am and 7pm.

Skybus services to the Mornington Peninsula will see lower fares and more services will run from Rosebud and Mornington as well as new stops will be added in Mordialloc and Mentone.

A Ministerial media release says 'the newly consolidated contract also allows the government the ability to introduce an airport rail line between the Melbourne CBD and Tullamarine Airport.'

The new contract commences on July 1st and will run for 10 years if the operator meets strict performance targets.

Lead image credit: <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/camperdown/27711567484/in/photolist-8Lf58H-8SdGCT-PxJucC-PZ2yw8-K17R3L-JdPZqU-K7gSMC-8Li83j-KqNxud-yR6XHw-8Lf3QR-8bxmYh-8Li8AS-96jMNE-eLAJBW-UnkSt1-9AyPm3-8KnPuz-EAxMVg-yTR6L9-PqtLVD-P3Avdd-P3AxdA-PsFAFL-K7dQNU-2bh3g-PFFnRT-K3jUjt-PoAFMm-K41PqS-K2Fvgi-JHHkd5-NLnaqy-Pssevz-PxzoJA-JdM2yh-Kach2W-K14SQ9-Kacg5q-zMKJvg-K3i7o2-Pvc8CK-qT9s93-PBzAM7-QHuwxD-QHuuuR-Pre3UW-NPaDHv-KA5vwS-wfwkf8">flickr</a>
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Swathe of Melbourne train lines, skybus to see new and extended services

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The Sydney Morning Herald <a href="http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/melbourne-train-operator-metro-to-run-sydneys-northwest-rail-link-20140624-zsjyr" target="_blank">reported yesterday</a> that the Baird Government in New South Wales has selected <a href="http://www.metrotrains.com.au/who-we-are/" target="_blank">Metro Trains Melbourne</a> - the consortium made up of MTR Corporation, John Holland and UGL which operates and maintains the entire Melbourne metropolitan network - to operate the <a href="http://nwrail.transport.nsw.gov.au/" target="_blank">North West Rail Link</a>.

The North West Rail Link project consists of twin 15 kilometre tunnels and four kilometres of elevated track from Epping on the city's main northern trainline to Sydney's North West outskirts at Rouse Hill. The project in a way winds back the clock for Sydney (albeit not necessarily in a bad way), as the new tunnels will only cater for single deck trains, and the Chatswood-Epping link will be retrofitted to allow North West Rail Link trains to run all the way from Rouse Hill to Chatswood.

Trains running on the new line and through the retrofitted Chatswood-Epping corridor will be fully automated being centrally controlled with no train drivers. This will be a first for Australia.

The New South Wales Government also outlined plans to <a href="http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/planned-new-rail-line-would-cut-direct-trains-from-inner-west-to-redfern-sydney-university-20140624-zsjnd" target="_blank">convert the existing Bankstown line</a> and build a <a href="http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/nsw-electricity-sale-to-pay-for-new-harbour-crossing-rail-roads-20140610-39uyu" target="_blank">second Sydney Harbour crossing</a> to allow the new North West Link to form a part of a complete rapid transit line.

The ultimate goal of having one long rapid transit line from Sydney's North West through the Central Business District and out to South West is very similar to the goal in Melbourne, of running Pakenham and Cranbourne trains in the South East through the Melbourne Rail Link to Sunbury (and when electrified) Melton. And as various documentation released by the Victorian Government and Public Transport Victoria has alluded to, the new high-capacity signalling system - to be rolled out as part of the <a href="http://www.transport.vic.gov.au/projects/cranbourne-pakenham-rail-corridor-project" target="_blank">Dandenong corridor project</a> - will be a precursor to allowing Melbourne trains to head down the automated path as well.

Given the same consortium will be building both the North West Rail Link and the Dandenong Corridor project in and around the same timeframes, it will be interesting to see how much of the same technology will be applied in both cities.

Lead image credit: <a href="http://nwrail.transport.nsw.gov.au/The-Project/Project-Overview" target="_blank">nwrail.transport.nsw.gov.au</a>
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Metro Trains Melbourne to operate Sydney's North West Rail Link

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Summer. The very word conjures up a sense of joy. A sense of well being. A sense of being alive again. Beaches, beer festivals, and picnics at the park. Enjoyment at last after the long hard slog of winter is nothing but a distant memory. Of course its not all good - it also means bushfires, 40 degree days, and no football (at least the real thing, not the Mickey Mouse pre season competition that's just started) for a few months yet.
And just when you thought that Nanna's pair of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle socks were the worst present you got this Christmas, the incumbent State government came up with this doozy - The summer public transport timetable.
Don't get me wrong, summer timetables can be warranted for most things; your local library may be closed over the Christmas/New year break, Joe from the Fish &amp; Chips shop round the corner may decide to take the family to Bonnie Doon for a few weeks forcing you to eat healthy for a while or more likely, live off Aunty Sue's Christmas pasta bake leftovers for a bit. The point is, none of these things are really going to massively disrupt your every day life activities.
So reducing a few train services in peak hour for a few days over Christmas, whilst the lack of people in the CBD resembles a nuclear Holocaust, shouldn't really be an issue. Except - some bright spark decided it would be a good idea to cancel every second peak hour service - FOR A WHOLE MONTH!
This wouldn't necessarily bother many people between Christmas and New Year. After the family arguments on Christmas and Boxing Day, most people spend the next few days watching Mitchell Johnson break people's arms. Thanks to the PTUA's campaign, we now have 24 hour transport on New Years, before everyone spends the following day recovering from one too many bottles of $8 Champagne.
Then, on the 2nd of Jan, we all crawl back to our jobs, everything as it was, like Christmas/New Years never happened. Everything, that is, except our public transport system.
<h2>
	"Dumb ways to <strike>die</strike> run Metro trains"</h2>
<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/Valentines-Day_HeroBanner_1200x439px_v24.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="212" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Valentines-Day_HeroBanner_1200x439px_v24.jpg?itok=qD3UoUMq" width="580"></a>
The State Government couldn't have picked a worse time - its like they extended PTV's 'Dumb ways to die' ads and created 'Dumb ways to run our train system'! January is traditionally our hottest month, and after a relative mild December, Melbourne sweltered through a roasting January this year. As is now par for the course, Metro responded by cancelling even more services. Even worse, the cancelled services were done in advance, meaning when temperatures didn't reach their predicted highs of 40+ degrees, services were still cancelled!
This resulted in horribly over crowded waits on the platforms, and even more horrible rides on the trains themselves. Predictably, the air conditioning struggled to keep up, causing even more services to be cancelled. To try to address this snowballing problem, Metro advised everyone to leave the city early if possible, causing a rush akin to a petrol buying panic during a shortage. Worse still, the Australian Open was on - major events usually result in extra services, not less.
It was a complete debacle which for the most could have been avoided. The sad part is it was all avoidable; this had nothing to do with 'scheduled maintenance' and everything to do with saving a few bucks
When unavoidable occurrences such as heat waves arise, or even self inflicted ones such as summer timetables, we have one ace up our sleeve that we never play - our V/Line trains.
How many people have standing idle at the station when the announcer quite rudely says that 'this train is not taking passengers'? But its going where I'm going! So why can't I get on? Allowing suburban passengers to travel on regional trains already happens in London, helping spread the load at peak times,as well as helping frequency at night.
As our regional network now utilizes an extension of the metropolitan zone system (as well as Myki), it would be a seamless transition.
<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/Vline-Network-Map-updated2-November-2012.gif" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="553" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Vline-Network-Map-updated2-November-2012.gif?itok=nVdyvGjP" width="580"></a>
The best part about this solution is that it would be free to implement. Sure some argue that peak hour V/Line services are already crowded too, but as suburban passengers would only be traveling for a short part of the journey, regional passengers would still have the vast majority, if not all, of the seating capacity.
<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/vlocity-420x0.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="420" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/vlocity-420x0.jpg?itok=9bRSKqaf" width="580"></a>
So whilst this solution would not cure ridiculous decisions like the summer timetable, it could at least alleviate the symptoms. So lets hope the next time those in charge mull over timetable decisions, they employ a little more common sense. Not taking a holiday whilst said summer timetable was running would be a good start!
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