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Fri.15.5.20 Metro Twitter
5.32 Buses to replace trains Mernda - Epping (an external power fault). Buses may take up to 30min to arrive. For alternative transport, see the ptv website & journey planner https://ptv.vic.gov.au
- 5.52 Buses are replacing trains.
- 6.43 Trains have commenced.
5.57 Minor delays Upfield - North Melbourne (an equipment fault near Coburg).
8.03 Sunbury line: Major delays (an 'operational incident' near West Footscray). Trains may be held at platforms.
- 8.21 clearing, but stopping patterns may be changed.
12.09 Buses replace trains Frankston - Stony Point (a train fault), adding 25 min to journeys.
- 17.17 Trains will resume; the first will be the 17.54 ex Frankston.
Buses replace trains Newport - Werribee from 20.25 until 6.30 Sat 16 May (works).
21.07 Craigieburn line: Major outbound delays (ambulance).
Buses replace trains Dandenong - Pakenham from 22.00 until the last train of Sun 17 May (level-crossing works).
Buses replace trains Greensborough - Hurstbridge from 23.30 until the last train of Sun 17 May (maintenance works).

COVID-19 in Australia, Updated 10.43 on May 15, 2020.
7022 cases; 98 deaths.
Confirmed cases by state and territory: vic 1543 (18 deaths); nsw 3071 (45); qld 1054 (6); wa 552 (9); act 107 (3); sa 439 (4); tas 227 (13); nt 29 (0).

WA billionaires to transform neglected East Perth power station into 'eastern gateway to the CBD' April 18, 2020
The state government has struck a deal with two of Australia's wealthiest families to transform the neglected East Perth Power Station into the 'eastern gateway of the CBD'.
On Saturday, the McGowan government announced Kerry Stokes' Australian Capital Equity and Andrew Forrest's Minderoo Group had been chosen as the preferred joint proponent for the works, which will see a $218 million facelift of the century-old industrial landmark.
Artist's impression of the East Perth Power Station redevelopment. 
The first stage of the works will involve the construction of a mix of residential, commercial and recreational developments by the shores of the Swan River.
Artist's impressions released by the state government show a combination of retail and dining options in an industrial warehouse space, and a landscaped waterfront with boat access.
Named Koomba Kalark, which translates to 'place of the big fire' in Noongar, the project hopes to celebrate the heritage of the 103-year-old power station, which ceased operating in 1981.
WA Lands Minister Ben Wyatt said Australian Capital Equity and Minderoo Group would enter an exclusive working period with Development WA to refine the details of the proposal.
"Close to four decades after ceasing operations, the old East Perth Power Station is set to once again play an important role in our city as the heart of a thriving, modern, master-planned waterfront precinct," he said.
"The mix of residential, social and tourism opportunities this project is expected to offer will support local jobs and transform the area into the CBD’s eastern gateway."
Plans hope to transform the neglected site into a waterfront precinct. 
Following the success of the developments of Elizabeth Quay and Yagan Square, East Perth has long been destined to be next in line, with plans for the revitalisation of the power station stretching back to 2015.
Expressions of interest to develop the site were called for by the Metropolitan Redevelopment Authority in 2015, and five applicants were shortlisted, but the need to relocate the existing switchyard put the project on hold.
Three years later, in 2018, an international art foundation approached Australian multinational architecture firm Hassell to find a location for a new cultural building.
Hassell proposed a contemporary gallery at the East Perth site, connecting with the old power station at its northern end to maintain the station's historic riverfront presence, and released artists’ impressions of what such a building might look like.
The plan was discussed for a year but the funding did not eventuate.
The project was brought back to life in February last year, after Federal Member for Perth Patrick Gorman surveyed constituents on what they thought Perth needed to become a world-class city.
More than 300 Perth residents responded and the most popular option was the redevelopment of the East Perth Power Station site, a proposal more than 86 per cent of respondents supported.
Three months later, the McGowan government announced they would sink $30 million dollars into site works at the East Perth Power Station to prepare the landmark for redevelopment.
<www.watoday.com.au/national/western-australia/wa-billionaires-to-transform-neglected-east-perth-power-station-into-eastern-gateway-to-the-cbd-20200418-p54kzz.html>

McGowan to sink $30m into East Perth Power Station ahead of development May 5, 2019, 1 comment
The McGowan Government will spend $30 million on site works at the East Perth Power Station, a crucial step in preparing the 103-year-old landmark for development.
The cash, which will be set aside in Thursday's state budget, will be the largest single funding commitment towards the project since the former East Perth Redevelopment Authority took over the site in 2003.
The heritage listing means a developer would have to retain and restore the building in a manner sensitive to its history. 
The $30 million will go towards removing energy infrastructure that services the Perth CBD, such as a gas pressure reduction station and Western Power’s electricity switch-yard, as well as undergrounding the transmission line along the foreshore.
The timing and scope of the works will be finalised later this year once final feasibility studies have been considered.
According to the state government, site works will give confidence to developers who want to overhaul the site but have questioned the timing of decommissioning energy infrastructure.
An Expression of Interest process began four years ago and five proponents have been shortlisted.
The power station ceased operating in 1981 and is listed on the State Register of Heritage Places.
"For too long this site has been left to waste on the banks of our river," WA Premier Mark McGowan said.
"I want to see it progress because it provides a unique opportunity to create something special for our state.
"Many people have expressed to me a strong interest in revitalising this site and bringing life to this end of town ... there are so many opportunities here."
In February, Perth MP Patrick Gorman surveyed constituents on what they thought Perth needed to become a world-class city, and found the most popular response was the redevelopment of the East Perth site.
"In my first speech some six months ago, I raised the East Perth Power Station as a missed tourism opportunity," Mr Gorman said.
"Overwhelmingly, Perth voters are demanding action. For too long, the site has sat unused, and the heritage-listed building has been rotting on the banks of the Swan River, a prime site for redevelopment."
Metropolitan Redevelopment Authority in 2015 called for EOIs to develop the site and shortlisted five applicants.
But the existing switch-yard has to be moved before proponents can be invited to provide detailed proposals.
WAtoday reported in June 2018 that the MRA and Western Power were in discussions to “accelerate relocation”.
<www.watoday.com.au/politics/western-australia/mcgowan-to-sink-30m-into-east-perth-power-station-ahead-of-development-20190505-p51k8b.html>

While the world looked the other way, corporate giants abandoned coal May 14, 2020. 291 comments
<www.watoday.com.au/environment/climate-change/while-the-world-looked-the-other-way-corporate-giants-abandoned-coal-20200514-p54ssj.html>

Letters
15.4.20 Melbourne'Herald Sun'
* On the road to ruin. SO Dan refused to tell us what he had signed us up for with his (not ours) Belt & Road agreement with China. Well, now we know. If we don’t follow China’s demands, they will belt us and kick us down the road. Tear up the agreement, Dan. We won’t be bullied.
* Soften the blow. IT concerns me why thousands of people around train stations must listen to the loud noise from every train’s horn. I understand this sound alerts pedestrians and motorists, but thousands of people living near stations should not have to be inconvenienced by such noise. Now, the technology is very advanced, not like 100 years ago when it was at the head of the train. To alert passengers on the platform, this signal could be placed at the door of the wagon or on the platform itself. Amenity for those living around stations would improve.

May 15 2020 Tourism to Australia: Why Australia needs Chinese tourists less than we think 
<www.traveller.com.au/tourism-to-australia-why-australia-needs-chinese-tourists-less-than-we-think-h1o0ns>

Limits on train commuters, more CBD parking and bike lanes as Sydney returns to work May 15, 2020. 70 comments
The state government may be forced to open up more city parking and build temporary bike lanes as commuters avoid public transport when offices in the heart of Sydney start to reopen.
Transport experts predict the easing of pandemic restrictions will cause a surge in traffic in the coming weeks as people avoid trains, buses and ferries. The pressure on Sydney's roads will also be hit by tough social distancing rules imposed at train stations and on buses for those who do choose to take public transport.
Sydney Harbour Bridge with little traffic as seen from the Shangri-La Hotel during peak hour last month.Credit:Nick Moir
Premier Gladys Berejiklian met with ministers and senior bureaucrats this week to formulate how the city’s transport network will cope when coronavirus restrictions are lifted. A plan is expected to be rolled out in coming days.
Two sources with knowledge of the discussions say proposals under consideration include a cap on the number of people allowed on a train station at one time. Bus capacity could also be cut and new bike lanes built to encourage people to cycle into the CBD.
Opening up more parking in the city was also floated as an option to encourage people to drive instead of catching public transport.
While Sydney’s roads were largely deserted during the lockdown, transport expert Geoffrey Clifton said Transport for NSW would have to balance the needs of getting people to work with health measures aimed at preventing another outbreak.
"The roads is where we will see the first surge in demand," said Dr Clifton, a senior lecturer in transport and logistics at the University of Sydney.
The NSW government hopes better cleaning of buses will convince the public they are safe to use.Credit:Louise Kennerley
While busy or mismanaged roads will result in more traffic, Dr Clifton said trains or buses could pose a public health risk. He said the government must now "flatten the curve" when it came to peak hour commuting, and encourage businesses to allow people to work outside conventional times. Extending peak hour services is another way the government could address crowding on public transport.
"Some buses sit around empty after peak hour, but the challenge will be the cost of getting the drivers to keep them on the road for a few more hours," he said.
Transport experts predict the easing of pandemic restrictions will cause a surge in traffic in the coming weeks.Credit:Wolter Peeters
Rail, Tram and Bus Union NSW division secretary David Babineau said bus drivers would likely be open to extending peak hour services.
"Spreading people out would give drivers a better peace of mind. The problem with that is that everyone starts work at the same time and that’s always been the problem," he said.
"With people working from home, hours have been varied, there is an opportunity to try and reset the travelling pattern for the peak commutes."
Mr Babineau said Transport for NSW must either implement and police strict caps on the number of people allowed to get onto buses or provide drivers with face masks.
"Ultimately we don’t want drivers to be in a situation where they’re policing that kind of thing. This is where conflict comes and we don’t need our drivers copping any more abuse from people," he said.
Union officials are expected to meet with the government on Friday to discuss how the network will be run in coming weeks. Those discussions come amid rising tensions between the government and the union, which is fighting the privatisation of the last state-owned bus networks.
Meanwhile, University of Technology transport expert Mathew Hounsell said the government had to ensure active transport options were made available to keep people off the roads.
He said replacing some road or parking lanes with temporary bike lanes would be a quick and cheap response to the anticipated surge in traffic.
"They won’t be able to have everyone driving, it’s just not physically possible," Mr Hounsell said.
Related Article NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet. having a beer with the owner Justin Small at The Balmain. Pubs,cafes and restaurants have reopened with a limit of 10 people. Coronavirus. 15th May 2020. Photo: Edwina Pickles / SMH As the day unfolded: NSW eases COVID-19 restrictions as pubs, clubs reopen; Australian unemployment rate soars as nation's death toll stands at 98
Related Article Travel times on Sydney’s busiest roads have dropped by about a third during the coronavirus lockdown, though the city’s west has been the least affected. The impact of coronavirus lockdown on Sydney's busiest roads
<www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/limits-on-train-commuters-more-cbd-parking-and-bike-lanes-as-sydney-returns-to-work-20200514-p54t1b.html>

East Perth power station valued at just $1 in government deal with Stokes and Forrest May 15, 2020. 14 comments
The land at the centre of a $218 million redevelopment of the historic East Perth power station by two of the state's wealthiest businessmen has been valued by the state government at just $1.
Kerry Stokes' Australian Capital Equity and Andrew 'Twiggy' Forrest's Tattarang Pty Ltd – the new name of the Minderoo Group – were last month named preferred proponents by the state government to turn the 105-year-old landmark into a commercial and residential precinct.
A redevelopment of the East Perth power station is slated to cost $218 million, but the WA government is valuing the riverfront land at just $1.
The deal comes with 8.5 hectares of prime waterfront real estate.
The state government revealed the valuation under questioning from the opposition in the state's upper house.
Environment Minister Stephen Dawson, who represents lands minister Ben Wyatt in the upper house, said the four lots that made up the project precinct were worth $1 according to a valuation commissioned by the government.
This was because the cost of removing and relocating the power infrastructure on the site and subsequent decontamination would cost more than the value of the land itself.
Mr Dawson said the government was still committed to tipping in $50 million in site works which would "facilitate the activation and redevelopment of the site by the private partner".
Mr Wyatt did not respond to questions about whether FMG Resources would move its headquarters into the redeveloped power station site, but the company's chief executive Elizabeth Gaines said it was not involved in the project.
"Fortescue has recently renegotiated our lease to secure additional floor space at the Fortescue Centre and extend the term of our lease in line with our current office requirements," Ms Gaines said.
Tattarang owns a 36 per cent stake in Fortescue. Who Australian Capital Equity and Tattarang lease the commercial spaces of the power station to would be up to companies.
A state government spokeswoman said the redevelopment proposal was still in the early stages of development and would evolve.
An artist's impression of the East Perth power station redevelopment. The upper floors would be set aside for a commercial tenancy, which could be FMG Resources.
"However, the proponents have indicated that a variety of public spaces will be created to suit different visitor groups, and a 'living gallery' experience to showcase Aboriginal artworks and the strength and ingenuity of the state’s mining and resources industry," she said in a written statement released by Mr Wyatt's office.
"The proponents have committed to cultural and community elements to reflect Indigenous heritage, the history and heritage of the power station, and a demonstration of WA’s excellence in mining and resources."
"The proponents have committed to transforming this derelict and disused site to offer a fantastic foreshore experience with easily accessible public open space, cafes, restaurants and other attractions."
For the past five years there have been repeated calls and ideas for the development of a landmark scientific or cultural precinct in East Perth with the old power station site as the centrepiece, and for this to be supported by government leadership and funding at state and federal levels.
The prime waterfront land had rotted on the banks of the Swan River while the east end rapidly transformed around it.
In 2015 the space was stabilised with some basic works and the Metropolitan Redevelopment Authority called for expressions of interest to develop it.
Five applicants were shortlisted but never revealed.
A spokeswoman told WAtoday in 2018 the power station's switchyard had to be moved before these five proponents could be invited to provide detailed proposals; discussions with Western Power to accelerate this were ongoing.
Also in 2015 an international art foundation approached architecture firm Hassell to find a location for a new cultural building. Hassell proposed a contemporary gallery at the site, with exhibition and performance spaces, a river-edge cafe and theatre, connecting with the old power station at its northern end to maintain the historic riverfront presence. The concept plan won a 2016 Chicago Athenaeum International Architecture Award but nothing happened, in major part due to a lack of support, leadership or financial buy-in from government agencies.
Last year, Perth MP Patrick Gorman took up the fight after his surveyed constituents showed overwhelming support for the redevelopment of the site, raising it as a "missed tourism opportunity" and calling for community consultations.
He suggested government-led leadership, with funding and consultative planning to facilitate a scientific or cultural hub for wider Perth.
Mr Gorman said the government should not "rely on a market approach to repair an asset that has been vacant for 40 years" and suggested a community consultation to identify options and then to engage the federal government to discuss funding options.
He suggested something like a new home for Scitech as the centrepiece of a new science precinct or something like Brisbane’s The Powerhouse arts and cultural hub.
In 2019 Western Power was unable to provide WAtoday with a date the switchyard would be decommissioned.
This year there was movement at the station, but it was not an announcement of public consultations commencing or the unveiling of a vision of a cultural hub for the city.
In April the government announced Kerry Stokes' and Andrew Forrest's companies as preferred joint proponents for a $218 million commercial, residential and dining development.
A spokesman for Tattarang declined to comment because the discussions with Development WA over the project were still confidential.
A spokesman for Australian Capital Equity referred to the government's media release announcing the deal in April.
Related Article The Heritage listing means a developer would have to retain and restore the building in a manner sensitive to its history.  McGowan to sink $30m into East Perth Power Station ahead of development
Related Article Artist's impression of the East Perth Power Station redevelopment.  WA billionaires to transform neglected East Perth power station into 'eastern gateway to the CBD'
<www.watoday.com.au/national/western-australia/east-perth-power-station-valued-at-just-1-in-government-deal-with-stokes-and-forrest-20200514-p54t1k.html>

SA’s chief public health officer says people should avoid using public transport after pictures emerge of overcrowding on Adelaide trains
Adelaide 'Advertiser' May 15, 2020
South Australians are being urged to avoid using public transport where possible after pictures emerged this week showing hundreds of commuters packed into Adelaide trains. But there are concerns over mixed messages from authorities.
video: How SA's Travel & Public Transport will look and feel after COVID-19 bans ease Here’s what you may find when travelling around South Australia and abroad after COVID-19 restrictions are lifted.
•Gawler, Outer Harbor, Grange, and Belair lines hit by faults
•What is changing after COVID-19 on Adelaide public transport
South Australia’s chief public health officer says people should avoid using public transport where possible because it’s impossible to ensure social distancing.
“Look I think before we released some of the restrictions earlier this week, certainly in the last month, public transport has been very lightly used, there has not been many people on it,” Professor Nicola Spurrier told radio FIVEaa.
“Just catching public transport, there’s no problem with that but it’s just that you cannot social distance on it,” Dr Spurrier said.
“I think it would be much safer to avoid getting on any transport where you can’t do the social distancing,” she said.
“Now I know that in Adelaide there may not be alternatives for many people and one of the things is we don’t want a whole lot of cars on the road and then, having more issues from that perspective and then of course it’s expensive to park in the city, so we’re definitely working with our Department of Transport.”
The state’s deputy chief public health officer Michael Cusack cast further confusion over public transport when he said social distancing should remain on services, even amid the exemption that has been granted.
Dr Cusack said he had not seen any photos from Adelaide’s public transport network, despite them circulating widely on mainstream and social media over the past couple of days.
Full house on the Belair line.
Dr Cusack said he had seen images from London’s public transport system.
“I haven’t seen those (SA) pictures, but speaking in general terms we would need to take a look at that with respect to the frequency of services and number of carriages to ensure there can be social distancing,” he told ABC radio.
“Particularly when you see the images on the London underground, on the tube, where there are very congested trains, those instances clearly highlight a significant risk.
“It would be preferable in the first instance to not have those contacts in the first place.
“All the things we have talked about in terms of social distancing still hold when you are on a train.
“I think we need to work through that and how we can have people further apart so that there are less close contacts.”
Images emerged on Wednesday showing of passengers standing shoulder-to-shoulder in train carriages, including on the Gawler line.
SA Health guidelines urge people to maintain a minimum social distance of 1.5m, while enclosed spaces should have no more than one person per 4sq m.
Cafes are only allowed to serve people outdoors and customers are limited to a maximum of ten at any one time.
A train full of people. Picture: Dan Foster/ @back_2basics
Services on the Gawler, Outer Harbor and Belair lines have been reduced due to mechanical problems on some trains, making it busier on those that are running.
Angry commuters have raised concerns that the packed conditions could lead to a second wave of COVID-19, if there are further cases in South Australia.
However, Transport Minister Stephan Knoll told parliament on Wednesday hat the Government was handling the situation.
“This morning (Wednesday) we had officials from the chief public health officer’s office ride with departmental staff on some of the peak services, and it is very clear that the Gawler line is the line that is taking most of the pressure at the moment,” Mr Knoll said.
“As a result of that, and a briefing that I received about 15 minutes ago, the public health advice has not been for the Transport Department to do anything different from what it is doing.
“The observation from this morning is that … there is quite a density of passengers towards the front of the train, because when you get to the Adelaide Railway Station, if you get off at the front of the train, you have less to walk to get out of the train station, and with less density on the back of the train.”
Mr Knoll said as Thursday morning an extra two carriages would be put back on the Gawler line, “especially during those morning and afternoon peaks”.
“And we will do as we have consistently done over the course of this pandemic; that is, if the advice from the public health officials changes, then we will follow that advice,” he said.
A problem with the drivetrain in some of Adelaide Metro’s diesel fleet was discovered after a mechanical incident last Wednesday morning.
Only 28 of Adelaide Metro’s 70 diesel trains are currently operating, sparking a backlash from some passengers.
“I believe Adelaide Metro will single-handedly be responsible for the second wave of COVID-19 by its poor form of lessening services and carriage numbers,” commuter Dan Foster wrote on Twitter.
Picture: Twitter @_its_me_sandy
Another commuter, Sandy, was also unimpressed: “Could someone explain to me why @AdelaideMetroSA doesn’t have extra carriages on their ‘reduced services’? Carriages were packed and people were allowed to cram on the train. Not good enough,” she posted on Twitter.
The department is sourcing parts locally and from interstate to fix the carriages.
This work will be completed under warranty.
The Government hopes to have sufficient materials by Friday so it can start restoring the fleet to service.
Opposition leader Peter Malinauskas said now was “not the time for us to have trains chock-a-block”.
“What we’ve seen on both the Outer Harbor line and the Gawler line are very crowded trains at the exact time that we should be doing the opposite,” he said.
“People still need to be observing social distancing (but) they also need to be able to get to work, which is why (Premier) Steven Marshall should really reverse his cuts to public transport, put on ice his program of privatisation, so we can actually see public transport operating in a fashion that is consistent with the health requirements.”
Images from Gawler Train line, 13 May 2020. Picture: Twitter @_its_me_sandy
MORE IN news Has intersection upgrade left this gum on a road to ruin?
<www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/south-australia/officials-meeting-to-discuss-social-distancing-issues-on-trains/news-story/7117dfc458aefd7dc35bbd1c244cf8e0>

As the day unfolded: NSW eases COVID-19 restrictions as pubs, clubs reopen; Australian unemployment rate soars as nation's death toll stands at 98. May 15, 2020
* 19.40 Scenes from Sydney as lockdown gently lifts. The Sydney Morning Herald's photographers have been capturing the mood of the city in lockdown, and now slowly returning to some favourite places as restrictions on cafes, pubs, playgrounds and pools eased a little today. View the full gallery here. 
Public transport will have to assess the number of people returning to work on Monday. Credit:Dean Sewell
A Sydney Trains employee cleans surfaces at the turnstyles of Central StationCredit:James Alcock
Cafes and restaurants are reopening with a limit of 10 people. Diners inside a restaurant in Chinatown. 15th May 2020. Photo: Edwina Pickles / SMH CoronavirusCredit:Edwina Pickles
* 8.18. If you aren't catching peak hour public transport, don't start: Premier. NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian has urged people to stay away from peak hour public transport if they were not already catching it.
Speaking at her daily coronavirus briefing, the Premier said public transport had been a spreader of the virus overseas.
"We don't want any more people, at this stage, catching public transport in the peak. Do not use public transit if you're not already on the bus or the train in the morning."
The peak period is rather long: in the morning it extends from the early morning to around 11am. Ms Berejiklian said the state's public transport network was "running quite smoothly" at the moment with reduced patronage, although she was aware activity in the state was increasing particularly with school students returning to the classroom. The Premier said that she expected to be making more announcements about public transport in the future.
Related Article Transport experts predict the easing of pandemic restrictions will cause a surge in traffic in the coming weeks. Limits on train commuters, more CBD parking and bike lanes as Sydney returns to work
* 7.55 Temporary bike lanes, 'high touch zones': What the return to work might look like. The current advice from national cabinet is that people who can work from home should, if it works for them and their employer. But what will things look like when hundreds of thousands start heading into the country's city centres again? In Sydney, the state government may be forced to open up more city parking and build temporary bike lanes as commuters avoid public transport when offices in the heart of Sydney start to reopen. Transport experts predict the easing of pandemic restrictions will cause a surge in traffic in the coming weeks as people avoid trains, buses and ferries. The pressure on Sydney's roads will also be hit by tough social distancing rules imposed at train stations and on buses for those who do choose to take public transport. Meanwhile in Melbourne, Tom Cowie has spoken one of the commercial cleaners who has experienced a surge in business, and will likely be getting even more work: office "high-touch" zones such as the photocopier and your mouse and keyboard are the new focus for cleaners employed to stop the spread of the virus in offices.
The NSW government hopes better cleaning of buses will convince the public that they are safe to use.Credit:Louise Kennerley
* 6.21 In Sydney, transport reporter Tom Rabe has spoken to planning experts about what will need to be done to the city's centre as people return to work while wary of public transport (spoiler: it's bike lanes, but also some other interesting ideas)
<www.smh.com.au/national/coronavirus-updates-live-scott-morrison-foreshadows-economic-recession-as-worse-than-gfc-as-global-covid-19-deaths-near-300-000-worldwide-australian-death-toll-stands-at-98-20200514-p54t2y.html>