I am going to have a first go at making a policy proposal, around mass transportation and sustainability. This is a bit of a focus area for me and based on what I have been able to gather from research. Feedback on style, level of detail and specifics are welcome.
Policy Title: Mass Transportation Policy
Policy Focus Area: Transport/Sustainability Tier of Government: State/Federal
Policy Vision
The impact on the planet due to how we currently travel is unacceptable, both in terms of well-publicised pollution but also the amount of injury and death our travel causes to our wild life and the impacts to ourselves within our built environments with unsafe roads due to high-speed travel and noise pollution.
Civil Voice believes that we should invest in more efficient and less impactful forms of transport. The evidence currently tells us that is primarily electrified rail transport and we should invest in this for the medium and long terms, in particular prioritising rail transport over road expansion when addressing traffic congestion. However a lot of the required infrastructure will take years or potentially decades to build. In the short term we should ensure that our bus network is fit-for-purpose so that we can build more sustainable communities - while also improving the safety and quality of those communities - as quickly as possible.
We should however continue to invest in the road network where necessary to make sure it is safe - both for those inside and outside of vehicles - along with being effective and well maintained.
Policy Objectives
The Civil Voice Mass Transportation Policy focuses on delivering efficient and convenient de-carbonised transportation in the short, medium and long terms.
This policy is based on the assumption that frequent, convenient and electrified rail travel will remain the most efficient and sustainable form of transport both at high population density (such as within metropolitan Melbourne) and for medium-to-high volume long distance travel. Civil Voice will monitor technological developments[1] to ensure that this policy remains reflective of the current evidence-based best-practice.
This policy advocates for-
Immediate planning and construction to extend electrified suburban rail services to the growth corridor of Melton.
The immediate development of a comprehensive Bus Policy for metropolitan Melbourne, regional cities and towns. This policy must define minimum service levels for different population densities in terms of distance to available routes, frequency and hours of service for all residences in those areas.
A requirement that bus services at least meeting these minimum service levels be provided to all newly constructed housing developments prior to residents moving in.
The focus of investment in the road network should be on improving the safety and quality of existing roads rather than expansion. There should be a focus on separating high speed rural roads, bringing up to standard currently underfunded roads - such as the Western Freeway - and upgrading currently unsafe intersections and roads.
The planning and construction of Melbourne Metro 2 to begin in the medium term and to include a connection from Newport to Sunshine allowing services to Melton to use this new cross-CBD link. This will avoid capacity constraints for Melton services and will also improve the resilience of all north western suburban lines by providing an alternative connection between Sunshine and the CBD.
In the medium term, identify where bus routes - particularly in the outer suburbs of Melbourne and in regional city centres - can be ‘upgraded’ to dedicated bus lanes or even further to dedicated light rail (trams) to increase capacity and reliability but where the full capacity, speed (and also cost) of heavy rail is not needed. Develop a framework that provides criteria for determining the appropriate transport mode based on usage patterns and population density.
The planning and construction of frequent electrified express ‘intercity’-style services from Melbourne to the regional centres of Ballarat, Bendigo, Geelong, Seymour and Traralgon by the late 2030s.
The planning and construction of electrified long-haul-style services from Melbourne to the remainder of the V-line network by the late 2040s, completing the de-carbonisation of the network.
Investigate the viability of reinstating rail services to Mildura, Cobram and Leongatha by the early-to-mid 2030s, to Healesville (Yarra Valley) by the 2040s along with the viability of a central regional loop - providing (or in a number of cases reinstating) direct connections between Geelong, Ballarat, Kyneton/Woodend and Seymour - also by the 2040s.
The progressive upgrade[2] of the North East railway line to allow for a car-and-air-competitive rail service between Melbourne and Sydney and Melbourne and Canberra by the early 2040s.
A National Passenger Rail Operator[3] to oversee, develop and market interstate electrified long-haul rail travel, including the development of high-speed routes and other modes such as sleeper trains.
I spent a bit of time thinking about this before replying.
It think there are a number of policies here not just one that covers them all.
So federal policy is as it stands
Then each point is its own state policy.
Or local policy that is applicable to an area like Ballarat as an example.
I think this important to show this, so people can see the depth of the effect, and how it would be applicable to them.
My example, would be someone who looks at the federal level and not seeing any personal connection, ignores it, saying “I don’t care.” If they come across a policy and it’s about local roads, they get it. because the “local” is not lost, as it would be in the larger document to them.
Does that make sense?
Also we are civil voice, our tone should be considered, thoughtful, collaborative and engaging.
I feel that there are plenty of folk that use a demanding, urgent, immediate tone all the way through to table thumping Trump est fuckery.
While they will always have an audience, if there is reasonable calmer voice as an alternative smart people will turn to that instead.
We should endeavour to clearly define that language and stay in our lane when it comes to that.
Thanks @Cameron, it’s great feedback. I’ll try and do some restructuring based on your feedback.
Your feedback on tone also makes sense. I think it will probably take a bit of back and forth for us to settle on the tone we want for the party. I will look at adjusting what is here to be more in line with your suggestions.
Hi @Simon_Pilkington i had a crack at breaking you policy into federal, state and local policies, I would love your feed back on the structure and whether it captures your thinking
Policy Title: National Mass Transportation Strategy
Policy Focus Area: Sustainable and Efficient Transport Infrastructure
Tier of Government: Federal
Policy Vision: To establish a comprehensive, nationwide mass transportation system that prioritizes electrified rail transport and efficient bus networks to reduce carbon emissions, enhance safety, and promote community well-being.
Policy Objective:
Immediate planning and construction of electrified suburban rail services extension to the growth corridor of Melton.
Development of a comprehensive Bus Policy for metropolitan areas, regional cities, and towns with defined minimum service levels.
Requirement for minimum bus service levels in all newly constructed housing developments prior to residents moving in.
Focus on improving the safety and quality of existing roads rather than expansion, including separating high-speed rural roads and upgrading unsafe intersections.
Commencement of planning and construction of Melbourne Metro 2, including a connection from Newport to Sunshine, to improve service resilience and capacity.
Identification and upgrade of bus routes in outer suburbs and regional city centers to dedicated bus lanes or light rail based on usage patterns and population density.
Planning and construction of electrified express intercity-style services from Melbourne to regional centers by the late 2030s.
Planning and construction of electrified long-haul services to complete the decarbonization of the V-line network by the late 2040s.
Investigation into the viability of reinstating rail services to select regional areas by the 2030s and 2040s.
Progressive upgrade of the North East railway line to enable competitive rail service between Melbourne, Sydney, and Canberra by the early 2040s.
Establishment of a National Passenger Rail Operator to oversee interstate electrified long-haul rail travel, including high-speed routes and sleeper trains.
Summary:The Civil Voice Party advocates for the implementation of a National Mass Transportation Strategy to address pressing issues in Australia’s transport infrastructure. This strategy focuses on establishing a comprehensive, nationwide mass transportation system centered around electrified rail transport and efficient bus networks. The primary goal is to reduce carbon emissions, enhance safety, and promote community well-being.
Immediate actions include extending electrified suburban rail services to the growth corridor of Melton and developing a comprehensive Bus Policy for metropolitan and regional areas with defined minimum service levels. The policy also mandates minimum bus service levels in newly constructed housing developments and prioritizes safety improvements on existing roads over expansion.
Long-term objectives involve planning and constructing electrified express intercity-style services to regional centers, completing the decarbonization of the V-line network, and reinstating rail services to select regional areas. Additionally, the policy aims to upgrade key railway lines to enable competitive rail service between major cities and establish a National Passenger Rail Operator to oversee interstate electrified long-haul travel.
Overall, this strategy aligns with the Civil Voice Party’s vision for a sustainable and efficient transport infrastructure that benefits both the environment and the community’s well-being.
Policy Focus Area: Efficient and Sustainable Transport Solutions
Tier of Government: State
Policy Vision: To prioritize electrified rail transport and efficient bus networks to provide sustainable and accessible transportation options for residents across the state, enhancing safety and reducing environmental impact.
Policy Objective:
Immediate planning and construction of electrified suburban rail services extension to the growth corridor of Melton.
Development of a comprehensive Bus Policy for metropolitan areas and regional cities with minimum service level requirements.
Requirement for minimum bus service levels in all newly constructed housing developments prior to residents moving in.
Focus on improving the safety and quality of existing roads, including upgrading unsafe intersections and roads in underfunded areas.
Commencement of planning and construction of Melbourne Metro 2 to improve service capacity and resilience.
Identification and upgrade of bus routes in outer suburbs and regional city centers to dedicated lanes or light rail where appropriate.
Investigation into the viability of reinstating rail services to select regional areas.
Progressive upgrade of key railway lines to enable faster and more competitive rail services.
Collaboration with the National Passenger Rail Operator to enhance interstate rail travel options.
Summary: The Civil Voice Party suggests the State Sustainable Transport Plan to address transportation challenges and promote a sustainable future. This plan emphasizes prioritizing electrified rail transport and efficient bus networks to offer accessible and eco-friendly travel options for residents. By enhancing safety and reducing environmental impact, the plan aims to create a better transport system for all. The proposal includes immediate electrified rail services to growing areas like Melton, a detailed Bus Policy ensuring minimum service levels in cities and towns, guaranteeing sufficient bus services in new housing areas, focusing on fixing unsafe roads, especially in underfunded regions, starting planning and building Melbourne Metro 2 for better transport capacity, improving bus routes in suburban and city areas, potentially with dedicated lanes or light rail, and exploring bringing back rail services to regional areas.
.Policy Title: Local Sustainable Transport Initiative
Policy Focus Area: Sustainable and Safe Transport Solutions
Tier of Government: Local
Policy Vision: To enhance local transport infrastructure, focusing on efficient bus networks and road safety improvements, while aligning with broader state and national strategies for sustainable transportation.
Policy Objective:
Support for the development of a comprehensive Bus Policy for metropolitan areas and regional cities, ensuring adequate service levels.
Collaboration with state and federal authorities to prioritize road safety improvements, including upgrades to unsafe intersections and roads.
Advocacy for the extension of electrified suburban rail services to accommodate local commuting needs.
Implementation of local transport initiatives to improve connectivity and accessibility, such as cycling lanes and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure.
Integration of local transport plans with broader regional and state strategies for sustainable transportation.
Engagement with residents and stakeholders to gather input and ensure the alignment of local transport initiatives with community needs.
Support for initiatives promoting active transportation modes, such as walking and cycling, to reduce reliance on private vehicles and mitigate environmental impact.
Summary: The Civil Voice Party proposes the Local Sustainable Transport Initiative to address local transportation challenges with a focus on sustainability and safety. Their vision is to improve local transport infrastructure by prioritizing efficient bus networks and road safety measures while coordinating efforts with state and national strategies for sustainable transportation. Objectives include developing a comprehensive Bus Policy, collaborating with authorities for road safety improvements, advocating for electrified suburban rail services, implementing local transport initiatives, integrating plans with broader strategies, engaging with communities, and supporting active transportation modes.
Tags: #SustainableTransport#SafeCommute#LocalInfrastructure#CommunityEngagement#GreenTravel#PublicTransportation#CivilVoice
Thanks @Cameron. I had been working on this a bit in the background so I have done a bit of work to combine the two, move some things around and clarify some points. Let me know what you think, thanks!
Policy Title: National Mass Transportation Strategy
Policy Focus Area: Sustainable and Efficient Transport Infrastructure
Tier of Government: Federal
Policy Vision: To establish a comprehensive, nationwide mass transportation system that prioritizes electrified rail transport and efficient bus networks to reduce carbon emissions, enhance safety, and promote community health, cohesion, and well-being.
Policy Objective:
Progressive upgrade of the North East railway line to enable competitive rail service between Melbourne, Sydney, and Canberra by the early 2040s.
Establishment of a National Passenger Rail Operator to oversee interstate electrified long-haul rail travel, including high-speed routes and sleeper trains.
A National Mass Transportation Strategy that coordinates between the new National Passenger Rail Operator and state-based agencies to create a comprehensive and consistent transportation network.
Summary: The Civil Voice Party advocates for the implementation of a National Mass Transportation Strategy to address pressing issues in Australia’s transport infrastructure. This strategy focuses on establishing a comprehensive, nationwide mass transportation system centered around electrified rail transport and efficient bus networks. The primary goal is to reduce carbon emissions, enhance safety, and promote community health, cohesion, and well-being.
The policy also aims to upgrade key railway lines to enable competitive rail service between major cities and establish a National Passenger Rail Operator to oversee interstate electrified long-haul travel.
Overall, this strategy aligns with the Civil Voice Party’s vision for a sustainable and efficient transport infrastructure that benefits both the environment and the community’s well-being.
Policy Title: Victorian Sustainable Transport Plan
Policy Focus Area: Efficient and Sustainable Transport Solutions
Tier of Government: State
Policy Vision: To prioritize electrified rail transport and efficient bus networks to provide sustainable and accessible transportation options for residents across the state, enhancing safety and reducing environmental impact.
Policy Objective:
Immediate planning and construction of electrified suburban rail services extension to the growth corridor of Melton.
The development of a comprehensive Service and Capacity Framework for metropolitan Melbourne, regional cities and towns. This policy must define minimum service levels for different population densities in terms of transport mode/capacity, distance to routes, frequency and hours of service.
Requirement that the service levels specified in the framework appropriate for the approved population density be provided for all newly constructed housing developments prior to residents moving in.
Following the model the successful Level Crossing Removal Project, identify and prioritise projects to bring the public transport network in line with the framework, including improving interchanges between different transport modes, adding missing services or the upgrade of bus routes in outer suburbs and regional city centers to dedicated bus or light rail lanes.
Focus on improving the safety and quality of existing roads, including upgrading unsafe intersections and roads in underfunded areas.
Commencement of planning and construction based on the Rail Futures Institute’s East West Metro Rail to improve service capacity and resilience.
Investigation into the viability of reinstating rail services to now unserved regional areas based on population size, or the potential for commuter or tourism travel. Also investigate the viability of reinstating direct rail services between major regional centers.
Planning and construction of electrified express intercity-style services from Melbourne to regional centers by the late 2030s.
Planning and construction of electrified long-haul services to complete the decarbonization of the V-line network by the late 2040s.
Summary: The Civil Voice Party proposes the Victorian Sustainable Transport Plan to address transportation challenges and promote a sustainable future. This plan emphasizes electrified rail transport and efficient bus networks to offer accessible and eco-friendly travel options for residents. By enhancing safety and reducing environmental impact, the plan aims to create a better transport system for all along with healthier and more vibrant communities.
The proposal includes immediate electrified rail services to growing areas like Melton and a detailed Service and Capacity Framework ensuring minimum service levels in cities and towns. This will also guarantee sufficient services in new housing areas and that the density being built is appropriately supported by the provided infrastructure. The Party also advocates for focusing on fixing unsafe roads, especially in underfunded regions, starting planning and building East West Metro Rail for better transport capacity, improving bus routes in suburban and city areas, potentially with dedicated lanes or light rail, and exploring bringing back rail services to regional areas.
Policy Title: Local Sustainable Transport Initiative
Policy Focus Area: Sustainable and Safe Transport Solutions
Tier of Government: Local
Policy Vision: To enhance local transport infrastructure, focusing on efficient bus networks and road safety improvements, while aligning with broader state and national strategies for sustainable transportation.
Policy Objective:
The development of a comprehensive Service and Capacity Framework for metropolitan Melbourne, regional cities and towns. This policy must define minimum service levels for different population densities in terms of transport mode/capacity, distance to routes, frequency and hours of service.
Collaboration with state and federal authorities to prioritize road safety improvements, including upgrades to unsafe intersections and roads.
Advocacy for the extension of electrified suburban rail services to accommodate local commuting needs.
Implementation of local transport initiatives to improve connectivity and accessibility, such as cycling lanes and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure.
Integration of local transport plans with broader regional and state strategies for sustainable transportation.
Engagement with residents and stakeholders to gather input and ensure the alignment of local transport initiatives with community needs.
Support for initiatives promoting active transportation modes, such as walking and cycling, to reduce reliance on private vehicles and mitigate environmental impact.
Summary: The Civil Voice Party proposes the Local Sustainable Transport Initiative to address local transportation challenges with a focus on sustainability and safety. This vision is to improve local transport infrastructure by prioritizing efficient bus networks and road safety measures while coordinating efforts with state and national strategies for sustainable transportation. Objectives include developing a comprehensive Service and Capacity Framework, collaborating with authorities for road safety improvements, advocating for electrified suburban rail services, implementing local transport initiatives, integrating plans with broader strategies, engaging with communities, and supporting active transportation modes.
Tags: #SustainableTransport#SafeCommute#LocalInfrastructure#CommunityEngagement#GreenTravel#PublicTransportation#CivilVoice
I think this great. The structure helps clarify the areas, federal, state and local, the ideas are clear and thoughtful and serves a good modelling of how we would like people to present their ideas.
Thanks Cameron, if we are happy with this, how do we want to proceed? Do we want to try out the full proposal process to see how it goes or just agree between ourselves?
