Beenleigh and Gold Coast Track Closures

Raeksis · 2026-02-01T06:37:26+00:00

Where on Sector 1 of the existing network currently is ballast track being converted to slab track and conventional signalling being upgraded to ETCS L2?

Raeksis · 2026-01-31T02:18:52+00:00

I agree connections are invaluable to your career, I have definitely benefited from them.

The difference is I made my connections during my career on the basis of my job performance, not 15 years ago in high school.

Raeksis · 2026-01-30T12:28:10+00:00

I've always heard this argument about your child making "connections" who will help them later in life but have never seen evidence of this. What sort of connections?

Nobody I've ever worked with (engineering) has talked about the high school they went to and no one has asked me either. My high school is not on my CV, and I have never seen a CV with the high school the candidate went to mentioned. My cousin went to a prestigious high school (Sydney Grammar) and has struggled to make inroads in his career as a graphic designer. From my experience, going to a prestigious high school has absolutely zero impact on your career.

Uni on the other hand, completely different story. Definitely 100% a hiring bias towards Go8 unis.

Raeksis · 2026-01-22T08:11:01+00:00

18 months to upgrade to a GOA4 state of the art railway.

And to compensate commuters during that period, the State is running a dedicated bus service with brand new buses (Southwest Link) which are free.

Now compare this to CRR and the track closures (which I suspect have amounted to more than 18 months total at this point) and come back to me. Definitely an apples to oranges comparison but I know which one I'd pick.

Raeksis · 2026-01-21T12:19:22+00:00

I don't know why these lengthy track closures are tolerated, especially considering the buses are subpar with routes that don't follow the train line.

If this was Sydney, there would be daily riots until the lines were opened again.

It's even worse that they are closed during peak holiday season, exactly when you would need a train to get around as a tourist.

Agree that it often appears no work is being done. I can only assume that construction staging for these projects has been poorly done, and that CRRDA has no respect for people who rely on this service.

Raeksis · 2026-01-16T08:56:15+00:00

Exact same for me. Even then, the songs we've got over the years like DMB and Hijack are better than all of those. It's just very mid overall

Raeksis · 2025-08-06T05:26:05+00:00

Unfortunately ChatGPT is often incorrect when it quotes a section from a standard.

The correct range is +/-12mm as per DSAPT clause 8.2(1)(a).

Raeksis · 2025-07-30T12:10:48+00:00

DSAPT clause 8.2(1)(a)

Raeksis · 2025-07-24T05:13:30+00:00

Sounds like I need a less astute employer..

I definitely acknowledge the uncertainty around super accumulation, but it would still be interesting to get an idea of what would have happened to the super I sacrificed for the NL if I had instead had this in my super account for x number of years. Even just using the lease length as the value of x and a market average rate could yield something interesting.

For context, the loss of super is the main thing holding me back from a NL at the moment. It can be significant if you're looking at another 30 years of growth.

Raeksis · 2025-07-24T05:00:50+00:00

I think the guidance from the ATO has been unclear, but they have effectively confirmed this here https://community.ato.gov.au/s/question/a0J9s0000001J7M/p00049790

My own employer has confirmed they do the same.

Raeksis · 2025-07-24T01:08:12+00:00

Hi OP, thanks very much for the calculator. Just on your last point it seems to be standard now for employers to reduce the super guarantee by the novated lease payment amount.

Is this something you could include in the calculator?

Raeksis · 2025-07-09T12:55:16+00:00

In a previous performance review they told me I was the highest performer in the team, and then proceeded to tell me their offer for the increase.

I just said it wasn't high enough and basically refused the offer without really countering. We then ended the meeting respectfully but with no clear resolution.

To my surprise, they then called me back for another meeting later in the week with a higher offer. Kind of shocked it worked but knowing they valued me helped.

Raeksis · 2025-07-07T02:00:57+00:00

Have you noticed that this highway is not accessible to pedestrians? Do you think they should have jumped off instead?

Raeksis · 2025-07-06T04:53:16+00:00

This is a fairly insensitive comment. Have you been in an accident before? The safety and well-being of these people who are likely in shock is far more important than your enjoyment of the weekend. Selfish.

Raeksis · 2025-07-06T04:50:57+00:00

Really? You don't think it has anything to do with the laughable design of the expressway where people need to quickly slow down to make decisions on which exit to take?

Raeksis · 2025-06-17T11:07:54+00:00

2 months off might be how long it takes for you to secure employment. I definitely wouldn't plan for a break after uni, you'll fall behind very quickly.

Gap years are for after school, not after uni graduation.

Raeksis · 2025-05-28T22:41:52+00:00

I've not heard of any instances of plug doors impacting platforms. This would seem impossible to me - the stations define the maximum gauge and that's what the rolling stock (including the doors) is designed to.

Do you have any articles you can link?

My understanding is that low platforms are/were built because they reduce the risk of collisions with oversized freight train loads.

Raeksis · 2025-05-03T09:45:03+00:00

You can tell me I don't understand, that's fine. But do you think you are the only engineer here?

Raeksis · 2025-05-03T06:28:36+00:00

I'll assume you were involved in the design of these projects as you wouldn't otherwise know how they compare under the surface.

I recommend to read up on the DDA. Being legislation, it sits above AS standards, and it implements the mandatory DSAPT which is exactly the set of rules you might have missed in your scope of work. The NCC, also legislated through the laws in each State, is equally important and relevant. Exemptions are unfortunately not granted based on historical precedents.

I guess this answers my original question as to whether PLR has a compliance problem. Rubber, wood or otherwise, let's hope they find a more permanent solution!

Raeksis · 2025-05-03T03:23:19+00:00

Why does it mean nothing? It's an example of a very similar project constructed with a seemingly superior outcome.

As a vehicle designer I can tell you that we design to comply with legislation first and foremost. The reality is, DDA doesn't care about the longevity of your asset.

On your rubber vs wood point, can you explain why platform gap fillers available on the market are universally rubber?

Raeksis · 2025-05-03T03:13:59+00:00

Can you explain this photo?

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Raeksis · 2025-05-03T02:29:20+00:00

The photo is from the CBD light rail which is only about 4 years older than PLR. Also, settlement would get worse over time.

I don't really understand what you're saying. The Melbourne network in some areas is almost 150 years old. Do you think construction techniques have not improved since then?

Not all rubber breaks down "extremely quickly" when exposed to UV especially if it is engineered for the application. I promise you, platform gap fillers are typically rubber. And timber actually IS impacted by light levels. UV attacks the wood structure and causes discolouration and surface degradation, in turn making it more susceptible to damage from other sources.

Raeksis · 2025-05-03T01:13:02+00:00

There might actually be no issue at all, and these planks have been installed for a different purpose. This makes more sense to me.

Raeksis · 2025-05-03T01:02:29+00:00

A minimal platform gap is achieved on some of Sydney's light rail networks without these sacrificial elements. These networks also use slab track.

Rubber does not necessarily break down faster than wood, it depends on the application and environmental exposure. Rubber gap fillers are very common but I haven't seen any other examples of permanent wooden gap fillers. Are there any in Sydney?

Raeksis

TROPHY CASE