Tag Archives: brisbane

On-street parking charges a better solution than Harding plan

One important lesson from economics is that problems are most efficiently solved by setting prices right rather than by regulations mandating particular actions. So it is with the problem identified by Brisbane residents of being parked out of suburban streets … Continue reading

Posted in Brisbane, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , | 8 Comments

Terminating KSD contract probably provides a better return for ratepayers than proceeding

Jim Binney returns to the topic of the controversial $650 million Kingsford Smith Drive upgrade in a new guest post. From an economic point of view, avoiding costs is akin to a benefit. In fact this is the logic that … Continue reading

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Guest post on KSD upgrade features in Council debate

Last week’s excellent guest post from Jim Binney of Mainstream Economics on the Kingsford Smith Drive upgrade attracted a lot of attention, and now it has featured in the council debate on the merits of the upgrade. A Brisbane Times … Continue reading

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More transparency, but KSD upgrade still looks like a dud

Jim Binney, Principal of Mainstream Economics and Policy, has undertaken further analysis of the proposed Kingsford Smith Drive upgrade, following up his guest post from yesterday, and I am very happy to publish his critique of the business case below. … Continue reading

Posted in Transport, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Guest post on KSD upgrade by Jim Binney

I am very grateful to Jim Binney, Principal of Mainstream Economics and Policy, for preparing the guest post below on the economics of the Kingsford Smith Drive upgrade.  I share Jim’s suspicion that the project is an “economic dud.” Brisbane … Continue reading

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What does the sensitivity analysis for KSD upgrade show?

Governments and local councils would be much better off making business cases for public projects such as the $650 million Kingsford Smith Drive upgrade public before they commit to them, so they are tested by the critics and the politicians … Continue reading

Posted in Transport, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Building construction rebounded in September quarter, but still below previous highs

All the cranes on the Brisbane skyline, from the Valley and Newstead, to West End, Milton and Toowong, might suggest there is a building boom underway. Certainly activity is increasing in the building industry. Building construction work done in Queensland … Continue reading

Posted in Housing, Mining, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Courier-Mail’s Paul Syvret on my “coldly commercial prism”

Thanks to the Courier-Mail’s Paul Syvret for quoting my last post in his Saturday opinion piece on the proposed new 1,500 seat theatre for Brisbane (see Opinion: New inner-city theatre would be a boost for Brisbane, which may be behind … Continue reading

Posted in Arts, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

Australian Perspective: 2016 and beyond – keynote presentation to CPA Congress, Brisbane

I was delighted to give the opening keynote presentation at the Brisbane CPA Congress at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre this morning. My presentation slides (which I’ve slightly modified with additional headings and source information) are available to download: … Continue reading

Posted in China, Housing, Macroeconomy | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Residential property a “bright spot” in Qld economy

The Queensland Treasurer Curtis Pitt correctly noted yesterday that “The property sector is a real bright spot in the Queensland economy and it’s making a positive contribution to jobs and growth.” This is confirmed by data and casual observation. Regarding … Continue reading

Posted in Housing, Macroeconomy | Tagged , , , , , | 8 Comments