TRAMS REVOLT
Tate rules out Spit, council scraps Burleigh plan
THE third stage of the light rail will not travel through Main Beach or along the Esplanade in Burleigh Heads it has been revealed.
The third stage, from Broadbeach to Burleigh Heads, is set to go to community consultation next month and the Esplanade has now been completely ruled out.
City Infrastructure chairwoman Dawn Crichlow said the Gold Coast Hwy was the most likely route.
“It’s not economically viable to put it by the beach,” she said. “You have to have people getting on from both sides.”
Cr Crichlow said by setting the tramline back a few blocks from the beach it increased the number of people in walking distance of the stations. Deputy Premier and Transport Minister Jackie Trad said the council and State Government had been having positive discussions about stage three.
“Gold Coast Light Rail has completely transformed transport on the Gold Coast and we are fully supportive of further developing the line to provide the best outcomes for the coast,” she said.
“We will be considering any funding commitment as part of the upcoming Budget.”
The community consultation for the proposed routes will begin on June 4.
The decision to scrap the Burleigh Esplanade comes as Mayor Tom Tate ruled out running a spurline through Main Beach and the Spit.
On Wednesday he ruled out a Tedder Ave route and yesterday went even further, ruling out the Spit all together.
The tramline through Main Beach has been controversial since it was announced earlier this year, blindsiding the State Government who were not aware of the plans.
The Bulletin has obtained a letter from Deputy Premier and Transport Minister Jackie Trad which reveals the Government was not informed that Cr Tate on April 2 was releasing four potential tram lines to The Spit.
Surfers Paradise MP JohnPaul Langbroek said a masterplan was needed for The Spit and Main Beach.
“Time and time again we’ve seen the Main Beach community go into panic mode because of the current ad hoc method of announcing plans,” he said.