MP at war on light rail Hart blows up over route options
“All options point to the next stage of light rail going across Tallebudgera Bridge and south through Palm Beach, an outcome I won’t support," Mr Hart said.
“This consultation is far too limited in its scope. Be advised, I don’t consider this a proper form of consultation for the 35,000 voters I represent in the electorate who are directly involved in this stage of the light rail.”
He wants the light rail pro- gressing south to Burleigh and then west to heavy rail at Varsity Lakes rail station
Cr Tate said he had made light rail a key commitment in the 2016 election and later received a 73 per cent mandate.
“Before the election, I consulted widely and the overwhelming majority of residents said ‘build it from Broadbeach to the airport – and build it now’.
“Guess what? That means it must go through Burleigh. That’s what we are planning for right now so the State MP needs to either listen to what the people are saying or quit criticising a project the people want.’’
Palm Beach-based city councillor Daphne McDonald has backed Mr Hart.
A Department of Transport and Main Roads newsletter in 2015 indicated the proposed route would be through Palm Beach, Cr McDonald said.
“To me all of this consultation is a waste of time and money. The State Government have already made their decision,” she said.