Boom in the pipeline
Tradies flat out on light-rail project
WHEN it comes to maximising opportunities from the economic boom generated by the Commonwealth, carpenter Corey Vogt is nailing it.
The 27-year-old Coast local has been one of about 1000 workers building Stage 2 of the Gold Coast light-rail.
Due to be finished before next year’s Commonwealth Games, the $420 million project will extend the light-rail line from the Gold Coast University Hospital and Griffith University to Helensvale.
The 7.3km extension will provide a direct link to the Gold Coast-Brisbane rail line, giving commuters seamless public transport to Surfers Paradise and Brisbane.
Mr Vogt, who has been working as a leading hand on the project for 18 months, said that local tradies were rejoicing at all the Commonwealth Games-inspired activity.
“Everyone’s pumped and flat out,” he said. “The lightrail is definitely a good project for the locals because it’s providing a really important piece of infrastructure for the Coast, as well as heaps of jobs.
“It certainly beats the treacherous drive up the M1 to Brisbane, which a lot of guys had to do during the GFC when things were really tough.”
Mr Vogt said that with tradies cashed-up, the wider Gold Coast economy was benefiting from increased spending on dining, entertainment and retail.
“It definitely makes things a bit more fun for workers and their families,” he said. “I’ve got a couple of other businesses, including a clothing line and a wave-pool project, which I’m putting my money into – so the work’s great.”
Mr Vogt said he hoped the third stage of the light-rail, from Broadbeach to Coolangatta, would proceed after the Commonwealth Games.
“We need more projects like this to provide employment and keep the Coast moving,” he said.