Going south creates vital transport spine

SINCE 2012, when I was first elected, I have kept a key promise to the community – that is, listen to the majority while respecting the concerns of others.

In November 2015, this council engaged in one of the most comprehensive community surveys in its history.

The subject was the extension of light rail, south from Broadbeach. It was an “open book’’ approach in which we gave every resident and business a voice. The key focus was on possible alternative routes south.

Several routes were proposed including a light rail corridor direct to the airport, as well as some western route options.

The survey attracted 3606 responses, with 79 per cent supporting light rail from Broadbeach to Burleigh, and 70 per cent backing light rail direct from Burleigh to the airport. Importantly, the majority made it clear they wanted the shortest and most direct route from Broadbeach to Burleigh and on to the airport and Coolangatta – so a direct coastal route following the Gold Coast Highway.

No one can say they did not have the opportunity to have their voice heard as the survey was backed with widespread media reporting, mobile information marquees, staff at weekend market stalls, online survey tools and an array of information provided to councillor offices.

As Mayor, I don’t do “popular politics’’ very well. It’s not in my blood and I urge career politicians to quit trying to be popular and stick to the facts.

The facts are: light rail costs around $70 million a kilometre to