MAYOR TOM TATE

lay; heavy rail costs around $200 million per kilometre; the city’s light rail story is one of exceptional patronage; light rail reduces the reliance on motor cars; and we are a city that needs to plan for considerable population growth.

Planning for that growth means building upwards, not outwards. At the same time, we still need to be able to get around and light rail is a big part of the answer.

The current 2013-2031 City Transport Strategy specifically identifies the role of light rail in our future growth. I note smart cities like Newcastle, Canberra and Sydney are now rolling out light rail.

As we grow, building upwards through sensible in-fill and high rise means we can ensure our lifestyle is protected, without the western suburban sprawl that has choked the likes of Sydney and Melbourne.

Light rail is effectively our future transport spine, running from Helensvale to Coolangatta via the airport. Smart cities plan their transport spine and then overlay their city planning instruments to allow for that development. That’s what we have done.

Let’s support the sensible, strategic and cost effective evolution of our city’s future transport spine. After all, that’s what the majority wants.