WEST IS NOT BEST

BURLEIGH MP Michael Hart is justified in calling for consideration of alternative routes for light rail to the airport.

But in doing that he has to accept his alternative, in which the tram line would veer west to the M1 and rail corridors, would blow out costs to almost impossible amounts. Mayor Tom Tate warns it would be hundreds of millions extra and the Bulletin estimates it could become a billiondollar detour. No government is going to accept that, which means there would be no funding to complete the Gold Coast’s dream of a proper and well-patronised public transport system the length of the city. Our poll today shows strong support for a tram route along the Gold Coast Highway from Burleigh to the airport. This backs the Mayor’s claim he has a mandate.

The city needs this and as the Queensland Airports Ltd CEO said yesterday, given the Coast’s growth it must happen now.