ROAD PLAN TIMING VITAL
THE Gold Coast is growing at a rapid rate and our road network to must grow with it.
In just 16 years the city’s population is expected to peak at one million, several years earlier than previously forecast.
Over the past two months the Bulletin has revealed important data regarding population and city planning.
We have campaigned for solutions to the congestion issues plaguing the city, as part of our Golden Age campaign.
A planning document found on the Gold Coast City Council website reveals the city will spend more than $700 million on roads over the next 13 years.
The Bulletin uncovered the detailed road works list buried deep in the council’s online City Plan. The document, which has not been publicly promoted, includes which existing roads will be upgraded and reveals new roads to be built around upcoming developments. Works will be staggered between 2021 and 2031.
The state’s peak motoring body, RACQ, and leading Australian demographer Mark McCrindle have applauded the council’s forward planning. But many of the areas identified for upgrade need work now, not in three, 10 or 13 years.
It is encouraging that Mr McCrindle, a renowned expert in his field, recognises the Gold Coast as an area with better forward planning than Sydney.
But that doesn’t change the fact that residents in our north are spending more than 20 minutes in their car to move 150m.
The reality is, our population could hit a million even earlier than expected. The forecast has already changed many times.
Upgrades including Isle of Capri and Main Beach are scheduled to be completed within three to eight years while desperately needed upgrades in the north, like Pimpama, are still at least a decade away.
The council has indicated there is room to move within their road network plan, hinting some areas may be fast-tracked.
We can only hope this is the case because it is scary to think how long it might take to travel 150m without urgent upgrades in our northern suburbs.
We want the Gold Coast to grow, to succeed and to prosper — but we also want it to be liveable.