NOW

that Southport, Surfers and Broadbeach have the light rail, the community can see much more clearly what impacts are likely along future sections of the track:

● Up go the highrises.

● Hello congestion.

● Goodbye village ambience/ local character.

● How much it costs to build and run.

We’re facing the loss of the unique ocean-side lifestyle that makes the Gold Coast one of the best places to live on the planet. Let’s at least put the light rail where it enhances our community. Better still, let’s see the business plan that tells us to put it on the shelf for 30 or 40 years and use the funds for a solution that improves our public transport network.

You’d be amazed at the size of the electric bus fleet you can buy and run for $1.25 billion. And how thoroughly and flexibly it could cover the streets of the expanding Gold Coast, especially if linked to a smart-phone app that tracks realtime demand. Imagine:

● Commuters, schools, unis and hospitals sorted.

● Stadiums serviced.

● Heavy rail connected.

● Airport arrivals and departures serviced.

● Sporting fields and beaches with easy access.

● Tourists could get to stuff easily.

● Events, conferences and exhibitions serviced.

● Virtually door-to-door service for everyone.

For the sake of our community, let’s get our local and state decision-makers to do it right the first time. Let’s improve our city, not stuff up our only beachside transport artery with a 30km long white elephant.

C.P.E. SMITH