Cost dims plans for park lights

A COST estimate blowout has been blamed for a delay to installation of lights at a popular Gold Coast park.

The proposed 360m stretch of lighting at Nerang’s Swift Park was set to flow from Weedons Rd to the Bert Swift Community Centre, but the installation expected to start in July has been on hold.

The plan, which had the support of Division 5 councillor Peter Young, was previously estimated by council officers to cost about $135,000.

But according to Cr Young, the price of installation has since been upped to $300,000.

Cr Young said he was perplexed by the cost change.

“It is a massive sum of money and I don’t have that spare in the Division 5 budget,” Cr Young said.

Cr Young said he had budgeted for the installation after an 18-month campaign from residents to improve safety.

Gold Coast City Council said city officers had reviewed the quote and design, and a newly revised estimate of $140,000 had been provided, based on a solar power option that required less infrastructure to be installed.

“With the adjusted quote in place, we are waiting to see a deadline on it,” Cr Young said.