Residents, council to liaise on Capri work

GOLD Coast canal estate residents will stop a planned mass rally, and instead work with council on a compromise as trees are removed for a bridge upgrade to Surfers Paradise.

The Isle of Capri resident group had planned a community wreath-laying ceremony this month aware the trees in John Fraser Memorial Park on Surfers Paradise bridge side could not be saved.

Save Our Streets Alliance spokeswoman Suzy Richter said the decision to call off the protest was made after a meeting where council officers agreed to “soften the impact of the bridge works on the community.

The council in May 2017 announced a $34 million bridge would run parallel to the existing one but plans made public in the past few months including road changes along Via Roma shocked residents.

“Residents are concerned about a range of issues including traffic, noise, rat running, loss of parking, destruction of trees and the safety of schoolchildren,” Ms Richter said.

“The political decision to go ahead with the new bridges project was made without any consultation with local residents and council officers have been given the responsibility to see it through.

“At a recent meeting with residents, council officers indicated a willingness to work with locals in the future to minimise wherever possible the impact of this unpopular project during the two-year building process and address issues as they arise.”

Residents have been promised council will restore Roma Park opposite the Capri on Via Roma shopping centre.

“We appreciate the council officers’ good intentions and while we still disagree with the overall bridge concept, we intend to work with them and make the best of a bad situation for the island,” she said.

Area councillor Gary Baildon maintains the planning for the project has been extensive, considered and undertaken by experts.