Case for ‘green’ tram in Div 12

A CANDIDATE in the division where Gold Coast light rail will be built next is urging the council to keep pushing the green button on the project.

Mayoral contender Mona Hecke has suggested “pausing” the light rail Broadbeach to Burleigh Heads link.

But Division 12 candidate Zac Revere yesterday told the Bulletin: “The opportunity for a piece of public transport that guarantees less vehicles on the road, a lift in parking and simultaneously boosting tourism and trade would mean the difference between make or break for some.

“Locals love a local brew in the morning and understand that we need tourism in order to support our local traders. This election I remain the only candidate, within Division 12, promising to work with businesses who are within the corridor of Stage 3A to draft and implement a strategic management plan.”

Mr Revere said his plan would be central to council supporting small business during “burdensome infrastructure works”.

“I encourage all mayoral candidates to back my plan and change their style of thinking. It’s time to drop the nonsensical ‘stop the light rail’ discussion and consider realistic and strategic policy to tackle this infrastructure,” he said.

Mr Revere’s support for light rail going south to the airport has attracted strong criticism from anti-tram campaigner Karen Rowles.

On her Facebook page, Ms Rowles has previously warned Mr Revere against supporting light rail.