Desert island drop-off

Businesses in one of the Gold Coast’s busiest precincts say the area is “becoming” an island as light rail construction continues to plague the suburb.

In July 2022, Gold Coast City Council appointed GoldlinQ to oversee the construction of light rail Stage 3, in which the route will be extended from Broadbeach to Burleigh Heads.

On April 29, contractor John Holland announced they would close Albicore St for six months, which would stop straight and right-turn traffic out of Chairlift Ave.

“The works at Albicore St involve the relocation or replacement of five separate utilities,” a GoldlinQ statement said.

The GoldlinQ statement added a new left-turn out southbound on to the Gold Coast Highway north of Nobby Beach was reopened. “(This) allows motorists to more easily exit the precinct and pavement works have been completed, improving the look of the area.”

Bine Bar and Dining owner Scott Imlach said the traffic changes were “another kick in the teeth” for Nobby Beach businesses.

“(We) are already suffering pain and now residents who continue to support Nobby’s businesses are being cut off as it is becoming an island.”

Sparrow Coffee owner Brooke Hudson said their business relied on the local community and the traffic changes were the “final nail in the coffin”.

Ms Hudson said they had created a strong foundation after being in the area for 10 years, but had taken a hit with the light rail construction.

“No car parks completely

Sparrow Coffee owner

destroys our opportunity to serve anyone local who isn’t within walking distance of the shops,” she said.

Ms Hudson said the traffic changes meant they were losing 30 parking spaces on their end of the Nobby Beach precinct.

“With no access to our store from the south, or west nor the ability for anyone to right turn north out of Chairlift Ave means that customers have no way to access our stores,” she said.

Ms Hudson said they were notified about the Chairlift Ave closure seven days before residents. Business owners were “not told this would be a sixmonth closure at any meeting”.

“(There has been) a lack of transparency and communication from council around the final plans and dates,” she said.

“We are frustrated as there has been constant passing of the buck regarding dates for construction, which makes it impossible for us to plan and mitigate impact.”

Division 12 councillor Nick Marshall, who has a physio business and a home along the route, said there had been a “number of issues” raised about the light rail’s night works.

“Unfortunately though, through community consultation and discussions post the completion of stage 2, it was determined that the build could be achieved far quicker, with less overall impact on local businesses if they worked through the night,” he said.

Mr Marshall said he “sympathised” with businesses and residents who had been affected by the construction.

“No matter how you spin it, to build such a significant piece of city infrastructure, you are going to have considerable impact across homes and businesses,” he said.

Mr Marshall said while there was some detrimental impacts to businesses along the route, he believed there needed to be a “far better” public transport system along the Coast due to the population boom.

“While the disruption is annoying at the moment, it will allow for smoother access to facilities and businesses long term.”

In September, Mr Imlach said the stage 3 construction was causing him to lose $15,000 to $20,000 a week at some of his venues along the route.

In March 2023, I Like Ramen owner Dominic Benjamin said they closed due to the flow-on effect from Covid-19 and the impact of light rail stage 3 construction.

Mr Marshall said his business had been “severely impacted”. “But I have to remain positive and echo that sentiment to other small businesses in the area that longer term it brings new people, new money and a chance for longer success.”

With no access to our store from the south, or west nor the ability for anyone to right turn north out of Chairlift Ave means that customers have no way to access our stores. Brooke Hudson