Final stop chosen for Burleigh tram
LOCALS have urged authorities to “just get on with it” and build stage three of the light rail to Burleigh.
Councillor Pauline Young yesterday announced more than 63 per cent of respondents to a public consultation had chosen a location on the Gold Coast Highway to be the final stop of the extension.
Only 26 per cent favoured a proposed alternative location on Park Avenue.
Cr Young said a clear majority of 2144 respondents were supportive of the light rail proposal. “Overwhelmingly they all said ‘just get on with it’,” she said.
Although council have said construction of the 7km extension could start in late 2019, state and federal governments are yet to commit to funding the project.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Transport Jackie Trad, while expressing support for the light rail, yesterday declined to comment on whether the state government would provide funds.
“The Palaszczuk Government is very supportive of Gold Coast light rail and are currently working closely with Gold Coast City Council on potential future stages,” she said.
The first two stages of the G:link system were 90 per cent funded by the state and federal governments, with council chipping in the rest.
A council spokesman told the Bulletin the local authority was operating under the assumption the funding model would be the same for the extension from Broadbeach to Burleigh.
However Burleigh MP Michael Hart has opposed the proposed route and launched a petition to have it changed which has gained more than 1500 signatures .
“I am supportive of stage three A but not where the council have decided that the station and route needs to be,” he said.
The council is now preparing a business case based on the finalised route and expect to present it to the state government by the end of the year.
Once the tick off is given, the state will then approach the federal government for their contribution.
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull described the proposed extension as “worthwhile” when he visited the city earlier this month, although he declined to commit to funding the project
“I think it’s a great project but of course we’ll consider any applications in the usual way,” Mr Turnbull said.
“I’m very enthusiastic about light rail generally, but particularly here on the Gold Coast, I think it’s been a huge success.”
Construction of stage two of the light rail system from Southport to Helensvale is underway and is expected to be operational in January.
About 21,000 passengers use the G: Link each day.
THE PALASZCZUK GOVERNMENT IS VERY SUPPORTIVE OF GOLD COAST LIGHT RAIL. DEPUTY PREMIER JACKIE TRAD