Height claim is off track

THE Gold Coast City Council has hit back at accusations it is using a proposed extension of the light rail as an excuse to change height limits in the south of the city.

Anti-tram protester Karen Rowles has claimed the council is pushing for the light rail extension between Broadbeach and Burleigh to allow developers unlimited height limits for new projects.

A council spokeswoman has denied that is the case and said the city plan outlined the future development of the city until 2031.

“It aims to retain the lifestyle benefits of the existing communities within the southern Gold Coast, while accommodating forecast population growth and providing increased employment opportunities serviced by public transport,” she said.

“There could be some changes to existing height and density provisions, but not to the extent of allowable height in Southport, Surfers Paradise or Broadbeach.”

Following the opening of the first stage of the light rail, the State Government required the council to put unlimited height limits near the tramline in the three central suburbs.

She said any changes to the city plan would undergo “comprehensive community consultation” before being introduced.

The comments come after almost 6000 people signed a petition against the extension of the light rail between Broadbeach and Burleigh.

Burleigh MP Michael Hart said the council’s position did not change his opposition to the light rail track heading along the coast line. He said the track should head west then south along the heavy rail corridor to help ease pressure on the M1.