Heavy rail could bring new life to suburbs

GOLD Coast suburbs along a proposed extension of the heavy rail line would get a new lease of life if the track was built.

The next station south of Varsity Lakes is expected to be constructed between Palm Beach and Elanora, according to long-term State Government plans.

While there are no current plans to build the link, data studied by traffic engineers indicates it would likely cost hundreds of millions of dollars to complete.

Greater Southern Gold Coast Chamber of Commerce President Hilary Jacobs believes the line would bring significant benefits to the area.

“What this link would do is make it easier to connect with the state’s capital and would relieve the traffic issues we have down here,” she said.

“But at the same time this opens up a lot of opportunities too because a lot of people will be able to travel further with less hassle while bringing more people to the area.

“Further south there is the potential for further development of the airport area.”

The line, which terminates at Varsity Lakes, has not seen any extension in nearly a decade.

Southport businessman John Howe has witnessed the dramatic changes in his suburb since light rail began operating more than four years ago, including a significant increase in the student population and a raft of new businesses coming into the area.

He said the Coast’s southern suburbs would experience the same uplift.

“My view would be that as you move towards the south we must be very sensitive of the environment, to the community in those areas,” he said.

“But one must always remember that we all need to look after the future of our children and choose jobs

“Whatever we do must be determined by how we can get those children jobs.”