TAKING THE PULSE AND IT’S PUMPING FOR NEW ATTRACTIONS

GOLD Coasters have spoken – and they are hungry for visitor attractions, a hospital boost but are not too bothered by the lack of Budget support for Cross River Rail.

The Budget had wins for the elderly plus tourism promotion starring the Glitter Strip while favouring the city tram network and investigating fast rail links.

The Labor Queensland Government’s pet Cross River Rail project – tipped to boost train frequency on the Gold Coast at peak times and drastically cut traffic on the grid-locked M1 – didn’t get a look in.

The Bulletin canvassed res-idents for priorities.

Ava Choi, 26, of Southport, echoed many who believed more tourism attractions were a must.

“A dive site would be good,” she said. “People go to Brisbane or the Tweed.”

A cruise ship terminal was also top of mind for many.

Pensioners received a $725-million pre-election sweetener including more financial support for residential care. These include 10,000 new home care packages and new measures to improve quality and safety of aged care.

Oxenford’s Rod Coedotta, 65, said he had hoped to see a funding boost for the homeless: “Don’t worry about everybody else. Just worry about helping homeless.”

Upper Coomera’s Sarah Dumbrell, 67, wanted more M1 backing: “Upgrade the M1 the whole way. When the M1 first opened it was fantastic. But it’s been overtaken. So many people have moved to Queensland especially to the Gold Coast.”

Helensvale’s Lyn Dennis, 73, hoped for more hospital spend: “We shouldn’t have paramedics and nurses looking after so many.”