Labor’s change of track on rail
LABOR is ramping up its federal election campaign on the Gold Coast, talking up Cross River Rail after being accused of “missing a free kick” on light rail.
Gaven MP Meaghan Scanlon and Moncrieff Labor candidate Tracey Bell were at Nerang railway station yesterday handing out brochures which explain how the Palaszczuk Government was building Queensland’s biggest infrastructure project.
The ALP is expected to continue the campaign which targets Coast commuters to Brisbane in the morning peak hour, taking the heat off the party over the tram funding row.
Political commentators and community groups have questioned Labor missing the opportunity to stump up an extra $45 million to ensure light rail was extended south from Broadbeach to Burleigh.
Both federal leaders are pledging about $112 million, about 15 per cent of the total costs and down from the Commonwealth’s 22 per cent contribution for the second stage of light rail. The Federal Government committed 38 per cent to Stage 1.
Political analysts predict Labor Leader Bill Shorten by agreeing to the extra $45 million will secure the marginal northern Coast seat of Forde, which the LNP’s Bert van Manen holds with a margin of 0.9 per cent.
But Labor senses it is on a winner with Cross River Rail, with the State Government forced to foot the entire bill and the Morrison Government refusing to offer any help on a project which will dramatically cut short train travel to Brisbane.
“We’re focused on building the major infrastructure Queenslanders need and delivering local jobs,” Ms Scanlon said. “That is what this $5.4 billion Cross River Rail project is about.
“Cross River Rail will enable a train to leave for Brisbane on the Gold Coast line
THREE NEW RAIL STATIONS WILL SERVE THE GOLD COAST’S GROWING POPULATION, AND HELP EASE CONGESTION
every five minutes on average in the morning peak, the capacity for 3150 extra seats and save up to 15 minutes in travel time.”
Ms Scanlon said the project would enable the State Government to meet its own election commitments of three new Gold Coast train stations at Pimpama, Helensvale North and Worongary.
“These three new rail stations will serve the Gold Coast’s growing population, and help ease congestion pressure on key arterial roads, including the M1,” she said.