Let’s see light rail journey to the end for city’s future

MAYOR Tom Tate’s recognition of the importance of the city’s light rail and his passion in seeing its completion is not a new phenomenon, it goes back to when this critical public transport infrastructure was first raised.

Small business had a high stake in addressing the city’s growth and the associated gridlock that came with it.

There were all sorts of conflicting ideas as to which mode of transport would best serve the city. Not only was the conversation going nowhere but the Queensland Labor government was even considering shelving its funding in frustration.

Four men, Tom Tate, Tony White, John Preston and I, all chamber of commerce presidents, travelled to Brisbane to meet with Minister for Planning and Infrastructure Paul Lucas.

We successfully put our case for the formation of a business advisory group (BAG) for the light rail.

Initially BAG was chaired by Property Council chairman and passionate believer in the future of the Gold Coast Peter Trathen who worked tirelessly until he succumbed to cancer.

Solicitor, business identity and former Combined Chamber of Commerce President John Witheriff took over the reins.

A lot of work was done in the planning of the light rail in co-operation with Translink, long before the successful bid by Goldlinq to build it.

In the mix was plans to minimise the expected disruption during construction and the desire to maximise use of local suppliers and workforce.

We all recognised there would be objection, that there would be collateral damage but balancing that was always a strong commitment to see the entire project to its end.

Tom Tate left BAG when he declared his run for the mayoralty, John Preston and Tony White left when they stepped down from their Chamber positions and I left when stepping down as president of the Combined Chamber in 2012.

The light rail is here and it has far exceeded even our optimistic expectations. We put ourselves out there because we believed in the future and were prepared to help build it despite the challenges and criticism along the way.

Now it’s up to our Federal politicians to support our city by increasing funding for this critical infrastructure.

The Gold Coast brings so much to our nation, not only a holiday destination for all or recognition as small business capital, but also as a significant contributor to our economy.

Tom’s passion for the light rail has not wavered, neither has mine or any of those who were part of its birth.

Let’s all of us see this through so that we and those who come after us can enjoy a better future.

BOB JANSSEN, GOLD COAST