PIMPAMA HUSTLE
THE State Government is under pressure to build the Pimpama railway station immediately.
Developer and Pimpama City Shopping Centre owner Norm Rix welcomed the announcement it would be built just south of the centre but asked the Government to bring forward the works program.
THE State Government is under pressure to build the Pimpama railway station immediately rather than wait for Cross River Rail to be completed in 2024.
The Bulletin on Friday revealed the station designs after Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones, who is responsible for the $5.4 billion Cross River Rail project, visited the site just south of the Pimpama City Shopping Centre.
Shopping centre owner Norm Rix, one of the city’s most experienced developers, welcomed the announcement but asked the Government to bring forward the capital works program.
“This is the start to bring the services in the northern end of the Gold Coast that are desperately required,” Mr Rix said.
“The railway station will help decrease the congestion at roundabouts and the Pacific Motorway. I had hoped the Government may see the necessity for immediately acting on this study.”
Mr Rix had earlier offered to build the station in a deal with the Government and his research suggests it could be built within 18 months and opened by late next year.
The Government is committed to public consultation on the station design and yet to put a timeline on the project which transport officers want ready for the opening of Cross River Rail.
“It’s got to be realised that this area is growing at 30 per cent each year. Just imagine what it is going to be like in four or five years,” Mr Rix said.
“We should have a railway station up and running by the end of next year.”
Until the new station opens, Pimpama rail commuters will continue to drive to Coomera station where overcrowding is a major problem at its car park.
Mr Rix has warned the car park design for Pimpama railway station, which would be built on his land, should be expanded from 250 spaces to 500.
Ms Jones has welcomed the comments by Mr Rix and encouraged the business leader and other community stakeholders to make submissions during public consultation.
“We’re investing $120 million to build three new stations on the Gold Coast rail line, including a new station at Pimpama. We are keen to work with Norm to get the best outcome for the Pimpama community,” Ms Jones said.
“As a property developer in the area, Norm knows how important transport infrastructure is when it comes to growing a city.
“Norm has also been quite open about his plans for future projects in Pimpama. That’s why he’s so keen to see the Government investing in this community.
“It will be great to see what Norm delivers.”