Support for light rail revealed in new study

A MAJORITY of residents and businesses support light rail as a transport option on the southern end of the Gold Coast, according to a new study released by the council.

A presentation to council’s transport committee on Tuesday revealed support for the Department of Main Roads and Transport’s multi-modal corridor study between Burleigh Heads and Tugun.

The study considered all transport modes including walking, bike riding, private vehicles and public transport to determine the preferred function of the Gold Coast

Hwy for the next 20 years.

Researchers investigated several alternative routes parallel to the highway and concluded the southern extension of the trams should follow the coastal route and service the Burleigh village centre, Palm Beach shopping strip, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, Southern Cross University and the Gold Coast Airport.

The results of the Insights Report to be shown to councillors found 68 per cent of residents and businesses indicated a “level of positive support” for the multimodal corridor study to help improve liveability and connectivity between Burleigh and Tugun.

“There is a clear preference for light rail services over dedicated bus lanes – 58 per cent light rail, 24 per cent bus lane option. The preference is mirrored across residents and businesses,” the report said.

Residents were asked whether they supported trams on the highway or a dedicated bus service to match the capacity of light rail. About 16 per cent indicated they had no preference.

The presentation, to update councillors, said the 13km extension from Burleigh to Coolangatta would provide a safe travel outcome and improve travel times.

TMR was undertaking corridor assessment, council had begun a strategic study and both would conduct community consultation in 2021-22, which included a 12-week program of face-to-face sessions and newsletter drops.

A timeline shows a detailed business case would begin in the third quarter of 2022.

The study highlighted the “important role” of buses as a public transport service. Some bus routes should be shortened or replaced such as the current route 700 and 777 buses along the Gold Coast Hwy, while other services would be maintained and improved.

At the committee meeting, councillors recommended setting limits on the portion of council’s funding commitment to light rail, and improved safety for patrons and an uplift in station design.

Palm Beach councillor Daphne McDonald said she had met with transport department officers on May 4, voicing concerns about consultation and her office being given “sparse information” to provide to concerned residents.

She said the community had “grave concerns” with the route down the narrow Gold Coast Hwy to impact on 249 properties and be reduced from four lanes to two lanes.