RACQ’s light rail urgency

ROADSIDE assistant giant RACQ has urged the state government to deliver the light rail extension south to Coolangatta and fast-track a spate of important road upgrades.

The Queensland motoring body is speaking out before the Budget is tabled in state parliament next week in an effort to “get commuters moving” and to ease worsening congestion on the Gold Coast.

Projects RACQ wants to see prioritised include the Pacific Motorway (M1) and interchanges, the Coomera Connector (or “second M1”), the tram extension and the Kuraby to Beenleigh Rail upgrade.

RACQ head of public policy Susan Furze said: “Congestion is well above pre-pandemic levels. It’s time to increase capacity and cater to commuters’ changing travel behaviours.

“Our analysis of TMR average travel speed data reveals traffic on some stretches of the Pacific Motorway is at a crawl, with drivers travelling at around half the speed limit around Helensvale and Coomera.

“This drives home the need to accelerate the delivery of the multi-modal Coomera Connector to relieve the Pacific Motorway and provide alternative transport options to Gold Coast locals with safer, faster and more sustainable transport options.

“It’s also why funding for the continued upgrading of interchanges and delivery of smart motorway treatments along the Pacific Motorway from the Gold Coast to Brisbane is vital to keep traffic flowing safely and efficiently.”

A business case is under way for the fourth stage of the light rail to run from Burleigh Heads to the border. It is expected to follow the Gold Coast Highway south through Palm Beach to Coolangatta, via Gold Coast Airport.

No funding has been committed and it is not expected to begin construction for four years.

The RACQ wants to know how the government plans to get Coast commuters to make the most of public transport after a drop in use during the pandemic.

“Public transport patronage levels are still around 30 per cent down compared to preCovid times,” she said.

“The government should incentivise public transport and ensure it is fast, convenient and gives value for money to entice people back on board.

“Delivering the Gold Coast light rail extension south to Coolangatta and the airport, committing funding for the Kuraby to Beenleigh Rail upgrade and ensuring all the south east’s bikeways are safe and accessible will also encourage people to get out of their car for the commute.”

Ms Furze and the RACQ want. to see “money on the table” to get cracking on the projects “so drivers can spend less time in traffic and commuting and more time with family and friends”.

“It’s time the Palaszczuk government put the money on the table to get these vital projects under way so drivers can spend time less in traffic and commuting and more time with family and friends,” she said.

The Budget will be tabled on Tuesday, June 15.