Plans For Stage 4 Gold Coast Light Rail Scrapped

REAL ESTATE NEWS

Plans for Stage 4 of the Gold Coast Light Rail project, that would have connected Burleigh Heads to Coolongatta, have been scrapped following what the Queensland Government described as “overwhelming local community opposition”.

The decision follows a review by the Crisafulli Government and community consultation, which saw 5,600 submissions made and packed town hall events.

The QLD Government cited the community opposition, as well as time and cost blow outs, among the key reasons for the decision.

Instead of Light Rail, the Queensland government will deliver enhancements to bus services and will direct the Department of Transport and Main Roads to undertake a multi-modal transport study for the Gold Coast region.

Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning, Jarrod Bleijie, thanked the Southern Gold Coast community for voicing their views.

“The Crisafulli Government made a clear commitment to listen to the Southern Gold Coast local community at the election and today that commitment has been delivered.

“This is about ensuring transport infrastructure projects are delivered in partnership with local communities to protect what they value most in their community and their lifestyle.”

Member for Currumbin Laura Gerber said the decision was back in the hands of the community as promised.

“Following a packed town hall and thousands of community submissions, the message is clear, with our proper consultation the community has finally been heard,” Ms Gerber said.

Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate has expressed disappointment in the decision.

“We’ve been on this journey since 2009 and in my view it’s still the one project and now it’s truncated and other solutions have to be found,” Mayor Tate said.

“The optimal solution is the Light Rail to continue onto Coolangatta and I think it will happen one day but that day is not today.”

Rose & Jones Director and Buyers Agent Oliver Dunstan said with planned new developments and population growth along the corridor, particularly in Palm Beach, thousands of new dwellings will be built for residents, “who will now need to rely on vehicles rather than a dependable tram”.

“My view is that this will ultimately have a negative effect on liveability in Palm Beach and ultimately property prices,” Mr Dunstan said.

“Tourists aren’t the most important sector when considering the future of the Gold Coast but play a big part in our economy and it is a massive blow to not offer them dependable and reliable public transport, that the tram would have offered, from what is a busy international airport.”

Work continues on Stage 3 of the Light Rail project which will connect Broadbeach south to Burleigh Heads.