Brisbane cross-river tram line the Greens’ latest pitch ahead of Brisbane City Council election
A tram line connecting Mount Gravatt to Hamilton via the Story Bridge has been savaged as ‘something out of Harry Potter’. SEE THE MAP
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A tram line connecting Mount Gravatt to Hamilton via the Story Bridge would be investigated if the Greens gain power in Brisbane City Council next month.
A Greens-led council would put $10 million into commissioning a delivery study and undertaking public consultation for bringing light rail back to the River City.
Greens lord mayoral candidate Jonathan Sriranganathan said if the delivery study and public consultation was positive, he would then make a case for State and Federal funding.
The proposed light rail route runs from Westfield Mt Gravatt, up Kessels Rd, Beaudesert Rd, and Ipswich Rd, across the Story Bridge, into Fortitude Valley alongside the Brunswick Street Mall, weaves through Newstead, before finishing near Eat Street Markets at Hamilton.
“There are so many major destinations along this proposed alignment, including Griffith University, QEII Hospital and the PA Hospital,” Mr Sriranganathan said.
“But the deeper need for this project comes from the major new high-density precincts on the horizon in Woolloongabba, Kangaroo Point, Newstead and Hamilton.”
Mr Sriranganathan acknowledged the idea involved “repurposing car lanes” which was a big task, but he said the planned route deliberately ran along wide road corridors.
“This proposal would revolutionise transport in our city. Brissie residents are sick of the major parties tinkering around the edges with public transport reform,” he said.
“The LNP are calling for more toll tunnels, we’re calling for high-frequency light rail.
“Light rail makes our cities quieter, our air cleaner, and can revitalise suburban high streets degraded by noisy, dangerous car traffic.
“If we can secure funding and cross-party support for this first line between Mt Gravatt and Hamilton, other corridors such as Old Northern Rd or Old Cleveland Rd could follow.”
Greens candidate for Coorparoo Ward, Kath Angus, said the proposed light rail line connected with existing train lines and bus routes.
“One key advantage of this alignment is that it intersects with so many other train lines and bus corridors, so it creates more direct connections to lots of other locations on either side of the river with only one changeover,” she said.
Team Schrinner campaign spokeswoman Councillor Fiona Cunningham described Mr Sriranganathan’s tram plan as “nothing but a Harry Potter policy”.
“It might sound wonderful but it’s pure fantasy. It would cost billions of dollars no level of government would be prepared to fund,” she said.
“It would rip out busy lanes used by cars and buses, causing citywide traffic chaos.”
Labor Lord Mayor candidate Tracey Price said the Greens’ proposal “would not help” ease Brisbane’s congestion.
“It’s just another headline for Jonathan (Sriranganathan), he’s not serious about addressing the needs of all Brisbane residents,” she said.
The local government elections will be held on March 16.
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