Sunshine Coast Council reps reveal their views on light rail, mass transit

Two councillors have given their views on light rail and transport solutions, saying they will keep open minds as the community has its say.

Councillors Winston Johnston ( top right) and Peter Cox have had their say on mass transit as community consultation passes the halfway mark.

Two councillors have had their say on the ongoing mass transit debate as community consultation over the future of transport enters its final weeks.

Last week, eight Sunshine Coast councillors and Mayor Mark Jamieson revealed their positions on a possible light rail system and the broader transport network needed to service the region.

Councillors Peter Cox and Winston Johnston were unavailable but this week were able to give their thoughts.

Community consultation on mass transit options is in its final weeks, with feedback to close on June 22.

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Here’s what they had to say:

Division 3 councillor Peter Cox says he is not aligning himself with any particular mass transit options.

Peter Cox, Division 3:

Mr Cox said he’d been talking with his community about the challenges of life in 2041 without a mass transit system, including a forecast that time spent in traffic would increase by 308 per cent.

“Instead of being famous for our beaches and foreshore parks, the coastal corridor will likely become known for traffic snarls and carparking shortages,” Mr Cox said.

He said he was also encouraging residents to understand the “important difference” between CAMCOS and a local mass transit system, which aimed to connect locals to health services, employment and educational hubs, shops and entertainment precincts.

“Studies have shown that three quarters of current car trips are less than 10km, which is the kind that could be taken by buses or trams if we had a reliable and efficient system,” he said.

Mr Cox said he wasn’t aligning himself to any one particular option, but was keeping an open mind.

He “sincerely requested” the community do the same, “especially given some of the misleading information I’ve seen being circulated”.

“So to anyone who’s feeling confused, I certainly empathise with you and therefore encourage all residents to either attend one of our community pop-up sessions or visit the project website,” Mr Cox said.

He said he strongly believed a do nothing or business as usual approach was not an option, as it could result in the Department of Transport and Main Roads having to widen Nicklin Way to accommodate extra lanes, with a high likelihood of property resumptions, an outcome he said he would strongly oppose.

“Given that the state government is responsible for public transport, I believe that council is being very proactive in lobbying them for better services on your behalf,” Mr Cox said.

“As a community, we should be demanding that our locally generated taxes are spent on improved public transport right here, instead of it getting spent in other areas like Brisbane or the Gold Coast.”

Division 5 councillor Winston Johnston says he wants to see what community feedback brings.

Winston Johnston, Division 5:

Mr Johnston said the mass transit proposal under review did not extend into his division, but despite that, his constituents would like to see “a fully integrated and regular public transport service” which included park and ride facilities conveniently and strategically located east of the Bruce Highway.

Mr Johnston said technology advances had benefited public transport options since original transport proposals were written.

“Electric and/or hydrogen buses will also be considered as another option,” he said.

Mr Johnston said he was awaiting the report on community consultation before he ruled any option in or out.

“The current public transport system is poorly supported and the timetables in many areas do not suit potential users,” Mr Johnston said.

“There are significant traffic bottlenecks in a number of important coastal corridors.

“The Sunshine Coast urgently needs a fully integrated and efficient public transport system.”

Mr Johnston said he hoped the State Government would use results of the current consultation to deliver an efficient public transport service for the region.

“In addition it is vital that the state and federal governments urgently upgrade heavy rail and road networks to support any coastal mass transit system,” he said.

Originally published as Sunshine Coast Council reps reveal their views on light rail, mass transit