Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie issues update on state’s plans for light rail stage four review
Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie has made an announcement on the light rail extension to the airport following comments by the Mayor that he was open to considering buses as an alternative.
Gold Coast
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Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie says “everything is on the table” in regards to transport modes on the southern Gold Coast as two investigations start up.
Mr Bleijie’s comments came after the Bulletin revealed on Wednesday that Mayor Tom Tate was “open” to buses replacing trams between Burleigh and Gold Coast Airport.
“During the election campaign we said we would review Gold Coast light rail stage four because the former Labour government did not listen to southern Gold Coast residents,” he said.
“We did that and we were elected on that platform. Today (Wednesday) I can announce that my department, the Department of Infrastructure, will be conducting a review separate to the Department of Transport and Main Roads into the Gold Coast Light Rail stage four.
“We’re looking at the modes, the type of transport, the route – everything is on the table.”
Mr Bleijie said he believed it was appropriate for a second review separate to TMR bureaucrats conducting the business case.
“We promised the residents of the southern Gold Coast that we would review the route, the location, the mode of transport and we’re doing that,” he said.
“And I’m going to work and partner with the Gold Coast Mayor, Tom Tate, who I saw comments in the media today that he is certainly open to new ideas and new suggestions.”
Mr Bleijie said details of the review would be released very soon.
Burleigh LNP MP Hermann Vorster said the Government was honouring its election commitment of an independent review.
“The former Palaszczuk-Miles Labor Government treated our community with contempt. That’s why we promised a fresh approach at the last election, including genuine consultation,” he said.
He said details of the review would be shared soon and encouraged “everyone to have their say”.
Currumbin MP and Youth Justice Minister Laura Gerber said her community would welcome the reviews.
She said the biggest concern for residents was the lack of consultation by the former Labor Government.
“They railroaded the southern Gold Coast into both alignment and modes of transport,” she said.
“I’m really pleased that my community will be consulted in that review.”
Originally published as Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie issues update on state’s plans for light rail stage four review
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