Bill Shorten misses ‘free kick’ by failing to talk up funding light rail on Gold Coast

Labor leader Bill Shorten has “missed a free kick” to win a marginal Gold Coast seat by refusing to talk up funding on the light rail.

LABOR leader Bill Shorten has “missed a free kick” to win the marginal Gold Coast seat of Forde by refusing to talk up funding on the light rail.

Political commentators say they cannot understand why the favourite to win next month’s Federal election has turned his back on Coast.

The Opposition leader has refused to answer Bulletin questions about coughing up an extra $45 million for Stage 3 of the light rail. The extension from Broadbeach to Burleigh is considered pivotal to the future of other major projects such as the upgrade of Gold Coast Airport and easing traffic congestion.

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Opposition leader Bill Shorten at the Helensvale light rail station. Picture: Glenn Hampson.

Like Prime Minister Scott Morrison, Mr Shorten has also failed to reply to a letter from Mayor Tom Tate asking the Federal Government to tip in 22 per cent of the $740 million total cost, like it did for Stage 2.

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Both federal leaders have so far pledged $112 million, about 15 per cent.

Political commenter Dr Paul Williams said he could not understand why Mr Shorten campaign’s team had refused to consider increasing the funding.

“I find that curious and questionable,” he said. “In a marginal seat, it’s not the most sensitive tactic. It’s like a free kick.

“That’s been the whole point of the Shorten campaign. It’s been such a chunky campaign.”

But Dr Williams, from Griffith University’s School of Humanities, also warned the Coalition’s stance threatened the future of Forde MP Bert van Manen, who had a margin of only 0.9 per cent.

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RAIL Back on Track leader Robert Dow outside the Fortitude Valley Train Station. (APP / Josh Woning).

“Infrastructure is critical to those outer suburban marginal seats. The Coalition has a lot to lose if it drops the ball.

“He (Bert van Manen) would be vulnerable. This might be an opportunity for an independent or a minor party if that (light rail) was the most salient issue for a voter.”

Robert Dow, the head of southeast Queensland public transport lobby group RAIL Back On Track, predicted both major parties would lose voters in Forde.

“We’ve seen that Gold Coast light rail has been particularly successful,” he said. “This will not be well received. It (Stage 3) should proceed as soon as possible.

“It will result in people not voting for the major parties and directing their vote to minor parties or independents. They’re a little bit fed up with the blue and red teams.

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Labor Gold Coast-based Senator Murray Watt at Parliament House. (AAP Image/Mick Tsikas).

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“The blue team needs to bolster their chances. This will not go down well in Forde. I think this is a no-brainer. They’ve (the government) have promised billions for projects that are lines on paper.

“Light rail stage three has a proper business case. It’s a real project.”

Gold Coast-based Labor Senator Murray Watt yesterday said the ALP was acknowledging the need for better public transport services

“That’s why in government we provided $365 million for the first stage of the light rail and why if elected to office again will provide a further $112 million to help deliver the third stage in partnership with the council and the Queensland Government,” he said.

The Coalition declined to commit an extra $45 million, again taking aim at State Labor on its failure to provide a funding commitment on light rail.

“Councillor Tate should ask the Queensland State Labor Government about its non-existent share for Stage 3A of the Gold Coast light rail,” a Coalition spokesperson said.

“If the State Labor Government, which is yet to provide one cent towards Stage 3A, stumped up its share, then Gold Coast light rail would be developing at a much faster rate.”