Cruise ship congestion solution: light rail through Main Beach

A report provided to the State Government has put forward light rail as the solution to gridlock from a cruise ship terminal. But there would be a key difference to the existing line.

A RADICAL new light rail plan has been put forward as the solution to gridlock that could be created at Main Beach by a proposed oceanside cruise ship terminal.

A consultant’s report to the State Government reveals the main intersection leading into Sea World Drive exceeds capacity on busy weekend days “during the warmer months”, leading to concern that traffic to the terminal could cause gridlock.

Council has put forward modelling that argues that an additional lane on Sundale Bridge and upgrade of the Gold Coast Highway-Waterways Drive intersection could accommodate 2300 vehicles an hour.

But the report suggests light rail would be needed, proposing a single track be built to minimise impact on the area.

Local residents protest about the light rail at Tedder Avenue. Photo: Steve Holland.

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“The Spit master plan consultant team has proposed an alternative light rail arrangement which could reduce the impact of the subject site,” the report said.

“It is proposed that a single track only be provided on The Spit except at stations and at the southern end of The Spit. This will require further detailed analysis during the next stages of the master planning process.”

The council maintains in its business case that an upgrade could handle a 2500-passenger cruise ship drop-off, but consultants have looked at a much bigger terminal to handle 4000 tourists on larger ships.

Hinterland-based councillor Glenn Tozer, who opposes the terminal and does not believe it would be commercially feasible, has raised concerns that ratepayers would have to pay for the infrastructure upgrades.

Councillor Glenn Tozer has concerns about the cruise ship terminal. Photograph : Jason O'Brien.

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In February Mayor Tom Tate promised ratepayers they would not tip in one cent for the building of his planned oceanside terminal.

But Cr Tozer said: “Either the Government funds it or the commercial sector funds it. If the Government is the funding source for the required funding solution, then other priority transport projects in the city will be deferred in favour of it.”

He said if the future proponent of a terminal was to build the upgraded roads or light rail, residents should be told how it would “profit” from the project on ratepayer and taxpayer-owned land.

But Cr Tate told the Bulletin: “The city undertook light rail consultation in that area several years ago.

“Since then, the State-driven Spit master plan has involved widespread community consultation on every aspect of The Spit – from traffic to indigenous recognition, building heights and the desires of community groups.

“It is premature to comment on proposed traffic solutions, including light rail, until the minister and this council have signed off on the final master plan.’’

The proposed Oceanside cruise ship terminal on The Spit at the Gold Coast.

Main Beach Association spokesman David Hutley said an overwhelming majority of residents in a council survey had opposed a $200 million light rail spur through the suburb.

“It was amazing how they again want to go through Main Beach. Going through Tedder Avenue was ridiculous,” Mr Hutley said.

“The main concern was the noise, and the dirt and the dust would dramatically affect the value of properties. Main Beach is quite a rich area. It has got a lot of money to fight this sort of thing.

“I don’t think we will ever see it through Main Beach. How are they going to move that number of people (off the ships) into light rail. I worked out it would take 70 buses and taxis.”