Gold Coast councillor William Owen-Jones says he‘s ‘never understood why Greens are against light rail’ going south

A Gold Coast city leader has taken aim at opponents of the light rail – and waved off suggestions heavy rail is a better option.

Opponents of light rail are being told to stop sledging the trams because they are a better economic option than heavy rail for getting public transport south to the border.

Helensvale councillor William Owen-Jones has ignited a debate about whether light or heavy rail is the best solution.

A map showing potential light and heavy rail options on the southern Gold Coast.

Andrew Stimson, who ran as a candidate in the most recent council elections, told Cr Owen-Jones on Facebook: “There won’t be funds available after the ridiculous spending on the light rail. What are we up to now, $180m per kilometre? Probably more.”

Cr Owen-Jones told Mr Stimson: “I’ve never understood why the Greens are against light rail on the Gold Coast.”

Councillor William Owen-Jones at a Gold Coast City Council meeting. Picture: Glenn Hampson

Mr Stimson replied: “You are misrepresenting my comments. It is a personal opinion. I am saying the money could be better spent on heavy rail to the airport and improving the northern region’s almost non-existent public transport system. But nice try.”

Cr Owen-Jones told him: “Personal comments from a Greens candidate, sledging light rail. I got it.

HIGH-DENSITY TOWERS ON LIGHT RAIL ROUTE

“Heavy rail is more expensive per kilometre, and would have a smaller residential catchment.”

Mr Stimson asked Cr Owen-Jones to be “more objective” and see the costings. In a trademark response, the councillor replied: “Noted”.

Stewart Brooker, who recently ran as an independent in Fadden, said “there needs to be a more objective review of the project”.

The site of the light rail work camp for the next stage, just south of the Pacific Fair station. Picture: Glenn Hampson

“I am a big fan of public transport, however it needs to be fit for purpose and the original plan was done so long ago. There are better options now for less cost,” he said.

Save Our Southern Gold Coast leader Kath Down suggests light rail is a “white elephant” and the majority of residents support heavy rail.

“Remember that a train leaving Gold Coast Airport will be at the Robina transport hub in 17 minutes and Helensvale in 29 minutes,” she said.

PALM BEACH RESIDENTS HAVE MIXED FEELINGS ON LIGHT RAIL

“In the 29 minutes it takes the train to get to Helensvale, the tram will just be reaching the Tallebudgera Creek, taking a full one hour 25 minutes to connect to Helensvale or any park and ride facility.”

Transport reports show light rail cost $60m a kilometre in 2016, but was at about $150m a kilometre.

The stations planned for light rail stage 3a from Broadbeach to Burleigh on the Gold Coast.

In 2016 it was estimated Cross River Rail, which required tunnelling for the heavy rail tracks to the Brisbane CBD, was costing $215m per kilometre.

A transport spokesperson said Transport and Main Roads completed planning in 2005 for a proposed extension of the passenger rail line from Robina to Tugun.

“Additional planning was undertaken in 2009 for an extension to the Gold Coast Airport.

“Following community consultation, a preferred heavy rail corridor between Robina and the Gold Coast Airport was identified and preserved,” the spokesperson said.

The spokesperson added it was not possible to give a “per kilometre” indicative cost for light rail Stage 4.