Light rail a ‘need’ not a luxury, says Gold Coast Airport boss

The boss of Gold Coast Airport says public transport connections like the stalled light rail are vital for the city’s reputation as a world-class destination.

THE boss of Gold Coast Airport says public transport connections like the stalled light rail are vital for the city’s reputation as a world-class destination.

The hugely successful city light rail network has stalled at Broadbeach as a federal and state government funding impasse holds up its extension to Burleigh and then eventually Gold Coast Airport.

Gold Coast Airport Chief Executive Officer Chris Mills with developer John Robinson, Federal MP for McPherson Karen Andrews, Rydges Hotels and Resorts General Manager Gold Coast Stephen Oakley and Queensland Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones at the turning of the first sod of the new Rydges Hotel at Gold Coast Airport.

Queensland Airports Ltd CEO Chris Mills said yesterday: “We are in the process of rolling out a half-billion-dollars worth of infrastructure investment in Gold Coast Airport so we have confidence in the Gold Coast, confidence in the growth of the airport and it is critical we get the connecting infrastructure to the airport.

BUSINESS LEADERS CALL FOR NEXT STAGE OF LIGHT RAIL

OTHER NEWS:

BMW that erupted in flames was paid off ‘just yesterday’

School sued for alleged autism discrimination

Jump! Swim Schools franchisor hopes to stay afloat

Artist impression of Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 3A route

“International travellers have high expectations and good public transport is considered a basic need not a luxury. We know it’s going to take a long time to get the funding to get light rail built so the sooner we get started, the better.”

His call for urgency comes after Destination Gold Coast CEO Annaliese Battista and Gold Coast Central Chamber of Commerce president Martin Hall called on the Morrison Government to take the lead on light rail’s funding impasse.

SUBSCRIBE TO THE BULLETIN: JUST $1 A WEEK FOR FIRST 12 WEEKS

Village Roadshow Theme Parks chief operating officer Bikash Randhawa said he would “encourage all levels of government to come together and support and prioritise projects which would alleviate city “pain points” the M1 and delays to the light rail extension.

“We are in a fortunate position to have such a strong body in Destination Gold Coast at the forefront of promoting our city and its interests while challenging all levels of government to support the Gold Coast.”

Re-elected Federal MP for McPherson Karen Andrews said her Government had shown huge commitment to city infrastructure.