Light rail to airport: The view of every Gold Coast councillor
The Gold Coast City Council is divided on the potentially $7.6 billion construction of light rail from Burleigh to Gold Coast Airport. These are the views of all 14 councillors.
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The City has five new councillors after the March 16 poll. It has changed the voting bloc on critical issues like light rail.
Here are the views of all 14 councillors on approving Stage Four, the project to extend the tram route south from Burleigh along the coastline to the Gold Coast Airport.
Some views are from responses to a Community Alliance (CA) survey, others from comments in the chamber, or to the Bulletin.
GREEN is for future funding to go ahead.
AMBER for rethink on all options and hold pending feedback on the business case.
RED to stop the trams.
Read your councillor’s view.
DIVISION 1 MARK HAMMEL
Backs the 2031 Transport Plan, supports more housing stock, medium rise density accommodation along the City’s public transport spine. “The much bigger picture where I’d like the conversation to get to sooner rather than later is the east-west links,” he said. GREEN
DIVISION 2 NAOMI FOWLER
“The plan was ultimately to deliver light rail to the airport and as a city we need to consider all public transportation solutions to keep people moving across our city. I am looking forward to seeing Light Rail Stage 4 business case, and agree the State Government need to closely work with residents and businesses to minimise construction impact.” GREEN
DIVISION 3 DONNA GATES
The Deputy Mayor during debate last year said light rail was agreed to by all levels of government in 2010. “That agreement was always for light rail to go directly to the airport. Nothing has changed and it is simply being constructed in stages,” she said. GREEN
DIVISION 4 SHELLEY CURTIS
Supports public transport options. At council last year did not take a firm position without seeing a business case or being properly briefed. “I’ve haven’t had the opportunity to be briefed on it or see to the business case, to fully understand it,” she said. AMBER
DIVISION 5 PETER YOUNG
Supports a rethink. Has been a long-term supporter of “creating viable east-west public transport solutions and appropriate feeder services”. AMBER
DIVISION 6 BROOKE PATTERSON
Has an open mind, wants to see business case for Stage 4 light rail. Supports a rethink. “A fresh lens is always sensible,” she told the Community Alliance. AMBER
DIVISION 7 JOE WILKINSON
Wants to get the finer details like the track line and the costs before giving a definitive answer. AMBER
DIVISION 8 BOB LA CASTRA
Has always been opposed to light rail. RED
DIVISION 9 GLENN TOZER
“This is a complex and varied issue, but principally supportive, yes (of a rethink), keeping in mind that my support for light rail to the airport is on the record since 2012,” he told the Community Alliance. GREEN
DIVISION 10 DARREN TAYLOR
As new transport committee chair, strongly supports existing light rail system and further connection to airport, along with improved east-west transport connections. GREEN
DIVISION 11 DAN DORAN
Supportive because he backs public transport, but wants to see federal and State funding commitment to determine what council will need to spend. Also concerned about own local area. “I want to ensure that Robina and Varsity Lakes get our fair share of the road infrastructure funding. We have serious traffic issues in our area that need to be addressed immediately.” AMBER
DIVISION 12 NICK MARSHALL
Not opposed to trams going to the airport, but should investigate all possible routes. “Support the re-evaluation but I would hate to see the existing already ratepayer established and paid for tram service neglected and under-utilised as a result,” he told the Community Alliance. “I agree wholeheartedly that east-west public transport corridors need to be established to service the existing tram services and the Brisbane Metro-style trackless trams would be ideal.” AMBER
DIVISION 13 JOSH MARTIN
Wants State Government to provide detailed alternate routes and business cases. “While I’m supportive of improved public transport and connection to the airport, I don’t support the current proposed route and will be seeking a more detailed alternate route options being made publicly available, making sure we get the best outcome possible for our area as well as the city as a whole.” AMBER
DIVISION 14 GAIL O’NEILL
Backs light and heavy rail to the border, but wants more consultation with residents and a “voucher system” for impacted businesses. “I have been part of the council that has endorsed light rail Stage Four. But if it gets the tick from Infrastructure Australia and is funded, my role as a councillor is to consult with residents and businesses on the detailed planning, and also construction,” she told a Gold Coast Central Chamber of Commerce breakfast before the March 16 poll. GREEN
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