Mark Bailey offer: we will fund the majority of light rail but Commonwealth must give fair deal
Council officers are making preparations for the extension of the light rail to Burleigh, with Transport Minister Mark Bailey today telling parliament the state stands ready to provide the ‘majority’ of funds needed.
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TRANSPORT Minister Mark Bailey in State Parliament has guaranteed the Palaszczuk Government will fund the majority of the light rail upgrade — if it gets a “fair funding deal” from the Commonwealth.
With an agreement on funding expected before Christmas, council officers maintain they are “readying” for an announcement and in the meantime working on “corridor readiness”.
However Mr Bailey said the ball remains in Canberra’s court.
“The offer so far from Canberra has been underwhelming to say the least — 16 per cent, which is the lowest offer ever,” Mr Bailey said during Question Time.
“Recently, the Premier (Annastacia Palaszczuk) announced a $351 million commitment from the Palaszczuk Labor government to get Stage 3A of light rail done. We want to see Canberra come to the table to get this done.
“It would still mean that the State Government is funding the majority of it, but it would be a fair funding deal.”
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Councillors in the most recent briefing from council officers were told that if a funding agreement is agreed before Christmas, the tram extension from Broadbeach to Burleigh was likely to open in 2023.
The State Government will provide $351 million, the council is budgeting for a $92 million spend while the Commonwealth offer amounts to $112 million – 16 per cent of the cost, compared to its 38 per cent contribution for Stage 1.
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Mr Bailey called on Coast LNP MPs to support the project and questioned leader Deb Frecklington’s funding plan for light rail.
“We need those opposite to stand up for the Gold Coast for a change and back in light rail. We see magic wand economics from the Leader of the Opposition,” he said.
“Apparently, she is going to pay for all of it — other than $112 million and the council contribution. She does not know how. There is no plan to fund it. She is promising something to everybody and has no plan to pay for anything.”
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When Southport MP Rob Molhoek interjected, Mr Bailey targeted Opposition MPs from the Coast.
“We see all types of positions from those opposite,” he said.
“Instead of bagging this government, we need the LNP members representing the Gold Coast to stand up for the Gold Coast for a change and to get infrastructure done.
“When it comes to infrastructure on the Gold Coast, the Palaszczuk Labor government delivers every single time.”
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