Mayor Tom Tate says light rail from Burleigh to Coolangatta is a must for the 2032 Olympics
Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate says light rail to the airport is an “absolute must” for the 2032 Olympics and transport future of the Gold Coast - adding it will never be cheaper.
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GOLD Coast Mayor Tom Tate says light rail to the airport is an “absolute must” for the 2032 Olympics and transport future of the Gold Coast - adding it will never be cheaper.
The State Government is yet to commit funding to a business case for Stage 4, but it is expected to cost between $10-12 million.
The 13km stretch of tramline would link Burleigh Heads and Coolangatta via the Gold Coast Airport.
Mayor Tate: “My message is clear, it never gets cheaper to build it than now.
“It can be done on time. It just needs funding commitment by the state and federal governments.
“It would give our visitors and locals seamless travel from Helensvale to Coolangatta and present our city as a modern well-planned destination.”
The Gold Coast City Council committed $1.7 million to the government’s business case in its June budget.
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Construction on the controversial project is tipped to start as early as 2023.
A study released by council earlier this month showed the airport extension would provide a safe travel outcome and improve travel times.
The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) was undertaking corridor assessment, council had begun a strategic study and both would begin community consultation in 2021-22.
A timeline showed a detailed business case would begin in the third quarter of 2022.
Gold Coast Airport may also be asked to help fund the expansion after a Bulletin report revealed plans for trams to arrive at the doorstep of the Coolangatta terminal.
Robina councillor Hermann Vorster suggested the airport could be a “fourth funding partner” joining council, the State and federal governments in the final stage.
Council officers confirmed the Transport and Main Roads Department were “managing the relationship” with the airport but talks had only just begun.
“It’s still early days but you’re right. Those conversations would have to happen somehow,” an officer told Cr Vorster.
Cr Vorster said the airport should be making a financial contribution given it would improve profits from more passengers.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison has guaranteed the Federal Government will cover half the cost of the Games if frontrunner Brisbane is confirmed as the host.
Some Gold Coast MPs including LNP leader David Crisafulli have stressed a need to have the project completed in time for a 2032 Brisbane Olympics.
But Burleigh MP and staunch light rail critic Michael Hart dismissed it
Mr Hart said earlier this month: “I don’t think there’s any urgency for light rail Stage 4 to be completed (by the Olympics) if it’s going to go through Palm Beach.
“If it’s another route, then absolutely.”
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