Surfers Paradise bridge row: trees going but residents group wins concessions on park

Gold Coast canal estate residents will stop a planned mass rally against a controversial bridge after council made a number of key promises.

GOLD Coast canal estate residents will stop a planned mass rally, and instead work with council on a compromise as trees are removed for a bridge upgrade to Surfers Paradise.

The Isle of Capri resident group had planned a community wreath-laying ceremony this month aware that the trees in John Fraser Memorial Park on the Surfers Paradise bridge side could not be saved.

Trees being removed near the Isle of Capri Bridge. Picture: Tim Marsden

Save Our Streets Alliance spokesperson Suzy Richter said the decision to call off the protest was made after a meeting where council officers agreed to “soften the impact of the bridge works on the community.”

The council in May 2017 announced a $34 million bridge would run parallel to the existing one but plans made public in the past few months including road changes along Via Roma shocked residents.

“Residents are concerned about a range of issues including traffic, noise, rat running, loss of parking, destruction of trees and the safety of schoolchildren,” Ms Richter told the Bulletin.

The start of work on tree removal. Picture: Tim Marsden.

AMAZING OFFER: GET A SAMSUNG GALAXY TAB A 8.0 WITH THIS BULLETIN SUBSCRIPTION (T & Cs apply)

“The political decision to go ahead with the new bridges project was made without any consultation with local residents and council officers have been given the responsibility to see it through.

“At a recent meeting with residents, council officers indicated a willingness to work with locals in the future to minimise wherever possible the impact of this unpopular project during the two-year building process and address issues as they arise.

“They have promised they will do this through ongoing consultation with the community.”

Residents have been promised that council will restore Roma Park opposite the Capri on Via Roma shopping centre.

Council officers were given a wishlist of features to be considered for inclusion in the revamped park and playing field.

An artist’s impression of Council's proposed Isle of Capri Bridge duplication. Source: Gold Coast City Council

MORE NEWS

No jail for ‘act of gross stupidity’

Councillors defy officers on unit block plan

Nurse blames dead mum for speeding

Suggestions included barbecue facilities, an expanded playground, a fitness trail, leash-free dog park, community garden, water feature for birds, more landscaping and appropriate lighting.

Ms Richter said a popular request was for retention of the historic bridge lights to be used in any parkland design.

“We appreciate the council officers’ good intentions and while we still disagree with the overall bridge concept, we intend to work with them and make the best of a bad situation for the island,” she said.

Ms Richter said residents may not get everything they want but they could be involved in the process to get the best outcome possible.

The planned Isle of Capri Bridge duplication. Source: Gold Coast City Council.

Area councillor Gary Baildon maintains the planning for the project has been extensive, considered and undertaken by experts with safety as the number one priority while also including a $1 million landscaping plan.

“The road is almost at capacity and within eight years there will be 25,000 cars a day travelling on that road,” he said.