Train station in wrong location as government gets feedback on new Gold Coast lines

The State Government is being warned over the location for a new Gold Coast train station after concerns were raised over its proposed spot.

THE State Government has been told to move its proposed Merrimac railway station north into an industrial estate to avoid traffic problems.

Merrimac rail station designs.

The Government last week confirmed the Merrimac ­station would be built on Gooding Drive, about 750m east of the Pacific Motorway and Gooding Drive ­Interchange.

But Hinterland-based councillor Glenn Tozer said it was in the wrong spot.

“The station has been proposed to be located at an already busy thoroughfare, particularly on school days,” he said. “Locating the station further north closer to the Elysium Road interchange and new Pacific View estate development would be a better community outcome.”

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Cr Tozer said the alternative site included a council depot and privately owned land further north in a medium-sized industrial area which had a larger work base.

“I think it would be more favourable for the community to locate the station near where people work so they can catch public transport to work from other areas in the city than for the train station to be located in a catchment that experiences high traffic demand during school and commuter times.”

Councillor Glenn Tozer — concerned about rail station location. Photo: Jerad Williams.

Cr Tozer said the Government’s decision would affect residents living at Worongary, Gilston and Tallai.

“I encourage residents to make submissions, particularly those in Worongary and city residents who work in the Elysium Road precinct. I’ll also be making a submission along those lines.

“We have several hundred people working at that Carrara Depot. The idea they can all catch the train to work will reduce traffic congestion.”

But a Cross River Rail Delivery Authority (CRRDA) spokesperson said the proposed location was considered to be the best location on that particular stretch of rail line.

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“CRRDA’s engineering experts GHD conducted a study of the whole section of that line looking for optimal position and the best position was the one selected. It took into account a variety of reasons,” the spokeperson said.

The review encompassed all options from Robina in the south to Nerang in the north and the most suitable location has been selected, the spokesperson added.

Helensvale-based councillor William Owen-Jones is satisfied with the location of the new Helensvale North station at Mangrove Jack Park, off Hope Island Rd, but wants improved bus connections to rail.

Councillor William Owen-Jones — calling for improved bus services to rail. Photo: David Clark.

“Many people do not understand that bus routes are not the responsibility of the Gold Coast City Council,” Cr Owen-Jones said.

“The advocacy for supporting bus routes rests with State members. Council delivers on bus shelters.

“The bus links for residents based in Hope Island, Helensvale and Oxenford need to consider the new transport infrastructure.”

The CRRDA spokesperson said Translink would review both the train timetable and bus connectivity before the new stations opened.

“This will be completed and any changes in place before the first train services at these new stations,” the spokesperson said.