2024 State poll Coast debate: Political rivals stall on Labor’s plan for trams to airport

Business leaders have called on Gold Coast candidates to commit to light rail to the border to end gridlock and enable tourists to visit major events in the city. Read what they said

The leader of Gold Coast business lobby has urged candidates in this month’s State poll to commit to light rail to the border to end gridlock and enable tourists to visit major events.

Gold Coast Central Chamber of Commerce president Laura Younger highlighted improved transport links and connectivity as a must when welcoming candidates to an election debate at The Star Gold Coast on Thursday.

In a nod to Labor’s discount public transport fares now also backed by the LNP, Mr Younger added “I’m absolutely loving the 50 cent transport fares”.

“The light rail has been a significant step forward and we must continue to expand and enhance the networks across the Coast, but particularly through to the border,” she said.

Bulletin editor Ryan Keen who compered the debate asked the representatives from all the minor parties - the Greens, One Nation, Family First, the Libertarians and Legalise Cannabis Queensland - for their position on the tram line being extended to the airport.

While some supported the trams, several were unsure of their party’s position and none backed Labor’s stand to commit to pushing forward with Stage Four.

Meet the Candidates Gold Coast Chamber of Commerce breakfast — Housing Minister and Gaven MP Meaghan Scanlon (far right). Picture: Glenn Hampson.

Libertarian Party Burleigh candidate Cathy Osborne told 180 guests: “My position is to stop at Burleigh. There are other very good solutions (like electric buses). Stop it until there is a sensible decision on whether it works or not.”

But Housing Minister and Labor’s Gaven MP Meaghan Scanlon said Labor’s long term plan was for both light and heavy rail to link with the Gold Coast Airport and Coolangatta.

“We’ve been doing all the planning work and business cases to do that. I think we also need to consider that people generally, when they have to shift to one mode of transport to another, it reduces the number of people using it,” she said.

Bonney Sam O'Connor (far left) makes a point at the Chamber debate. Picture Glenn Hampson.

“I get that not everyone agrees with that. I have always stood up for the things that matter, and infrastructure matters for this city.”

LNP’s Bonney MP Sam O’Connor, despite being a strong supporter of the tram system, backs his party’s policy which will launch a review and - as had been said by multiple LNP candidates - “put the brakes put on” on Stage Four.

“We haven’t seen that full business case released. We are going back to the drawing board,” he said.

“I’m a big supporter of light rail. I live 200 metres from a tram stop. It worked well with my community but it was done in consultation with the community.”

Bonney MP Sam O'Connor is best dressed on Gold Coast trams, heading off to a charity ball.

Mr O’Connor said southern residents deserved the same level of consultation and an investigation which looked at “all routes and modes of transport”.

Ms Younger after the debate said the Chamber supported light rail to the border because it would help move traffic through the city - tipped to reach one million people by the 2040s - and get visitors to their accommodation.

“We’re definitely a supporter of light rail and its disappointing there’s not a commitment from a lot of political parties,” she said.

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