Ann Wason Moore opinion: I have yet to hear a sound anti-tram argument

Over and again, studies have shown that rail is considered a far more reliable and regular service that people trust and will use, while buses go empty. So why are we turning on light rail, asks Ann Wason Moore.

Somehow the Gold Coast seems about to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory.

For years, the Gold Coast Highway has been crippled by traffic gridlock, meaning that while this straight line of a main road might offer the shortest distance between two points, it certainly does not offer the shortest travel time.

Yet there has been a growing light at the end of this traffic tunnel in the shape of the light rail. At last, an option to get from here (Mermaid) to there (the airport) without the need to pack a toothbrush.

Even better, it would be an option to get from here to the fabulous restaurants and small businesses down south that either take too long to reach, or require hours of searching to find a park.

But five years after funding was provided to formulate a business case for the Stage 4 extension, the reality suddenly seems further away than ever.

The LNP has followed through with its promise to ‘review’ the controversial extension of this vital public infrastructure project and has just opened consultation on the project.

However, as the Bulletin’s editorial pointed out on Saturday, not only is ‘review’ shorthand for ‘scared of commitment’, but the consultation process commits the same exact sin as the previous government but in reverse - where Labor refused to listen to southern Gold Coasters, now it’s the rest of us being ignored.

An artist impression from the Gold Coast Airport masterplan showing trams at the airport. Picture: Supplied.

Under Labor, the definition of ‘consultation’ seemed to be ‘lecturing’ - and even that they failed to do in person. I will never for the life of me understand why former Transport Minister Mark Bailey refused to attend anti-tram meetings, he completely lacked the courage of his convictions.

I know that I am possibly public enemy number one in Palm Beach, at least for some residents, but I absolutely understand their anger at being ignored. To paraphrase the saying about free speech: I disapprove of what you say but I will defend to the death your right to be heard.

What I don’t defend is this biased consultation, we’ve flipped from one extreme to the another.

As Deputy Mayor and Division 1 councillor Donna Gates pointed out, the whole city is paying for this infrastructure, so the whole city should have an equal say.

After all, are Helensvale residents not worthy to visit southern beaches and businesses?

Look at the Bulletin’s own polling … almost 70 per cent of respondents want the stage 4 extension down the Gold Coast Highway. And do you know why? Because it makes sense!

Can someone, anyone, please explain to me how any other route stacks up?

If we divert the light rail tracks west of the Gold Coast Highway, what is the point? We will be building a white elephant that brings no patronage to the many small businesses situated down this coastal spine.

In fact, there will be no reason for anyone to disembark at any stop along that route unless they are a local, in which case apparently they don’t want to use this public transportation anyway, so we may as well just build a line direct from Burleigh to the Gold Coast Airport - much like what Mayor Tom Tate once pitched.

I have yet to hear a sound anti-tram argument.

Hosting the Meet the Candidates breakfast for the Gold Coast Central Chamber of Commerce last Friday, Libertarian candidate for McPherson Gary ‘chainsaw’ Biggs stated he had attended an anti-tram rally and heard that many high rise residents in Palm Beach only have one parking space and didn’t want the tram to take their on-street parking for their second car.

Hello? That is the whole point of the light rail as part of a citywide transportation network! Ultimately you could sell your second car and take the tram, bus or train - you’ll make money, save money and get where you are going a whole lot faster.

Meanwhile, the Bulletin spoke to beachgoers at Tallebudgera who offered opinions such as the tram would be a failure because no one uses the buses down south.

Again! That is the point of the light rail, it is NOT a bus. Rightly or wrongly, buses just have a bad reputation.

Over and again, studies have shown that rail is considered a far more reliable and regular service that people trust and will use, while buses go empty.

Light rail stage four Gold Coast graphic showing the trams near the Tugun shops.

Meanwhile, a pair of mums told the Bulletin they frequently visit Tallebudgera Creek and sometimes had to wait up to an hour for a car park.

“We both would probably choose to go elsewhere (once the tram is here), probably even northern New South Wales and away from the Gold Coast,” Sarah Sutton said.

Huh? Do you realise that the light rail would mean you no longer have to drive? And even if you do, there will more likely be parks because others are using public transportation?

By all means, have an opinion … but please make it make sense.

Because every day we delay, this project grows more expensive and slips further from our grasp … and into the jaws of defeat.