Businesses seek light rail compensation for construction chaos
A council candidate is warning businesses along the next section of light rail are at risk of bankruptcy if they don’t get compensation for losses during construction.
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BUSINESSES from Broadbeach to Burleigh along the next section of light rail should be compensated for losses during construction, says a council candidate.
Miami resident Cathy Osborne wants the council and State Government to develop a plan to help ease the financial burden on businesses along the Gold Coast Highway during the building of light rail Stage 3A.
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“Businesses from Broadbeach to Burleigh should be concerned that the State Government and Gold Coast Council have not yet provided a plan to financially compensate businesses for the disruption and loss of customers and patrons, due to the three years of light rail construction,” the Division 12 candidate said.
“We have seen what poor planning of the light rail in Sydney did to small businesses – they went bankrupt, families were ruined through financial hardship, people lost their jobs and years later those affected are still fighting for compensation from the government.
“I want our local businesses to stay open and survive but that requires forward thinking and a proactive approach.”
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Ms Osborne said commercial operators had complained there was “still too much uncertainty for them”.
“I am astounded that there has been silence from the incumbent councillor who helped
cement the light rail expansion, through her support on council,” Ms Osborne said.
“Councillor (Pauline) Young has not showed the leadership that is required to restore confidence amongst businesses in the area. These people have seen shops close down along the tram line in Surfers and Southport and are concerned that their businesses and jobs are next.”
Cr Young said she had attended all consultation meetings and gathered feedback from residents and businesses.
“The city does not make compensation to businesses for State-led projects when it has already made a large contribution to construction of Stage 3A,” Cr Young said.
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“I’ve been at every community information session and consultation on light rail for the past four years. I’ve made sure I’ve engaged with all of the community, the residents and businesses to get their feedback.
“We’ve learnt a lot from Stage 1 (in Southport) on construction time from the businesses there. I will continue to advocate on behalf of businesses in the light rail corridor when construction will start.”
Ms Osborne said she would “demand compensation for any businesses that are negatively impacted” during rail expansion and ensure council minimised traffic congestion.
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