Electric buses or light rail between Gold Coast Airport and Burleigh: Mayor Tate’s view

OPINION Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate reveals the one thing he requires if electric buses - similar to the Brisbane Metro - are the preferred Burleigh-Gold Coast Airport transport option.

To do nothing is not an option. Most Queenslanders would agree that we must have a continuation of public transport to the airport.

In recent days, you may have seen some debate over major Gold Coast road and transport projects that can only be delivered with support from State and Federal Government.

One such project is the light rail which continues to be supported with 100 million passneger journeys now clocked up at a rate of approximately a million individual trips per month in recent times.

My view has always been that light rail is one project, constructed in four stages and linking the heavy rail at Helensvale to the airport at Coolangatta. When Stage Three to Burleigh Heads commences operation in just over 12 months, total passenger trips will roar well past one million a month.

I believe it is essential that this project is completed and operating by the Olympic Games in 2032 when the eyes of the world will be on Southeast Queensland and many thousands of tourists will come through the Gold Coast Airport.

Having seen Federal and State Governments come and go though, including six different Prime Ministers since 2012, and having seen the turmoil of the Covid pandemic and the cost of living and supply chain issues that followed, I accept that you must be flexible and responsive to the challenges that get thrown up.

Mayor Tom Tate: “With regard to stage 4 of the light rail, David Crisafulli said he wanted to see the finalised business case and talk to the community, but he said doing nothing was not an option.” Picture: Glenn Hampson

Both the Prime Minister and the Premier have been very positive about the need for infrastructure on the Gold Coast.

Anthony Albanese was the Federal Minister for Transport and Infrastructure when Stage One of Light Rail was approved, funded and built - and as recently as October last year he was here on the Gold Coast talking up the ALP’s commitment to Gold Coast Light Rail.

As for David Crisafulli he is on the record saying that the Gold Coast deserves infrastructure and it will get infrastructure. With regard to stage 4 of the light rail, he said he wanted to see the finalised business case and talk to the community, but he said doing nothing was not an option.

I know that the number one issue Gold Coasters want their elected officials at all levels to focus on is roads, traffic and public transport so my simple request to both the Prime Minister and the Premier is to get on with it.

Determine what is suitable, affordable and acceptable to the whole community, not just a narrow group of naysayers, and commit the funding just as council is doing through record investment in those areas.

Mayor Tom Tate: “I have confidence that we will get the outcomes we deserve, and I promise all of you I will keep reminding them of their commitments.” Picture: Glenn Hampson

If electric buses, similar to Brisbane Metro, is the preferred outcome I am willing to listen with an open mind. My only request if we go down that path is that that the mode change at the Burleigh Heads interchange must be seamless and suitable for elderly and disabled passengers to easily switch between services.

I look forward to discussing these issues in the near future with Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brett Mickelberg.

Investment in Gold Coast infrastructure is money well spent for Federal and State Governments. It brings certainty, which encourages confidence and investment by the private sector and ensures return on investment through the value uplift that inevitably follows.

Brisbane Metro, Rochedale. Mayor Tom Tate says: “If electric buses, similar to Brisbane Metro, is the preferred outcome I am willing to listen with an open mind. My only request if we go down that path is that that the mode change at the Burleigh Heads interchange must be seamless and suitable for elderly and disabled passengers to easily switch between services.” Picture: Liam Kidston

Equally, for mums and dads juggling school and sport commitments and getting to and from work, it helps them make their own housing decisions and plan for their families.

The announcement by Infrastructure Australia over the weekend to relegate a number of projects from the priority list came without warning or consultation and there are potential impacts far beyond the Gold Coast.

Political cycles come and go, just as the economy goes through ups and downs. Inflationary, labour market and supply chain pressures require responses from Governments and make investment decisions tricky.

I accept that, and I don’t mind riding the bumps here and there but the population and economic growth on the Gold Coast continues unabated, placing significant pressure on our city’s infrastructure networks. These pressures cannot be dealt with by Council alone as our population marches towards one million people with the additional pressure of being the jewel in our country’s tourism crown.

In recent times both the Prime Minister and the Premier have acknowledged the growing pains of the Gold Coast and assured us they will provide support. I have confidence that we will get the outcomes we deserve, and I promise all of you I will keep reminding them of their commitments.