Gold Coast’s biggest tram fan celebrates controversial council project’s milestone
The Gold Coast’s biggest fan of its controversial light rail network has joined bosses for a milestone party. See the video
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Michael “Mickey” Brennan loves an opening - the Gold Coast’s casino, Sanctuary Cove and trams.
The passionate and proud lifelong Gold Coaster has been there for all the big moments in his 61 years, from the launch of Conrad Jupiters casino in November 1985 to being Frank Sinatra’s special guest in January 1988 when Sanctuary Cove was unveiled.
So when the light rail launched on July 20, 2014, it’s not a surprise he was there.
Back then Mr Brennan was snapped by the Bulletin before dawn as he prepared to ride the tram for the first time.
A decade later, celebrating its 10-year birthday, the memory remains strong.
“My family and I got to Broadbeach south station at 4am and the tram was absolutely gleaming as we left heading for the hospital,” the Burleigh resident recalled this week ahead of the milestone anniversary.
“When we got to Surfers Paradise the doors opened and people just jumped on from the party precinct and I don’t think some of them knew what was happening but they were having a good time.
“When we got to the hospital, the doors opened and it was so cold as 300 people got off the trams and went up to the Gold Coast University Hospital cafeteria to warm up. I don’t think the staff there knew what hit them.
“What I remember of that day was every tram was jam-packed and from that minute onward it was destined to be a wonderful success.
“To have been part of that moment in history is wonderful.”
On Friday, Mr Brennan attended the light rail’s tenth birthday party with operator GoldlinQ CEO Phil Mumford, Minister for Transport, Main Roads Bart Mellish and GoldlinQ chairman John Witheriff.
Mr Mumford said the trams had been a major transport success story: “The Gold Coast light rail has transported more than 85 million passengers since light rail began.
“We are here at Helensvale, a key stop for us where we integrate with heavy rail. When we opened our rail here we saw a 50 per cent increase in people actually using heavy rail to go to the Brisbane at this location,” he said.
Mr Mellish said stage three of the light rail construction taking it from Broadbeach to Burleigh was progressing well and stage four planning was in the works.
“In terms of stage four, we’ve got the detailed business case work underway and that’s really important work
“Stage Four our will be a really complicated addition to the network, but we’re really keen to do that work properly to make sure we’ve got the right cost estimates to make sure we’ve got all the geotechnical work done for Stage Four to see how this progresses, for this great project for the entire Gold Coast,” he said.
Mr Witheriff said GoldlinQ has had a “formidable partnership” with everyone involved in light rail construction.
“For me, the greatest partnership is the one that we have with the Gold Coast community, we exist only for one thing and that’s to service the community that live in the city and near surrounds people who use public transport.
“Every day our purpose is very simple, we want to ensure that customer experience is worthwhile, and that they decide that they’re going to become permanent users of public transport.
“Our partnership exists only for the community that we serve and we’re very thankful for the Gold Coast community for providing us with people and for using the asset,” he said.
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