Light rail shock: Council to rush for community consultant to get feedback on Broadbeach to Burleigh stations
A key change could be coming in order to avoid resident backlash and learn more about the impact of extending light rail from Broadbeach to Burleigh. HAVE YOUR SAY >>>
Gold Coast
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THE council is moving to consult faster with the community on the impact of extending light rail from Broadbeach to Burleigh, to avoid a backlash from residents.
A report by officers to be debated by councillors at Thursday’s planning committee meeting outlines the road ahead for Stage 3 of the $1 billion project to extend the track 6.7km from Broadbeach to Burleigh.
Community’s feedback “revealed a clear preference for engagement to commence earlier and more often throughout the planning process”.
“This has guided a revised approach to the engagement timing and points of engagement, before planning policy is set,” the report said.
Councillors will be asked to endorse a draft Gold Coast Light Rail Stations Neighbourhood Framework which will allow for the eight stations to be differ in their layout in the corridor.
Officers said the Burleigh Heads Business Centre Place Based Master Plan was being prepared and the final round of community consultation was occurring this month.
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The council and Transport Department will commence consultation to inform the Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 4 business case in July.
“It is intended that the initial community engagement for the Neighbourhood Framework occur after the master plan engagement and before the Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 4 to limit any potential community confusion regarding the purpose and scope of each engagement,” the report said.
Officers said Community Reference Groups including residents and members of the business community would be convened with the expectation that representatives attend collaborative workshops focused on specific station neighbourhoods.
It was important for the selection process to ensure a “diversity of perspective members”.
The CRGs will develop a precinct plan, and a shortlist of potential members will be brought back to council for endorsement.
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