LNP MP Laura Gerber and political rival Kath Down clash after meeting in Parliament

The planned extension of the Gold Coast’s light rail network from Burleigh to the airport is causing friction in Currumbin. FULL STORY

Currumbin independent candidate Kath Down has accused the Opposition of not providing any information on its light rail plans and opponent Laura Gerber of ignoring her concerns.

Ms Down revealed she had a meeting on August 20 at Parliament House with Ms Gerber, the Currumbin MP, Shadow Minister Steve Minnikin and an LNP staffer.

She says the LNP was unable to provide clarity on the model being used for its forecast review of light rail’s Stage Four stage to the airport or whether the Opposition intended to release the business cases within the 30-day time frame stipulated in Professor Coaldrake’s “Let the Sunshine In” report.

Ms Down had just announced her candidacy as an independent against Ms Gerber.

Candidate Kath Down running in Currumbin. Picture: Amaani Siddeek.

She said Ms Gerber’s “constantly looking at her phone/texting and blatant disregard or respect during the meeting was concerning”.

“It was disappointing to receive the response that there are staffing shortages and limitations on their capabilities,” Ms Down said.

“The actual words were ‘we don’t have the staff - we are not the ALP - we have been in the basement’”.

“When I pressed further, I questioned the effectiveness of their role in Opposition, particularly if they are not planning to offer solutions that improve upon the current government.

“The reference to a lack of resources seemed insufficient, especially given that there were three staff members present - Laura Gerber, Steve Minnikin, and another senior advisor. Their reluctance to provide substantial information felt like mere rhetoric rather than actionable insight.”

Currumbin MP Laura Gerber. Picture: Brendan Radke.

Ms Gerber fired back after being told of Ms Down’s remarks.

“Residents of Currumbin are becoming increasingly confused about Kath’s position, given her refusal to rule out preferencing Labor,” she said.

“The only way to guarantee residents have a say about light rail is to vote LNP. Voting for anyone else risks another four years of Labor, and more of the same chaos and crisis. We need a fresh start, only the LNP has the right plan for Queensland’s Future.”

Projected route of stage four of the light rail.

Ms Gerber said Labor had “railroaded the community” and failed to consult on light rail.

She said the LNP had made a commitment if elected to “put the brakes” on Stage Four light rail to the airport and conduct a review which would consider all options.

“The LNP has made a firm commitment to release Labor’s secret business case into light rail Stage Four,” she said.

“A vote for independents risks four more years of Labor, the only way to guarantee a fresh start is to vote for the LNP.”

Earlier this month, the Bulletin detailed how $14m of ratepayer money is being spent on light rail Stage 4 to the Airport despite the project’s future in limbo until this month’s state election.

Gold Coast City Council in its draft annual report 2024-25 highlights light rail stage 4 “in kind works” of $13.8m.

The city wants a fast green light on the tram airport extension to continue after the build to Burleigh. But the LNP – tipped to win the October poll – has put on the brakes.

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