Revealed: How the State will pay million dollar tram compo deal to council

The light rail remains a hot topic on the Gold Coast and fresh changes are on the way following a secret deal. READ THE FULL REPORT

THE State Government is to pay millions of dollars to council to manage key parts of the new light rail precinct from Broadbeach to Burleigh.

Councillors have ticked off on a confidential report which green lights approval of the future asset transfer of the Gold Coast Highway in the tram corridor to the council.

Artist impression of Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 3A route — council will take control of the Highway.

In an email to councillors Council CEO Dale Dickson said the extension of the light rail from Broadbeach to Burleigh would use the centre median strip for two tracks and eight stations as part of the 6.7km route.

“The existing bus lanes will be removed to leave two traffic lanes in each direction plus turn lanes as required at intersections,” he wrote.

FULL DIGITAL ACCESS: JUST $5 A MONTH FOR THE FIRST THREE MONTHS

The State and the council was having to finalise contractual agreements which included G-Link and the contractor John Holland Pty Ltd, Mr Dickson explained.

Part of the funding agreement would include the handover of ownership of the Highway, excluding the light rail and stations.

Artist impression of Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 3A route — council will control traffic signals.

Gold Coast development: New residential tower planned for central Burleigh Heads

“I can now confirm that $9 million will be payable to the city, in addition to relevant assets — road pavement, structures — being renewed as part of the light rail project,” Mr Dickson said.

“The expected lifespan of this renewed asset is 15 to 20 years. During this period it is anticipated that the maintenance costs for the pavements and structures will be minimal and able to be catered for from existing budgets.”

City officers have estimated the renewal cost for the section of the Highway will be $10 million after 20 years.

Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 4 proposed routes

Bunnings ditches plans for new warehouses on flood-plain land at Carrara on the Gold Coast

Council in Stage 1 of light rail supported ownership of the Highway because it enabled control of “local land use and urban design outcomes”.

Light rail has created a controversial planning overlay map which allows for unlimited building height and apartment towers built trackside rather than setback from the tram infrastructure.

Mr Dickson in his email admitted council would be able to better manage “development conditions”.

The changeover also enabled council to better co-ordinate traffic signals and reduce congestion on local roads.

Artist impression of Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 3A route

The transfer of the Highway asset will occur once a two-year defects liability period kicks in after construction of the new track.

Council has not made public how the $9 million in compensation will be used.

Major construction of the $709 million project, funded by the Commonwealth, State and council, begins this year.