Revealed: Robina Stadium car park upgrade only costs $2 million but government stalls on deal
The off-street parking chaos on Titans game day at Robina can be resolved for as little as $2 million investment in a car park upgrade. Find out what the State Government response is
Gold Coast
Don't miss out on the headlines from Gold Coast. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The off-street parking chaos on Gold Coast Titans game days at Robina can be resolved for a $2 million investment in a car park upgrade, it can be revealed.
But the State Government is refusing to play ball on a deal, instead calling on council to improve its transport infrastructure around Titans stronghold CBUS Stadium.
Robina-based councillor Hermann Vorster, campaigning for the upgrade, said the Government could use revenue from parking to subsidise more CBUS events,making the venue more viable for family events.
“The Government spent $45 million building this 1100-space park and ride in Springfield. But they won’t spend $2 million on 1200 (spaces) for the Gold Coast,” he said.
Sport Minister Sterling Hinchliffe said current parking was under-utilised outside of event days and appeared sufficient for the stadium.
“It would likely cost $2 million to develop the additional carparking spaces adjacent to the stadium,” Mr Hinchliffe wrote. “As the current parking is under-utilised outside of event days, and is sufficient for stadium operations, there is no justification for the $2 million investment.”
Cr Vorster last month detailed what he called the “scandal” by showing photographs of a 1500-space carpark owned by the Government sitting idle opposite the stadium as nurses, students and football fans fight to find parking in Robina.
Cr Vorster on Monday said the Government had declared war on city motorists by knocking back a sensible plan to activate 1500-parking spaces at Robina.
“It follows so soon after revelations they will permanently remove 500 car parks from the
coastal strip (for light rail), which will make it much harder for local businesses and residents visiting the beach,” he said.
“They don’t like the idea of private vehicle ownership and are punishing locals who
depend on family cars for work, school, and hospital visits.
“My $2 million dollar plan is cheaper than the $44 million they spent at Springfield, and shows they don’t value taxpayer money or don’t value the Gold Coast. Maybe both.
“It’s also a slap in the face for footy fans who face crushing crowds on trains when a massive
carpark sits largely empty just metres from the stadium.”
Mr Hinchliffe said Stadiums Queensland had no plans to further develop the carpark.
“The carpark remains sufficient for the stadium’s operational requirements,” he said.
Using trains and buses was encouraged on game day, and to reduce traffic congestion there was no public parking at the stadium.
“A major issue for traffic at the stadium and the Robina area on event days continues to be that there is only one entry and exit point to Stadium Drive, a no-through road,” Mr Hinchliffe said.
“New road infrastructure over Mudgeeraba Creek connecting Stadium Drive to Gooding Drive or the Robina Parkway would vastly improve traffic management for the stadium and local residents on game days.
“Investigation and investment in bridge infrastructure over Mudgeeraba Creek by the City of
Gold Coast would improve local resident amenity and provide ancillary benefit to event day
operations at the stadium.”
Five days, four tragedies – and a city rattled
The discovery of four bodies in five days in some of the Gold Coast’s most scenic locations has left locals rattled - not least because it reminded us of an unsettling truth.
Zookeepers, receptionists: Meet the Gold Coast’s newest coppers
They’re a diverse bunch all with their own backstories and former careers, but these eight new Gold Coast first year constables are united by one thing: a desire to serve. Here’s your opportunity to meet some of them.