Revealed: What Gold Coast residents thinks about trams after thousands take part in community consultation
Thousands of southern Gold Coast residents have responded to community consultation on light rail, with their views on station locations becoming clear. WHAT THEY SAID >>>
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THOUSANDS of southern Gold Coast residents are responding to the community consultation on light rail — and the view is the majority support the location of the proposed tram stations.
The Bulletin can reveal the State Government on Friday will provide feedback showing more than 4000 people have had their say on the proposed Burleigh Heads to Tugun tram route.
Transport Minister Mark Bailey said the results had demonstrated strong interest in the Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 4 but he reminded residents that consultations were about to close.
Meanwhile a council report obtained by the Bulletin on the Broadbeach to Burleigh section confirms 77 per cent of respondents backed the first set of station neighbourhoods to undergo concept planning.
The proposed locations are Nobby Beach, Miami North, Christine Avenue and Second Avenue Station neighbourhoods.
Better pedestrian and cycle connections through neighbourhoods along with widening of footpaths was “the clear priority”.
“Improved parks and recreational areas was the second highest priority,” the report said.
Residents believed tourism, restaurants and entertainment venues would provide the best employment opportunities around stations. They want “street greening”.
Key findings included maintaining the quality of parks and retaining the “coastal character” of areas. Residents were also concerned about buildings heights around light rail.
The Government has been buoyed by the response to surveying for the next section south to Tugun.
“The Department of Transport and Main Roads has held online consultation and pop-up consultations at seven locations on the southern Gold Coast over a ten-week period,” Mr Bailey said.
“Face-to-face sessions have been really effective, with locals able to discuss the project in more detail with the team.
“We’re listening to the feedback about pedestrian friendly precincts, active transport connections, station access and the environment.
“The submissions we’ve received will be considered and inform the business case, which is due to be completed by mid 2022.
“With only one day left until this consultation closes (on Friday), I urge anyone with an interest to jump online and have your say.”
Mr Bailey said major construction on the Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 3 extension from Broadbeach to Burleigh Heads was also getting closer.
“It’s great to see the new site compound established near the Broadbeach South station, and more early works kicking off this month,” he said.
“This is a signal to the community that works for this vital 6.7 kilometre extension of the tram network have started.
“Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 3 is an important part of a $4.8 billion package of road and transport works being delivered by the Palaszczuk Government in the Gold Coast and surrounding areas that will support more than 4000 jobs.”
Mr Bailey said major infrastructure like light rail was a key part of the State’s COVID-19 Economic Recovery Plan.
“Gold Coast Light Rail has transformed the way people move around the city with more than 50 million trips taken on the existing system since it opened, and this extension will provide greater connectivity and accessibility for all Gold Coasters.
“We’re creating a better connected Gold Coast, more local jobs and lasting infrastructure.”
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