The real problem with Palm Beach – and it’s not the light rail

After years of futilely fighting the tram, residents have finally turned their focus to the true public enemy, writes Ann Wason Moore.

At last, Palm Beach has grasped the point.

After years of directing venom towards a public transportation policy which promises to be a lifeline for this city, residents have finally turned their focus from light rail to the true public enemy: high-rises.

And now that they have realised their mission … it’s no longer impossible.

The truth is that the community is scoring wins because they’re finally playing the right game.

Just look at the victory of the Palm Beach Elanora Community Group in blocking The Collective development … and now their sights are set on the 20-level Changfa high-rise.

In just a few months, they have achieved landmark action.

Artist impression’s of The Collective and Changfa towers at Palm Beach.

It’s a far cry from the years of empty noise coming from the anti-light rail contingent.

While those campaigners have no doubt driven up the price of yellow cardboard, they have done nothing to actually stop the tram.

Which is great … given that the light rail is not really the problem here.

Indeed, over on social media, the people of the Gold Coast reddit community have warmed the icy splinters of my heart with their tributes to the tram.

Underneath a photo of a carriage crammed with customers, sarcastically titled ‘B..bUt nO oNe eVeR rIdE tHesE tRamS”, are the following comments:

“I don’t understand why people say the tram will ‘destroy’ the southern suburbs.. it’s 2 freakin lines on the road and a small tram going past every 15min... How the hell would this destroy all your lives? It’s a nothing event. How fragile and easily broken are Burleigh and palm beach really???…”

“Probably the best thing on the coast.

“I love this so much, they are so efficient, the stations are clean and unobtrusive … and they are really making an effort to integrate the bus network into using it. I really hope they continue to expand it in all directions.”

And then, my personal favourite:

“Check out all the people not going to Burleigh or Palm Beach.”

Lancia Jordana, convener of the Palm Beach Elanora Community Group.

Perhaps that’s why Palm Beach Elanora Community Group convener Lancia Jordana is at pains to point out that the association does not campaign on the light rail.

Now, I’m pretty sure the group is no fan of the tram, but by keeping their focus on the population’s real problem – the over-proliferation of high-rises – they’re achieving real results.

Indeed, the primary complaint from anti-tram protesters has been that it opens the door to over-development. But let’s remember these salient points:

The tram has not yet been approved for Palm Beach.

Stage 4 is still only a proposal.

Therefore, any and all high-rises either approved or constructed – and yes, there are many – have nothing to do with the light rail or any of its proposed routes.

In other words, stop fighting the light rail and focus on the real problems in Palmy.

Which brings me to the next point, which residents have yet to grasp: getting onboard with the tram is actually the best way to preserve their neighbourhood.

Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate at the upgraded Pirate Park at Palm Beach Parklands. Picture: Tertius Pickard.

While the community was pleased to hear Mayor Tom Tate talk about a 10-storey height limit for Palm Beach regardless of the light rail route, there is so much more protection that can be offered when the tram comes to town.

I know this because I’ve seen it happen in Nobbys.

This year, I was a member of the Nobby Beach and Miami North Community Reference Group, created by the council to help residents build a framework to protect the culture and community of our neighbourhood as it grows around the future light rail station.

This was not a “secret” group, any resident, business owner or stakeholder from the area could nominate themselves.

Together, we set a height limit for our area of 10-storeys – and that only in specific areas – as well as ensuring a focus on walkability, the village vibe and streetscaping.

Now, of course, there are those who still disagree with the outcome. But that’s life in a democracy.

And it’s not just Nobby Beach … the City of Gold Coast has recognised that bringing the light rail through southern suburbs is a hot-button issue, so they’re bringing the microscope to planning for station neighbourhoods.

Palm Beach, you’ve already won the height limit war … now nail down all the details that make your suburb your home.

Ultimately, my point is … jump on this train.