Labor green lights Gold Coast federal poll accusing LNP of short-changing on heavy rail

Labor has ramped up its Federal election campaign on the Gold Coast, pushing its plans to sink billions into a dramatic upgrade of train services amid row over light rail funding.

LABOR ramped up its Federal election campaign on the Gold Coast today, talking up its commitment to Cross River Rail after being accused of “missing a free kick” on light rail funding.

Gaven MP Meaghan Scanlon and Moncrieff Labor candidate Tracey Bell were at Nerang railway station during peak hour this morning handing out brochures which detail the party’s plan to deliver southeast Queensland’s biggest infrastructure project.

Labor's Cross River Rail election pitch featuring Senator Murray Watt and Gaven MP Meaghan Scanlon

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Political commentators and community groups on the weekend had questioned Labor not stumping up an extra $45 million to ensure light rail was extended south from Broadbeach to Burleigh.

Both federal leaders are pledging about $112 million, about 15 per cent of the total costs and down from the Commonwealth’s 22 per cent contribution for the first stage of light rail.

But Labor senses it is on a winner with Cross River Rail, with the Palaszczuk Government forced to foot the entire bill and the Morrison Government refusing to offer up any help on a project which will dramatically shorten train travel to Brisbane.

Gaven MP Meaghan Scanlon and Moncrieff Labor candidate Tracey Bell outside Nerang railway station as part of the federal election campaign.

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Ms Scanlon told The Bulletin: “We’re focused on building the major infrastructure Queenslanders need and delivering local jobs. That is what this $5.4 billion Cross River Rail project is about.

“Cross River Rail will enable a train to leave for Brisbane on the Gold Coast line every five minutes on average in the morning peak, the capacity for 3150 extra seats and save up to 15 minutes in travel time.”

Ms Scanlon said the project would enable the State Government to meet its own election commitments of three new Gold Coast train stations proposed for Pimpama, Helensvale North and Worongary.

“These three new rail stations will serve the Gold Coast’s growing population, and help ease congestion pressure on key arterial roads, including the M1,” she said.

Opposition leader Bill Shorten visiting the Gold Coast at Helensvale light rail station — Labor is talking up heavy rail rather than the trams. Picture: Glenn Hampson.

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“The full benefits of the three new stations can only be realised with Cross River Rail — which will significantly boost capacity on the Gold Coast line and allow more trains to run more often.

“This builds on our record of having delivered $163 million to duplicate the heavy rail between Helensvale and Coomera Station and Gold Coast light stage two.

“Unfortunately Queensland continues to get short-changed by the LNP Morrison Government who have failed to provide any funding for Cross River Rail.”