Gold Coast light rail: Developer says border extension an 'absolute must' and debate ‘mind boggling’

A leading developer has warned the Gold Coast's future hangs in balance as state government's light rail review nears a crucial decision within weeks. FIND OUT MORE

One of the country’s oldest developers says light rail’s “absolute must” extension south of Burleigh to the border must come before any extra routes, including near its projects.

Lewis Land senior development manager Matt Hills has long championed a northern route taking trams to Biggera Waters where the company is developing its Harbour Shores precinct near Harbour Town Premium Outlets.

But he said any talk of future stages should not happen until after Stage 4 from Burleigh to the border was locked in.

“The fact it is up for question is just mind boggling. I understand the pressure that (construction) places on any business in that corridor, small or big and it is tough.

“However it is for the wider community’s benefit; not just now, but generations – it is an absolute must.”

Matt Hills (right). Picture, Portia Large.

Mr Hills said the extension would benefit not just city south residents but rest of the Gold Coast.

“It is a whole-of-city project and it is sad that, to benefit the whole of the Gold Coast, you have to impact a smaller number of people but that’s the same case with any major infrastructure project,” he said.

“They will get the money back down the line through the extensive housing it unlocks, not to mention productivity gains from improved traffic distribution and increased options for the future.

“The fact we are even having to argue about an absolute no-brainer is distracting from real progress on upgrades and extensions to the wider network – not just Stage 4, but all of the nodes after that.”

His comments come as business and political leaders wanting light rail extended south vow to keep pressure on the state government with the countdown on for the consultation review.

Premier David Crisafulli revealed last week at Future Gold Coast the review into the 13km system extension was due within weeks.

Mr Crisafulli said whatever the solution - including route and mode of transport - it was needed before the 2032 Olympic Games.

Artist impression of Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 4 between Tugun and Coolangatta, including Gold Coast Airport and the NSW border. Picture: Department of Transport and Main Roads.

“I imagine (the review decision) is weeks rather than months,” he said.

The project has been under review amid southern-biased consultation since the LNP was elected in October. The review is looking at other possible options, including buses.

However buses have been dismissed as an insufficient solution by Queensland Airports CEO Amelia Evans.

“I haven’t seen a viable alternative (to light rail),” she said. “It’s the highest capacity transport we can get, so if we are going to grow to a population of one million, we are going to see - as an airport - our numbers go from 6.2 million passengers a year to 10 million and 13 million,” she said. “If that’s the trajectory of this city, we can’t rely on a bus.”

Tom Tate. Picture Glenn Hampson

Mayor Tom Tate said if state government opted for buses over trams to the airport, they would be overcrowded within five years.

He said it was crucial the state consider a Plan B ensuring the new corridor was prepared to take trams longer term from Burleigh to Coolangatta.

Mr Tate said if the government opted for Metro buses they would still require a corridor and need land.

“The capacity of the bus is way below light rail. Within five years life, the rapid bus system will be capacity overloaded. People will be complaining we have dedicated lanes for buses for limited return on the number of people used in comparison to light rail.”

Mr Tate awaited Mr Crisafulli’s review decision saying it should include mode and any route changes.

“He still said no option was not an option. We have to have it ready by 2032. The target of having it all ready by 2032 is vital.”