Light rail bombshell: Hundreds of properties at risk of resumption

The state government has revealed that more than 200 properties are at risk of resumption along the light rail stage four route as it launches community consultation as part of its review.

The state government has revealed up to 235 properties will be at risk of resumption if light rail stage four to Gold Coast Airport goes ahead as currently planned.

Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jarrod Bleijie said Gold Coast locals had been “deliberately kept in the dark” by the previous Labor government about the impacts, which would also include the loss of more than 1000 carparking spaces.

Stage four is planned to run from Burleigh to Gold Coast Airport, down the Gold Coast Highway through Palm Beach.

Mr Bleijie will on Friday announce that public consultation is opening on the project, running for six weeks until May 2, to support a review being conducted by his department.

“The Crisafulli Government is committed to ensuring residents are consulted, following the disdain shown to their community by the former Labor Government,” Mr Bleijie said.

“Despite 235 properties being at risk of resumption and the loss of over 1000 local carparks, the former Labor Government deliberately kept residents in the dark.

“Through this consultation process, we will ensure locals are informed of the proposed impacts on their community so they can have an informed say about the future of this project.”

Artist impression of Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 4. Picture: Department of Transport and Main Roads.

The consultation was promised by the LNP in the run-up to the state election last October amid controversy over the cost of the proposed light rail extension, which a report suggested could be up to $7.6 billion.

The government said the process would “inform residents about proposed impacts” and “help ensure future public transport options are affordable and serve the needs of the local community”.

Burleigh MP Hermann Vorster said the process would differ sharply to consultation undertaken by the previous government.

“Labor’s sham consultations were stacked against our lifestyle and environment, and fatally flawed from the start,” he said.

“Locals have no faith in the current plans because there was never an opportunity to suggest alternatives and basic questions were left unanswered.”

The Bulletin previously reported that alternatives to the light rail under consideration included electric buses, with Mayor Tom Tate saying he was “open” to the idea.

Opposition leader Steven Miles accused the state of plotting to turn Burleigh into a “bus depot”, amid claims its bowls club would need to be demolished to make way for a transit hub. Mr Vorster last month described those claims as “rubbish”.

The Bulletin understands that the Crisafulli government will ensure Burleigh Heads Bowls Club is protected.

Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie, Currumbin MP Laura Gerber and Burleigh MP Hermann Vorster at Tallebudgera Creek in Palm Beach on Friday May 31 last year. Picture: Keith Woods.

Youth Justice Minister and Member for Currumbin Laura Gerber said the southern Gold Coast community would have its say in any decisions on transport in the area.

“The former Labor Government railroaded the southern Gold Coast and did not listen or consult with locals on Light Rail Stage 4,” she said.

“The Crisafulli Government is putting this decision back in the hands of the community like we promised, ensuring proper consultation is undertaken and the community gets the transport solutions that best meet the needs of the Southern Gold Coast.”

Speaking during a visit to the Gold Coast on Thursday, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he was a supporter of the light rail.

“There is a business case which needs to be conducted,” he said.

“I am someone who, as Infrastructure Minister, put $365m into Stage 1, something which was opposed by the LNP.

“(Then-Moncrieff MP) Steve Ciobo and other local members went out there and collected potentiation against it, but we made sure the Gold Coast light rail project got done.

“That was important, not just for the residents of the Gold Coast but for the success of the Commonwealth Games and for the visitors who come to this fantastic region of Australia where tourism plays such an important role.”

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Originally published as Light rail bombshell: Hundreds of properties at risk of resumption