Gold Coast light rail: Letter sparks concern over light rail pains for residents
Gold Coast residents near a proposed light rail extension are bracing for construction pains after receiving an ominous legal letter.
Gold Coast
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GOLD COAST residents near a proposed light rail extension are bracing for construction pains and other impacts with the upcoming stage 3A build, a legal letter warns.
In what some Burleigh locals describe as a glimpse of things to come, a letter from law firm Ellison Moschella & Co warning of potential compensation battles was sent to a dozen of those expected to be on the tram path.
According to one resident the letter this month has been their first direct contact on the major infrastructure project, despite previous claims from authorities of regular consultation.
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“As you would be aware, the Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 3 project appears likely to have an impact on your property,” the Ellison Moschella letter read.
“We have considerable experience in compensation claims in which we have acted for property owners and business owners effected by property resumptions.”
It lists possible compensation to include, claims for loss of land value, loss of development potential, loss of business, interference with enjoyment of property during and after construction and loss due to resumption.
The State Government has however ruled out any further property resumptions for Stage 3, with just two commercial properties and one government-owned property identified in the reference design as being impacted.
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Lower Gold Coast Highway property owner of a decade Harry Richmond said the letter heightened his concerns about the tram, given he was yet to be contacted by anyone about it.
“According to the plans the track will go right out the front of our place, so I am concerned.
“It is a bit of a shame we are hearing from lawyers about what could go wrong before we hear from anyone in power. No one has told us what is happening yet.
“Major construction right next door to your place is going to have an impact. It is not ideal for residents. If there is any likelihood of compensation I am sure most people on the line will be considering it.”
Mr Richmond said he was unlikely to use it once built.
“They say it is good for residents but I use my car to go elsewhere, I don’t go into Surfers so it isn’t going to help us. It isn’t going to benefit us.
“They say it might help property value but that is not why people moved here, it was for the lifestyle which is what will hurt the most.”
Last month Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said project crews would be engaging with business before construction begins to support them while the light rail is built.
The build is expected to create 760 jobs.
A Transport and Main Roads spokesperson said the 6.7km extension of the light rail network has been designed to minimise property impacts as much as possible by ensuring a significant amount of construction is kerb to kerb.
“We have worked with the impacted owners and the properties have been bought.
There are no additional commercial or residential properties required for Stage 3 at this time,” TMR said.
“The construction contractor will be required to manage and minimise construction impacts while demonstrating the highest levels of safety at construction sites.
“Accesses to businesses and residential properties will be maintained. Work will be predominantly undertaken during the day, with works done at night as required due to safety requirements.
“Residents and businesses will be advised of any work and its nature as well as construction hours in advance.
“The successful contractor will employ a dedicated team responsible for communicating regularly with business owners and residents to provide information throughout construction.”
Originally published as Gold Coast light rail: Letter sparks concern over light rail pains for residents