Ann Wason Moore on the Oceanway, the cableway, the tram

While we argue over the Oceanway and cableway, a map has proved why the light rail should go down the Gold Coast Highway. See why

The Oceanway, the cableway, the tram … oh my! Just like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz, we seem to be awfully scared of some not very scary things in this city,

Given the Gold Coast’s explosive growth, no one denies we need better mobility … but the conversation has become as deadlocked as the traffic.

Whatever alternative is offered, there is a vehement argument against it. Light rail to run down the spine of the city? No! Send it kilometres inland where the population is less dense and the attractions all but non-existent.

A wide pathway alongside our city’s greatest asset, the beach? No! The Oceanway might block the view for millionaires.

Oceanway project between Wagawn St and Elizabeth St Tugun. Picture Glenn Hampson

A cableway up into the mountain to boost Hinterland tourism and provide alternative transportation in times of disaster? No! Stick to the road that has been rebuilt countless times.

Now, before you fire off angry comments and emails my way (too late, I already know), I am being extremely simplistic here, and a little unfair. There actually are valid arguments against all of these transportation links (well, the latter two anyway).

While I’ll admit I really don’t care about the view for homeowners on Hedges Ave (yes, I am petty and jealous), there are legitimate concerns about erosion and damage if this pathway is ever fully connected.

Personally, I think it’s worth whatever it takes. Every road and footpath must be restored over time, this will be no different … and the current obstacle course along Hedges Ave is simply unacceptable, with runners, riders and pedestrians all in danger. Not to mention the incredible experience a fully connected Oceanway would offer residents and tourists alike,

As for the cableway, well, if you’ve seen the stories run by this paper after Mayor Tom Tate floated the project again, you can see for yourself how contentious it is.

Now, I’m anything but an environmental authority, and I’ll happily defer to whatever the experts say, but on a surface level I can see validity in Mr Tate’s arguments for this potential Hinterland tourist attraction in its ability to broaden our economy, our tourism, and unlock the green behind the gold.

Given the closure just this week of Polly’s Country Kitchen, a Springbrook hospitality stalwart, it seems the more visitors we can bring to this area, the better … so long as we’re protecting the natural assets.

The cableway being investigated by Gold Coast City Council would likely be similar to the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway at Cairns.

And now we come to the light rail … surely the most polarising subject, not just for transportation but possibly all topics ever in the history of this city.

I do have sympathy for those in southern suburbs who do not want this critical piece of infrastructure, and I do believe we need to listen and ameliorate their concerns whenever possible, as well as wait for the release of the stage 4 business case next year.

But I am so tired of hearing arguments about routes other than straight down the Gold Coast Highway. First of all, this is such a waste of time. If we are to have any hope of connecting the tram to the airport before 2032, there is not a moment to waste.

That doesn’t mean it has to be a rush job, but oh my goodness we need to make a decision and have the courage of our convictions. We need leaders who will lead the city in the right direction, not just cater to one segment. No one can deny the opinions of residents in our southern suburbs who object to stage 4 of the light rail travelling down the Gold Coast Highway, but we also can’t grant more weight to these views than is fair.

Because no matter how much you argue for a route diverted down the M1, or anywhere else for that matter, there is a simple picture that tells the story of precisely why that argument makes zero sense.

Gold Coast light rail. Picture Glenn Hampson

Taken from urban planner and GIS (geographic information system) analyst Henry Venus, using open data from the Queensland Government, he has created a heat map showing the usage of South East Queensland transit stops.

Zoom into the Gold Coast and the data cannot be denied … the darkest dots (indicating the most popular transit stops) are strung like a necklace directly down the coastline, following precisely the route of the Gold Coast Highway. And yes, all the way to the airport.

Already the 700 route to Coolangatta is the busiest bus service in the city, and that’s precisely why we need trams along that same route – to cater for this critical mass.

Interestingly, the map also shows clear indications that east-west spurs between Broadbeach and Robina, as well as out to Harbour town, are popular routes and would make great candidates for future light rail links.

But first we need to stop arguing and get the spine sorted already.

Consider it our own Yellow Brick Road.

Originally published as Ann Wason Moore on the Oceanway, the cableway, the tram