The Mayor has used the nation’s fuel crisis to urge the state government to revisit Light Rail Stage 4.
The proposed extension from Burleigh to the airport was axed in August, with the state government instead saying it would come up with a plan for an integrated transport solution for the southern Gold Coast.
But almost seven months on, that plan remains a mystery to Gold Coasters.
Mayor Tom Tate says the state government should reconsider the decision to axe trams to Coolangatta.
“If the fuel price is a long-term part of it, I’d say my commitment for Light Rail Stage Four to go to the airport should be strengthened,” The Mayor said.
“And (the) majority of people want the Light Rail Stage Four to go to the airport, and we’ll see the cry from people pushing for it….as soon as stage three (is) complete because everyone’s going to catch the light rail there and then go, why we’re stopping here?
“Doesn’t make any sense.”
The state government has given no indication when it will release its transport plan for the Gold Coast, but the Mayor says it needs to happen well before stage three of light rail is completed, which is expected by mid-year.
However, Tom Tate has raised serious doubts about whether the plan will even work.
“I’ve seen it, but I haven’t seen a trial of it or in practice. Will that really work with the traffic of the light rail?
“I don’t think capacity-wise, I’d love to see their modelling on that because people are changing mode.
“Will there be enough seats in the buses to go to the airport from Burleigh? That is going to be the question, and if there’s not enough, then people won’t be welcoming that solution. We don’t want a band-aid solution.”
The Transport Minister has been contacted for comment.
