The State Government has made the call to scrap planning for the Light Rail Stage 4 to the Airport.
Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie has held a press conference on the Gold Coast this morning to announce the project will not go ahead
It follows a review of the proposal, which has seen planning for the project put on hold since the LNP came into power late last year.
Enhanced bus services will be rolled out instead, to meet the community’s needs.
Mr Bleijie claims the project’s budget would blow out to $9.85 billion if it went ahead.
He says they’ve listened to the community, and the decision puts a line in the sand.
“After a sham consultation from the former Labor Government, this independent review revealed that locals want well-connected transport options that integrate into the existing infrastructure without disrupting the unique character of their community,” Deputy Premier Bleijie says.
“Unlike Labor who treated the community with disdain by withholding details on property resumptions and carpark losses, locals were able to have a fully informed say following the release of previously hidden documents.
“The Crisafulli Government made a clear commitment to listen to the Southern Gold Coast local community at the election and today that commitment has been delivered.
“This is about ensuring transport infrastructure projects are delivered in partnership with local communities to protect what they value most in their community and their lifestyle.”
An extensive community consultation with over 5,600 submissions revealed calls for cost-effective, flexible transport options that respect the natural environment and protect key local landmarks like Burleigh Head National Park and Tallebudgera Creek.
Key findings from the review include:
- Significant concerns over the previous consultation process that focused on a single option with over half of respondents indicating they hadn’t been properly consulted.
- Nearly two-thirds of respondents to the consultation expressed negative sentiment towards the project.
- Probable further time and cost blowouts, with the project potentially costing up to $9.85 billion.
- Local residents support improved bus services as a cost-effective and flexible solution.
- The local community wants transport solutions that respect the natural environment and key local landmarks, such as Burleigh Head National Park and Tallebudgera Creek.
Member for Burleigh Hermann Vorster has thanked the local community for participating in the review process.
“I’m proud to stand with a community that’s passionate, informed, and ready to shape the future of transport on the Gold Coast,” Mr Vorster says.
“Their input has been invaluable, and it’s front and centre in this report.”
Mayor Tom Tate and the State Opposition are due to hold press conferences on the matter this afternoon.
Both Council and Labor have been pushing for the Light Rail Stage 4 to go ahead.
More to come.
