Independent market research has revealed 63 per cent of residents surveyed support the proposed Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 4 down the Gold Coast Highway.
The research was one part of an extensive community consultation program on the Burleigh Heads to Tugun section of the the fourth stage of light rail on the Gold Coast.
Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said of the 1005 residents and businesses surveyed, it was terrific to see almost two-thirds of those surveyed support the transformative project.
"We know the Gold Coast loves light rail, which is evidenced by the over 60 million trips taken since the first stage opened in 2014," Mr Bailey said.
"As we continue planning for the fourth light rail link between the future Burleigh station and Coolangatta, we promised the gold standard of community consultation for the project.
"That is exactly what we're delivering and I'm proud of the extensive community consultation program undertaken by my department between July and September last year that complemented the independent market research.
"This first stage of consultation for the Burleigh Heads to Tugun section saw an unprecedented level of engagement with 43 face-to-face community sessions over a 10-week period.
"That equates to more than 220 hours listening to the community's feedback and concerns and answering questions."
Mr Bailey said research conducted on the Gold Coast Highway (Burleigh Heads to Tugun) Multi-Modal Corridor Study in 2020 showed that the community supported a potential light rail extension from Burleigh Heads all the way to Coolangatta via the Gold Coast Airport.
"The consultation undertaken has backed the results from previous studies, and I'm pleased to see we are on the right track in developing the case for a service that people truly want," he said.
"High level planning is now continuing with the Gold Coast Highway (Tugun to Coolangatta) Multi-modal Corridor Study now underway and community consultation on that section will take place later this year.
"Light Rail teams will then have the big job ahead of them in reviewing and incorporating feedback into future concept designs to make sure we get the best possible outcome.
"Key feedback themes included parking, proposed reduction in traffic lanes, the environment and alternative routes and modes which will be worked through thoroughly.
"A highlight I'm pleased to see is the majority of people are supportive of the connectivity light rail can bring to the area.
"As the population continues to grow on the southern Gold Coast, we know a transport solution like this is necessary in unblocking the busy Gold Coast highway and getting locals where they need to be sooner."
Mr Bailey assured Gold Coasters that there would be further opportunities for feedback on the proposal.
"I'd like to thank everyone who took the opportunity to provide input into the planning of this city-changing project so far," he said.
"We will continue to consult as the preliminary business case continues,
Mr Bailey said engagement on Stage 3 of the light rail project had worked well, with community and businesses engaged ahead of each phase of works.
"There are about 600 businesses along the Stage 3 route, so getting out and having good relationships with people will be key to the continued success of the project," he said.
"So far we've had some great success and we'll be keeping it up right through the construction of the project.
"Stage 3 will be a great asset for businesses along the Gold Coast Highway, and I'm pleased to see a number of businesses already throw their support behind this opportunity creating project.
"I'm proud to say major construction on the $1.2 billion project is getting underway between Broadbeach and Burleigh in the coming weeks – supporting more than 760 local jobs."
The consultation report summarising community feedback and independent market research on the Burleigh Heads to Tugun section of Light Rail Stage 4 is published on the Transport and Main Roads website, here: www.tmr.qld.gov.au/gclr4.
FAST FACTS
- Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 4 is a proposed 13 km extension of the light rail from Burleigh Heads to Coolangatta via the Gold Coast Airport.
- The Burleigh Heads to Tugun section concept plans include nine new stations in key locations like Palm Beach, Tomewin Street near Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, Tugun Village and Boyd Street.
- More than 4,100 people attended community drop-in sessions last year with 530 online submissions providing feedback on the concept designs.
- The $5 million Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 4 planning project is jointly funded by the Queensland Government and Gold Coast City Council on a 50:50 basis.
