Feedback from residents will have a significant impact on the proposed Stage 3A extension of the Gold Coast Light Rail.
Member for Gaven, Meaghan Scanlon, said feedback would be considered as part of the detailed business case now underway.
“Community consultation is a vital part of any project of this size, and we are keen to hear from locals to help inform this process,” Ms Scanlon said.
Ms Scanlon said the existing light rail routes had been an incredibly popular hit with locals and visitors to the Coast.
“The light rail has already proved to be an iconic and transformational project for the Gold Coast,” Ms Scanlon said.
“Light rail was integral to the hugely successful Gold Coast Commonwealth Games Transport plan, carrying nearly 100,000 passengers per day during the Games.
“Since Stage 2 came online in December we have seen a 33 per cent increase in light rail patronage overall, with more than 5.2 million trips taken in the first six months.
“This is an increase of about 51,000 trips per week in 2018 compared to 2017.”
Transport and Main Roads Minister, Mark Bailey, said it was important for the community to have an opportunity to comment on the reference design and gain an understanding of the proposed extension.
“The community will be able to view maps of the reference design for the proposed route in the centre of the Gold Coast Highway as well as proposed station locations, traffic lanes and intersection changes.
“Population growth continues to place increasing pressure on the city’s road network which is why planning for this extension of the light rail system is essential.
“The project team is working hard using the reference design to finalise the detailed business case.”
Mr Bailey said the Palaszczuk Government was working in partnership with the City of Gold Coast to deliver the next stage.
“As we saw during the Commonwealth Games in April, trams can carry many more people while occupying less road space than cars.
“Without a change in how people move around the city, continued high levels of car dependency will result in further road congestion and associated delays.
“Trams generally travel in a separate corridor, not on the road, making tram services a more reliable choice for commuters.”
Mayor, Tom Tate, said council had consulted with the community in 2015 and 2017.
“The community has told us loud and clear that they want this extension. I commend the state for investing $5 million into this final design,’’ Mr Tate said.
“Council has also committed $5 million and it is now the chance for the community to have a final say on the route and features of Stage 3A.
“The Burleigh Heads and Nobby Beach precincts can benefit from urban design elements as part of the project, including enhanced landscaping, cycle ways and improved pedestrian connectivity.”
