A townhall meeting on the Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 4 review saw hundreds of community members gather to discuss the future of public transport in the Gold Coast.
The meeting, which was held at Palm Beach and attended by Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie and local MPs, forms part of the Queensland government’s election commitment for a review into the Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 4 project.
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The review will assess all the routes, public transport modes and connectivity options to develop a detailed profile of connectivity and transit needs that ensure future transport options serve the needs of the local community.
Since consultation became open to the public, over 3,800 submissions have been received.
“We know Gold Coast residents want their voices heard on this matter, and that’s exactly what last night’s townhall was about,” deputy premier Jarrod Bleijie says.
“The Crisafulli Government is committed to true community consultation and will not railroad communities like the former Labor Government.
“The venue was packed with people wanting to hear from government and to voice their concerns about the former Labor Government’s proposed Stage 4 Light Rail Project.
“Last night’s turnout clearly demonstrates Labor’s previous consultation was a sham, and Southern Gold Coasters have not felt heard until now.”
It was revealed that the former government didn’t disclose to Queenslanders that the extension puts 235 properties at risk of resumption and could result in the loss of 1,000 local car parks.
Member for Currumbin Laura Gerber says meetings like these are the first steps to delivering greater transparency.
“We are putting this decision back in the hands of the community like we promised, ensuring proper consultation is undertaken and the community gets the transport solutions that best meet the needs of the Southern Gold Coast,” Gerber says.
“We are delivering on our commitment with a transparent review, and we have released the previously hidden documents so locals can make informed decisions that affect their lives.”
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