$550m Gold Coast rapid transit system making rapid progress: Lucas

A council inspection of French light-rail systems would add valuable information to the State Government and Gold Coast City Council’s rapid-transit plan, Minister for Transport and Main Roads Paul Lucas said today.

Mr Lucas said project staff were now putting together a report on transit options for the Gold Coast ahead of information on the proposal going to the public next month.

“A rapid-transit system is go for the Gold Coast,” Mr Lucas said. “The State Government has put $550 million for the project on the table.

“What we’re jointly trying to work out is whether light rail or a bus rapid transit system would be the better option.

“The recent inspection tour by Gold Coast City Council Manager of Transportation Planning Rod Grose and Cr Ted Shepherd will help provide another piece of the puzzle.

“There are points in favour of both options – light rail is more expensive but has higher capacity than buses, while busways are both less expensive and also allow many buses to hop directly on the busway.

“I’ve written to Council indicating I believe it’s best to assess both options but ultimately if we go for the more expensive project then the Council will need to make a significant financial contribution to achieve that. But, whichever option is ultimately chosen, this project is going ahead.”

Mr Lucas said people would receive a detailed update on the project by the end of November.

“The project team will begin detailed consultation early next year, with a design expected by late next year. I would then expect to see a business case on the project that I can take to Cabinet towards the end of next year.

“If it stacks up, work could begin in 2008, with stage one in operation by 2011.

“This rapid transit system is part of the Government's plan to provide fast, frequent and reliable public transport for commuters.

“The new system will link the rail station at either Helensvale or Parkwood with the busy centres of Southport, Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach, and ultimately Coolangatta.”

Mr Lucas said that, with the population of Gold Coast City fast approaching 500,000 and rising by 15,000 people every year, it was important to plan now for the future.

“The rapid-transit system is just one example,” Mr Lucas said.

“In 2003-04, when TransLink was introduced, there were 13.7 million bus passenger journeys on the Gold Coast network. In the 2005-06 financial year, there were 17.3 million. That’s an increase of 3.6 million passenger journeys.

“We’ve committed $355 million to the Gold Coast Rail Corridor, including $195 million for a third track between Salisbury and Kuraby, $22 million for duplication of the single track between Ormeau and Coomera, $63 million for duplication from Helensvale to Robina and $75 million for extension of the line from Robina to Varsity Lakes. We’re also spending $92 million on 24 new carriages - eight three-car sets.

"The Gold Coast needs a first-rate public transport system. We’re working with the Council to make sure that it gets it.”