Skilled Park neighbours asked to have their say on transport

Minister for Sport, Judy Spence, said traffic planners were seeking feedback from local residents and businesses on the proposed traffic management area for the new $160 million Skilled Park.

Ms Spence said transport planners will be distributing some 4,000 surveys to local residents and businesses located within the stadium precinct next week.

“Residents located within the stadium precinct, which is the area between the Robina Parkway, Laver Drive and Cheltenham Drive, will have a month to respond to the survey,” she said.

“This will provide residents and business owners with an idea as to how traffic will be managed on event days and gives them the opportunity to provide feedback which will be incorporated into the overall traffic management plan.

“Residential precincts will be protected by a permit system which will allow access to permit holders during events with police officers and traffic management personnel controlling traffic flow throughout the precinct.”

Ms Spence said she appreciated the cooperation and support received from local residents throughout the construction of Skilled Park.

“I am sure many local residents and business owners are Titans fans who will be regulars at this spectacular venue from 2008,” she said.

Ms Spence said the Queensland Government is encouraging patrons to catch public transport to the venue.

“The fact is there is no public car park at the stadium.

“Contemporary best practice in respect of moving patrons to and from major events is to limit the use of private vehicles in the stadium precinct as occurs at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium and London’s Emirates Stadium,” she said.

“The use of public transport results in minimal disruptions to the stadium precinct and will enable patrons to get into and out of Skilled Park in an efficient and orderly manner.

“It only stands to reason that congestion is inevitable when there are thousands of patrons attempting to exit a venue at one time by car.”

Ms Spence said public transport significantly reduces this congestion thereby improving the event experience for all patrons.

“Examples are readily available of congestion and patron frustration associated with allowing too many private vehicles into a stadium precinct as was the case at Carrara during Titans matches in 2007.

“Football fans need to begin thinking about getting to Skilled Park via train, existing bus links and the park ‘n’ ride bus services which will operate in a fast and efficient manner from close to the stadium,” she said.

“Further details about these public transport options would be released early in the New Year.”

Ms Spence said Skilled Park would be open to the public for the first time on Sunday 17 February.

Minister office: 32396218

14 December 2007