GOLD COAST
Gold Coast Light rail stage 3A: Federal Labor refuses to answer questions on tram funding
ANDREW POTTS,ANDREW.POTTS@..., Gold Coast Bulletin
May 14, 2019 12:00am

FEDERAL Labor is refusing to explain why it is pouring billions into a state rail project in Victoria while snubbing extra funding needed for the Gold Coast’s light rail extension.

The Opposition on Sunday announced it would contribute $10 billion into the Melbourne Suburban Rail Loop project.

Leader Bill Shorten said Victorian Labor Premier Daniel Andrews needed a “partner in Canberra” and that the project would be a “game changer for Australia’s fastest-growing city”.

FEARS OF TRAM DELAY

The tram extension has become a political football.
THE FIGHT FOR LIGHT RAIL FUNDING

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Mr Shorten’s comments have not impressed Gold Coast leaders who, for weeks, have been trying to get the Opposition leader to explain his position on light rail Stage 3A.

They also say the Glitter Strip’s rate of growth – at 2.63 per cent a year – is just behind the southern capital’s 2.74 per cent.

Labor has matched the Coalition’s pledge of $112 million towards light rail stage 3A. However, both sides have refused to stump up extra cash for the project, which will reduce congestion and eventually connect with major infrastructure including the Gold Coast Airport.

PLANNING BOSS BACKS LIGHT RAIL EXTENSION

Political leaders are at loggerheads over the extension.
The Bulletin yesterday asked the Opposition Leader why the Broadbeach to Burleigh project was missing out, despite requiring a fraction of the cost of the Melbourne rail system.

These questions were ignored. Instead, a Labor spokeswoman talked up the party’s support for previous stages.

“Labor has committed $112 million for Stage 3A,” she said. “Labor has $1 billion more of extra funding to Queensland and SEQ infrastructure over the coming four years.

“We are investing $2.24 billion in Cross River Rail and over $1.5 billion on the M1 which will provide economic benefits, including jobs to residents of the Gold Coast.”

‘MASSIVE SUPPORT’ FOR LIGHT RAIL PROJECT TO BURLEIGH

The tram route has not got enough funding.
State Transport Minister Mark Bailey this month said the Federal Government was $157.5 million short of matching its Stage 1 commitment of 38 per cent of the total costs. For Stage 2, it pledged 22 per cent. So far, the feds have committed 16 per cent of the $709 million needed to build Stage 3A.

For Stage 1 of the light rail, the State Government provided almost 49 per cent of funding. That ballooned to 64.3 per cent for Stage 2.

Asked yesterday if he had been in contact with his federal counterparts to end the funding impasse, Mr Bailey did not answer the questions. Instead, he referred the Bulletin to a comment he made on April 2 in Parliament, reciting the funding shortfall.

Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate has suggested a compromise.
Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate yesterday called for a truce on the tram funding and proposed a compromise in a bid to end the delays.

Cr Tate, who last week said he was sick of being Australia’s Oliver Twist and going cap in hand for money, said an extra $45 million from the feds would get the project over the line.

“My position on this has not changed and council stands ready to put in our fair share,” he said.

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The tram route.
“The state wants the federal government to put in 38 per cent but as a test of fairness I say let’s meet in the middle.

“If they put in $45 million it is a fair deal and it is insignificant in terms of the cost to a project like Cross River Rail.

“Funding delayed is fairness denied.”

Cr Tate, who last month wrote to both Mr Shorten and Prime Minister Scott Morrison requesting a funding pledge, said he was still to receive a response from either man.