It’s no good the LNP leader bleating about the state government at this stage putting nothing into the tram extension – when they were in power led by Campbell Newman, absolutely nothing was done towards the Stage 2 extension to Helensvale railway station.

As usual, there were plenty of comments against the tram extension, “outdated technology”, “perfectly good bus services” etc. being frequent comments. No doubt all those people never use it.

Regards,

COUNCIL
State budge fails to allocate any money towards Gold Coast light rail
ANDREW POTTS, Gold Coast Bulletin
June 11, 2019 9:36pm

THE Palaszczuk Government says it will wait for Prime Minister Scott Morrison to “step up to the plate” before officially committing money to Stage 3A of the light rail.

The tram extension was a stunning omission from yesterday’s State Budget.

A business case has been completed for the link from Broadbeach to Burleigh Heads. However, the federal and state governments cannot agree on funding split.

“The issue we have with light rail is in terms of the Federal Government fund for this important infrastructure project,” Treasurer Jackie Trad said yesterday.

FEDERAL LABOR REFUSES TO ANSWER QUESTIONS ON TRAM FUNDING

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“It doesn’t materialise for a number of years and what the government is proposing in terms of the share of the infrastructure funding is not even 20 per cent.

“So they are expecting both council and state to do the heavy lifting when we are already doing heavy lifting in Cairns, Townsville, Mackay and Rockhampton. They should step up to the plate.”

The Morrison Government last year committed $112 million to the extension, about 16 per cent of the $709 million total cost. State Government and Gold Coast City Council argue it is not enough.

CHAMBER WANTS MORRISON GOVERNMENT IN DRIVING SEAT FOR TRAMS

Mayor Tom Tate is still waiting for the $45m. Picture Glenn Hampson
State Government wants the Feds to tip in an extra $157 million to meet its percentage commitment for Stage 1.

Mayor Tom Tate has called for a compromise of an extra $45 million: “While I’m disappointed light rail was not included, I’m confident the conversation between the state and federal governments will continue.

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“When I hand down the budget (this week) you will see that we have committed the same funding for 3A as we did for stages one and two. I call on everyone to make light rail Stage 3A a priority.”

LIGHT RAIL A ’NEED’ NOT A LUXURY

Light rail outside Gold Coast University Hospital. Picture Glenn Hampson
Despite the funding dispute, new Department of Transport and Main Roads figures in the State Budget reveal the popularity of the trams continues to increase.

Nearly 10.9 million trips were taken on the light rail in the 2018-19 financial year, exceeding the 10.2 million forecast in last year’s budget.

It is tipped to increase in the coming financial year — with about 11.16 million trips expected in 2019-20.

The popularity of the light rail has also helped lift the overall number of public transport trips across southeast Queensland, up 3.28 million beyond expectations.

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Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 3A fly-through
A detailed fly-through of the Gold Coast light rail's third stage. Supplied by the Department o...

Gold Coast Central Chamber of Commerce president Martin Hall said he was disappointed: “It is very disappointing there could be yet more sabre rattling in regards to light rail funding and potential delays.

“We need to get this project moving properly.”

A Federal Government spokesman said zero funding in the State Budget was not surprising and they urged Labor to “get serious about this project so we can get on and build it”.

Queensland LNP leader Deb Frecklington said the light rail “budget snub shows the Gold Coast is no priority for this out-of-touch Labor Government”.

“Annastacia Palaszczuk is delivering less infrastructure, but more debt. The money is on the table from the Federal Government — the only people holding this project back are Annastacia Palaszczuk and Jackie Trad.