Hundreds attend Gold Coast Light Rail townhall
- Townhall meeting on Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 4 review delivers a voice to the Southern Gold Coast for the first time
- More than 3,800 submissions received to date
- Consultation remains open until 2 May 2025
Hundreds of local residents gathered to have their voices heard during genuine community consultation on future transport options for the Southern Gold Coast.
The meeting – which was held at Palm Beach and attended by Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie and local MPs - gave residents the opportunity to discuss the project.
The consultation forms part of the Crisafulli Government's election commitment for a review into the Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 4 project.
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.
It has been revealed that the former Labor 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.
Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning, Jarrod Bleijie, thanked the community and business owners for attending.
"We know Gold Coast residents want their voices heard on this matter, and that's exactly what last night's townhall was about," Mr Bleijie said.
"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.
"We've already received more than 3800 submissions so far through the engagement platform.
"It's great to see such an engaged community actively participating in shaping the future of transport infrastructure while protecting the lifestyle of the region.
"The Government is keen to ensure that investment in new infrastructure delivers the right outcomes for the community
"We are keeping all options on the table during the review – all modes and routes are being considered."
Member for Currumbin Laura Gerber said the Crisafulli Government was ensuring the voices of Southern Gold Coast residents were heard.
"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," Ms Gerber said.
"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."
Member for Burleigh Hermann Vorster encouraged all members of the community to have their say.
"This consultation process marks a crucial first step in delivering greater transparency and accountability, and we're proud to be listening to the concerns and feedback of our community," Mr Vorster said.
Consultation is open until 2 May 2025, and submissions are made on the Queensland Government's website .
