Fresh Start for Queensland: Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 4 community consultation launched
- Crisafulli Government delivers on its promise to review Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 4 project.
- Community consultation now open for six weeks, giving locals a voice.
- Potential impacts hidden by Labor include 235 properties at risk of resumption and the loss of half the local car parks.
The Crisafulli Government is delivering on its election commitment to properly consult local communities on the proposed Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 4 project.
Public consultation will be open for six weeks to support an independent project review by the Department of State Development, Infrastructure and Planning.
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 carparks.
The departmental 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.
Findings from community consultation and the technical review will inform the recommendations for southern Gold Coast's transport plans.
Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jarrod Bleijie encouraged southern Gold Coast residents to have their say. "The Crisafulli Government is committed to ensuring residents are consulted, following the disdain shown to their community by the former Labor Government," Deputy Premier Bleijie said.
"Despite 235 properties being at risk of resumption and the loss of over 1,000 local carparks, the former Labor Government deliberately kept residents in the dark.
"Through this consultation process, we will ensure locals are informed of the proposed impacts on their community so they can have an informed say about the future of this project.
"Consultation begins today and will conclude on 2 May, with the aim to ensure future public transport options are affordable and serve the needs of the local community.
"I urge southern Gold Coasters to have their say, which will help shape an impactful outcome for the transport infrastructure in their region." Member for Currumbin Laura Gerber said the former Labor Government railroaded the southern Gold Coast and failed to listen or consult with locals on Light Rail Stage 4.
"The Crisafulli Government is 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. Member for Burleigh Hermann Vorster said Labor had poisoned earlier consultations by limiting options and refusing to be transparent.
"Labor's sham consultations were stacked against our lifestyle and environment, and fatally flawed from the start," Mr Vorster said.
"Locals have no faith in the current plans because there was never an opportunity to suggest alternatives and questions were left unanswered.
"The Crisafulli Government will put the future of the southern Gold Coast back in locals' hands and protect what makes this area so special – our natural areas, community clubs, and access to the beach." Findings from community consultation and the technical review will inform the recommendations for southern Gold Coast's transport plans.
Details on how to submit feedback are available on the Queensland Government website www.qld.gov.au/futuretransport .
Consultation closes on 2 May 2025.
