[GCB] Enterprises on fast track to extinction (20 Dec 2011)

[SurfRail]

http://www.goldcoast.com.au/article/2011/12/20/375331_gold-coast-news.html

Enterprises on fast track to extinction
Jessica Elder   |  December 20th, 2011

THE Gold Coast's rapid transit system could end up a train to nowhere, with dozens of businesses along the line already forced to close their doors.

Roadworks, a lack of carparking and ripped-up shop frontages have been the last straw for many traders struggling to earn a living.

Work on stage one of the $1.8 billion transport system has been concentrated in Southport and Broadbeach for the past 10 months but will spread to Main Beach and Surfers Paradise next October.

Nerang St in Southport has become a graveyard of once successful businesses, Broadbeach business owners say they have lost more than 50 per cent of their business and central Surfers Paradise traders are dreading the day work begins near them.

No compensation will be offered to affected traders but local business leaders insist the gain will be worth the pain.

Gold Coast Rapid Transit project director Paul Grennan said contractors had worked hard to minimise the impact on business.