Ministerial Statement: Unwavering support from Bligh Government for rapid ...

[ozbob]

Minister for Transport, Trade, Employment and Industrial Relations
The Honourable John Mickel
06/03/2009

Unwavering support from Bligh Government for rapid transit project

The Bligh Government remains steadfast in its support of Gold Coast Rapid Transit project and local jobs while the National Party continues to equivocate and raise question marks over the project.

Transport Minister John Mickel today reinforced the Bligh Government's position on the project, which involves thousands of jobs and would revolutionise transport on the Gold Coast.

"The Bligh Government has undertaken extensive community consultation, prepared a final plan, and is now buying land to build the project. We have not deviated or wavered in our support for this project.

"By comparison, the National Party wants to place everything on hold and go back to the drawing board.

"The National Party's credibility on the Gold Coast Rapid Transit project has been shot to pieces. I've lost count of how many different positions they have put forward in recent weeks.

"The National Party transport spokeswoman Fiona Simpson has had her authority seriously undermined by her party's Gold Coast MPs and candidates.

"After a series of backflips and backsliding, they are now saying that they want to review the project," Mr Mickel said.

"The Gold Coast has waited long enough for this project, and now the National Party has put it all at risk.

"Right now the Federal Government is considering our funding application for the project, and the last thing we need is speculation as to its future.

"If the National Party is allowed to place this project on hold, there goes our chance at Federal funding.

"We are also talking to the private sector about their involvement in the project. If they think a National Party government will not support it, they will put their money elsewhere.

"Lawrence Springborg needs to clean up this mess and say once and for all what the National Party's policy is on rapid transit. Mr Springborg needs to come to the Gold Coast and clear the air.

"The project from Helensvale to Broadbeach will create thousands of jobs and provide the Gold Coast with a world-class public transport system.

"There can be no question that a re-elected Bligh Government will be fully committed to the Rapid Transit project for the people of the Gold Coast.

"In contrast the uncertainty created by the National Party has put jobs at risk and highlights that the Opposition cannot be trusted with the future of the Gold Coast."

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[ozbob]

http://www.transinfo.qld.gov.au/qt/translin.nsf/index/gc_rapidtransit

For details of the Gold Coast Rapid Transit.