Article: Light-rail plan 'needs detail'

[ozbob]

From the Brisbanetimes click here!

Light-rail plan 'needs detail'

Light-rail plan 'needs detail'
March 14, 2009

GOLD COAST Mayor Ron Clarke remains uncertain about the future of a $1 billion rapid transport system despite assurances from both major parties they are fully committed to the project.

He said neither Infrastructure and Planning Minister Paul Lucas nor LNP infrastructure spokeswoman Fiona Simpson had given a definite start date for construction works, including a light-rail system.

Voters deserved a definite timeframe and an "iron-clad guarantee" the plan would proceed, he said.

"Voters need to be able to make an informed choice after hearing when construction will start, how long it will take and how much disruption there will be," Cr Clarke said.

"This is a really important issue on the coast, especially given the dire state of the building industry here."

A spokesman for Mr Lucas said the State Government was awaiting the Federal Government's announcement on projects that had funding from Infrastructure Australia.

"We look forward to a decision on Federal Government funding in the near future and expect strong interest from the private sector in this project," the spokesman said.

"If re-elected we will move quickly to go to market in mid-2009 so construction can start in 2011, subject to satisfactory bids."

A spokesman for Ms Simpson said "minor issues of design" needed review where they most impacted on businesses and communities, particularly in Southport and Surfers Paradise. The issues could be resolved quickly "with community consultation and good design teams".

Cr Clarke said the project was supposed to start this year with State Government funds but Mr Lucas had intimated this would not happen. The LNP had had plenty of time to voice concerns about the project during the "lengthy" consultation period, the mayor said.

The proposed first stage of the project, from Griffith University to Broadbeach, crosses two key seats - Southport and Surfers Paradise.

[mufreight]

The light rail proposals like the underground heavy rail system need money not talk and both should be being constructed as we speak, after all Premier Bligh is unconcerned if the budget runs into deficit if her government provides employment, so how about it Go Anna.

[Dean Quick]

This is very hypocritical of Mayor Ron clarke after spending so much time himself talking about this project as well as making it perfectly clear that he in no way supported Light Rail as the best option!!  "Rickety Trams" I believe was his 2 cents worth.
Just another typical politician...always blaming someone else for their ignorance..