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Gold Coast light rail - Stage 3

Started by ozbob, October 01, 2015, 18:29:57 PM

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ozbob

https://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/documents/tableOffice/questionsAnswers/2020/327-2020.pdf

Question on Notice
No. 327
Asked on Wednesday 18 March 2020

MR S MINNIKIN ASKED MINISTER FOR TRANSPORT AND MAIN ROADS (HON M BAILEY)

QUESTION:
With reference to the Gold Coast Light Rail—

Will the Minister advise (a) where the rollingstock for the first two stages were built, (b) how many
train sets were acquired for each stage, (c) how many further train sets will be required for Stage
3A and (d) where will they be built?

ANSWER:

I thank the Member for Chatsworth for the question.

During the period from 1 July 2015 to 30 June 2019 (financial years 2015–16 to 2018–19), the
Queensland Government delivered approximately $1.8 billion of transport and roads
infrastructure investment specifically in the Gold Coast, Logan and Scenic Rim areas.
This investment included the $163.3 million duplication of the Gold Coast rail line between
Coomera and Helensvale and the extension of Gold Coast Light Rail (GCLR) linking heavy rail at
Coomera and Stage 1 of light rail at Parkwood, both completed in 2018.

Stage 2 of GCLR cost $420 million, split between the Queensland Government ($270 million),
Australian Government ($95 million) and the City of Gold Coast ($55 million). These projects were
part of a suite of critical transport and road infrastructure upgrades that ensured the Gold Coast
2018 Commonwealth Games was a huge success.

The Queensland Transport and Roads Investment Program 2019–20 to 2022–23 outlines
$23 billion over the four-year period. Of this, approximately $2.4 billion is committed across the
Gold Coast, Logan and Scenic Rim areas, supporting approximately 2200 direct jobs over the life
of the program.

The Member is asked to note that, in relation to light rail, the Gold Coast LNP members of
Parliament have many different and conflicting views. The Member for Mermaid Beach has
referred to it being 'inflicted' on the people of the Gold Coast, the Member for Burleigh wants the
future Stage 3B to take the longer route west to the airport—sterilising the heavy rail route to the
airport—and the Member for Bonney says the next stage should go to Harbour Town.
GCLR's 14 trams for Stage 1 (Parkwood to Broadbeach South) were manufactured in
Bombardier's facilities in Germany, due to the highly specialised expertise and equipment
required.

Bombardier was part of the successful consortium that tendered to design, build, operate and
maintain the GCLR, including the supply of trams. In 2012, this relatively low production volume
prohibited the establishment of a brand-new production facility in Australia for economic and
productivity reasons.

Stage 2 (Helensvale to Parkwood) of GCLR required a total of four trams, taking the operating
G:link fleet to 18, with these trams manufactured by Bombardier in Austria. An additional five
trams of the same design and specifications are required for Stage 3A (Broadbeach South to
Burleigh Heads) and they will also be manufactured by Bombardier in Austria.

The additional five Flexity 2 trams required for Stage 3A will be ordered and purchased by
GoldlinQ, under a pre-agreed proposal with the current supplier Bombardier, through the original
contract with the State. This is critical to achieve the timeframes to build and operate Stage 3A
and maintain consistency with the existing fleet.

I am advised that using the same supplier for additional trams helps reduce the program and
technical risk, ensuring they will integrate with the existing light rail system and achieve the same
performance requirements.

The LNP's newly found interest in the location of heavy manufacturing should be held against the
LNP's record. It was the former Newman Government which ordered 75 New Generation
Rollingstock (NGR) trains from overseas that were not disability compliant when the Member for
Chatsworth was the Assistant Minister for Public Transport. It is the Palaszczuk Government that
has the NGR trains being rectified in Maryborough by Queenslanders. In addition, in December
2019, Queensland Rail signed a Memorandum of Understanding for $300 million of rail
maintenance work to be undertaken at Maryborough.

Labor at both a Federal and State level of government has got every stage of light rail going and
backed its success on the Gold Coast. Meanwhile, the LNP has been divided on light rail and on
properly funding it.
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SurfRail

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verbatim9


ozbob

Gold Coast Bulletin --> 'It feels like we don't matter like Stage 1 light rail all over again'

QuoteFURIOUS Miami residents say a bus interchange planned near their homes for the light rail extension will include an electricity substation kept secret from them.

A Bulletin report last month detailed how social housing which accommodated seven tenants would be knocked down at Christine Avenue for a bus depot as part of Stage 3A light rail.

But emails since obtained by the newspaper show an electricity substation is also planned, sparking fears among residents not just about their health but property values.

Resident Paula Brand said property owners after much "digging" found the substation would be 20 metres from their homes but still were unable to get full designs.

"It feels as if we just don't matter like Stage 1 all over again, with people being left by the side to pick up the pieces after the light rail smashed through their region," she said.

"This is ridiculous, to have two developments one side. We have elderly residents, low income earners — we are not flash. We had no say whatsoever."

A letter from Transport Department officers to another resident advised the bus interchange would be within walking distance to the Christine Avenue station and not be a depot.

"I can advise that a traction power station will also be installed on the land at 1 Christine Avenue," the Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 3A project team spokesman said.

"The land opposite at 6th Avenue was not considered as a suitable site due to the impacts it would have on the cultural heritage values associated with the Bora Ring.
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ozbob

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SurfRail

^ Yep.  None of this is "secret".  It's a TPS, which is nothing more than a big shed which they will screen off the way the others in and around the corridor have been.

The "bus station" will be the southbound bus stop for what is currently the 765, coming off Christine Avenue and turning right to GC Hwy southbound. 

The current basic thinking I'm aware of is that route will still go from Robina to Burleigh at least, and there are various options for what happens after that.
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ozbob

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Gold Coast Bulletin --> Gold Coast development: Retro revamp planned for Nobby Beach

QuoteTHE poll results are in and many give the green light to a brave revamp of a Gold Coast suburb.

Among the outpouring of comments from readers on plans to change the retail face of Gold Coast oceanfront village Nobby Beach to a 1950s and 1960s feel, one said: "Jobs and infrastructure linked to the light rail. Embrace rather than fight it."

Under a striking plan by the area's two biggest commercial landowners, fruiterer George Manettas and developer Daniel Veitch have unveiled complementary developments that will reflect the arched architecture of former Gold Coast landmarks such as the Pink Poodle Motel, the Southport Bathing Pavilion, and the still-standing Sata Nita building in Southport.

Their impressive-looking three-level ventures will front the Gold Coast highway and flank Lavarack Rd and are intended to be "better than world class".

They will have ground-level retail, first-floor commercial space, and bars and restaurants and a public pool on each top level.

The Manettas building will be called The Frederick 1841, after Frederick Fowler, a timber hauler and grazier whose cow Nobby went missing near Nobby Beach in the 1880s.

The other building will be The Oxley 1823, reflecting the name of surveyor John Oxley who led an expedition aboard the Mermaid that took in the Tweed Valley and South Stradbroke Island in 1823.

The Nobby retail strip's zoning allows buildings of three levels, or up to 15 metres high.

Architect Darren Greenaway, of BDA, yesterday said the proposed buildings would enhance the existing village charm of Nobby Beach.

"There will be a series of laneways and courtyards," Mr Greenaway said.

"The aim is to draw people on to the sites with these laneways, an eclectic mix of boutique-style tenants, and lush landscaping.

"We're aiming for a tree-laced High Street-type location, similar to Hastings St in Noosa and James St in Brisbane – something the Gold Coast does not have."

Mr Greenaway said the move was intended to benefit from exposure to a light-rail station planned in front of the Nobby shops as part three of the rail corridor.

"People will be able to step off the train, embrace what the new Nobby village will offer, and walk straight down Lavarack Rd to the beach."

Mr Greenaway said that, subject to approvals, the intention was to start the development in mid-2021 and that project manager Eastview Australia targeted completion ahead of the light-rail extension opening.

Each building would have four basements and between them would provide parking for 680 vehicles, he said.

"That will help take cars out of the area's residential streets."

Mr Manettas, who sold the Coco's shopping centre at Carrara for $23.9 million in 2015, has $11.75 million invested in the shops that run south from Lavarack Rd to Chairlift Ave and sit on 2167 sqm of land.

The $12.8 million investment by Mr Veitch, a 21-year Nobby resident and developer of Broadbeach and Southport apartment towers, takes in properties that span 2406 sqm fronting both the highway and the northern side of Lavarack Rd.
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Gold Coast Bulletin --> Gold Coast light rail stage 3: Demolition begins on service station as tram extension moves forward

QuoteTHE first major property resumption to make way for the Burleigh tram link has begun as the State Government reveals how much the next light rail stage will bring to the economy.

Demolition of the old Caltex service station in Burleigh Heads has got underway to make way for the tram station which will mark the termination point for Stage 3.

Transport Minister Mark Bailey inspected the works this afternoon and said the tram had significantly reduced traffic on some of the city's busiest roads.

"The Gold Coast has benefited tremendously from light rail, with more than 50 million trips already taken, cutting traffic on Scarborough Street at Southport by 47 per cent and increasing pedestrian movement to Pacific Fair Shopping Centre by 180 per cent," he said.

Early works have begun on the tram system, with the major contracts to be awarded later this year."

The $709 million tram extension will run from Broadbeach to Burleigh Heads down the Gold Coast Highway and will create more than 760 jobs.

Assistant Tourism Minister Meaghan Scanlon said the next stage of the light rail would inject $1.2 billion into the Coast's economy.

"The milestone today will allow the Gold Coast Highway to be widened, making way for Burleigh Heads Station, the terminus of the third stage of Gold Coast's light rail network," she said.

From a tourism perspective, it'll also unlock new ways for visitors to experience our region and provide an all-important shot in the arm for the $4.7 billion industry."

Staff from the light rail project team are beginning a new phase of community engagement, launching a questionnaire for businesses along the Gold Coast Highway to find out their daily operations and requirements.

This information will be used to manage the impact of construction.
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https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/90565

27th August 2020

Media Statement

Old servo fuels jobs, new station for Gold Coast light rail

Minister for Transport and Main Roads
The Honourable Mark Bailey

Works on the next stage of Gold Coast's popular light rail are powering ahead with the demolition of the old Burleigh Heads servo and launch of a program to support businesses during construction. 

Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 3, which is creating more than 760 jobs in the city, marked an important milestone today as the final pieces of the old Caltex station were dismantled to make way for the new Burleigh Heads station. 

Transport and Main Roads Minister joined Assistant Minister for Tourism and Member for Gaven Meaghan Scanlon to inspect the works and to also announce that project crews would begin engaging with local businesses to help them with any impacts as the light rail is built.

"It's next stop Burleigh Heads for the Gold Coast's iconic blue and gold trams," Mr Bailey said.

"Because there's been a strong response to the health impacts of COVID-19, early works haven't halted on the $709 million project or the $23 billion in transport and road upgrades being rolled out across Queensland as part of the state's economic recovery plan and jobs.

"The Gold Coast has benefitted tremendously from light rail, with more than 50 million trips already taken, cutting traffic on Scarborough Street at Southport by 47 per cent and increasing pedestrian movement to Pacific Fair Shopping Centre by 180 per cent.

"Once complete, we'll see trams travel all the way from Helensvale to the sands of Burleigh beach for commuters, families and tourists, providing a long-term benefit for the city's businesses, hotel and tourism operators, and of course the hundreds of ongoing light rail jobs.

"But, before those works are complete there will be plenty of construction happening, which is why we want get in now before they start laying down the tracks to engage meaningfully with businesses to see how we can support as the next stage of light rail is built."

The Stage 3 project team will engage with businesses along the Gold Coast Highway and invite them to participate in a questionnaire of their daily operations and requirements, which will feed into managing the impacts of construction.

Ms Scanlon said the next stage of light rail would create more than $1.2 billion in economic benefit for the city alongside 760 jobs in constructions, with many already underway through early works like the old servo demolition.

"The milestone today will allow the Gold Coast Highway to be widened, making way for Burleigh Heads Station, the terminus of the third stage of Gold Coast's light rail network," Ms Scanlon said.

"From a tourism perspective, it'll also unlock new ways for visitors to experience our region and provide an all-important shot in the arm the $4.7 billion industry.

"This is the type of project we need to keep our city moving along with $2.3 billion in M1 upgrades and crucial planning for the Coomera Connector – all works creating more than 2,000 jobs for Australia's sixth largest city."

The $709 million Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 3 is jointly-funded by the Palaszczuk and Federal governments together with council, with major construction set to take place early next year once a major contractor is awarded.

GoldlinQ Chairman John Witheriff said all levels of government had made a strong commitment to delivering Stage 3, with GoldlinQ finalising the open tender process.

"The review panel is now undertaking an extensive in-depth process to ensure value for money and the best engineering and construction solutions are delivered," Mr Witheriff said.
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#451
ABC Gold Coast --> Light rail and property development at Burleigh Heads to further reshape beachside locale

QuoteKey points:

The 6.7-kilometre light rail stage 3A will cost $709 million and take around three years to build
A State Opposition MP and local residents are concerned about how the increased foot traffic will impact Burleigh Heads' lifestyle
But the Transport Minister says the project is being developed 'in sympathy' with the local area

More > https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-08-28/light-rail-coming-to-burleigh-heads-bringing-development/12601882
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achiruel

Increased foot traffic? Are you f!@#$*' kidding me???

What about the increased vehicle traffic that will come with failure to invest in public transport? Is that not considered to be an issue?

ozbob

Gold Coast Bulletin --> Gold Coast residents warned about light rail Stage 3 construction as Transport and Main Roads prepares builder

QuoteTHE council is to warn Gold Coast residents about construction challenges during light rail Stage 3 from Broadbeach to Burleigh as the State Government prepares to announce a preferred builder.

A report to council last week revealed the Transport and Main Roads department will distribute about 25,000 newsletters on the project this month.

Both the council and Government are eager to avoid a backlash from residents and businesses which occurred during the difficult build for Stage 1 of light rail through the Southport CBD.

The report said TMR, council, and GoldLinQ would make contact with businesses to promote a questionnaire.

"This early engagement and questionnaire is critical to ensuring the appointed contractor understands how local businesses operate in order to minimise impacts where possible," the report said.

The council report, presented to councillors at a Transport Committee today, provided the following warnings about what to expect during construction:

* removal of street parking

*parking restored following construction where road width permits

* temporary traffic changes including intersection works, U-turn facilities and lane closures.

* upgrades and relocation of underground services

* night and weekend works so essential services are not disrupted during peak times

*removal and replacement of footpaths and landscape upgrades in key precincts

*some permanent changes to intersections and new pedestrian crossing points

The $709 million extension to Burleigh Heads is being funded by the Federal Government, council and State Government.

The report said two shortlisted tenderers - John Holland Pty Ltd and CPB Contractors Pty Limited - had been involved in the "interactive tender process".

"A preferred tenderer is expected in late 2020, with government approval and contract award to follow," the report said.

The report detailed a timeline for the project which indicates detailed design of tram route would begin later this year and construction works to start by early 2021.
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Gold Coast Bulletin --> Burleigh to airport light rail: Plans 'pretty much impossible'

QuoteA leading businessman and engineer has criticised the proposed light rail route over Burleigh Hill and across Tallebudgera Creek, saying the plans presented so far are "pretty much impossible".

If we're going to do it, we've got to do it right.

That's the message from businessman and engineer John Howe, member of the Gold Coast Light Rail Advisory, lifetime resident of Palm Beach and a long-term titan of business in Southport.

Mr Howe not only owned properties affected by the construction of stage one of the light rail, he designed the GC600 track around the public transportation route.

And now he is a much needed voice in the acrimonious argument over public transport that is derailing the Gold Coast community.

And while he supports the construction of the light rail, he's vehement that our city and state don't 'f*** it up'.

Mr Howe, who co-founded Weathered Howe Engineers in 1980 before selling it in 2005 and starting specialist events company iE DM in 2008, says the lack of transparency in the planning process is alarming.

He says while he is dubious of claims that light rail will lead to development in Palm Beach, where five generations of his family have lived, he warns that the State Government's artist impressions of the light rail route over Burleigh Hill and across Tallebudgera Creek are dangerously misleading.

"What they show is pretty much impossible," he says.

"On Burleigh Hill those drawings show four lanes of road traffic as well as the light rail track all on one level, but the Highway there is cut into the hillside, the north and south lanes are metres apart in elevation. How are they actually going to do this?

"Then with Tallebudgera Creek, they're duplicating the existing bridge to the east. Everyone thinks it's to the west but the new bridge will be on the ocean side. That means losing the parking on the southern side of the creek and cutting through Jellurgal on the northern side.

"The fact is that Burleigh Hill and Tallebudgera Creek are as important to our identity as the harbour is to Sydney. They are the spiritual heart of this city and even the world's best light rail system is not worth f***ing it up."

Mr Howe says it is possible to build a light rail route down the Gold Coast Highway, but not according to the current plans available to the public.

He says if the city and the state want people to support the project, they need to present it seriously.

"Show me how you can build the rail without wrecking these areas. I know that the great engineering minds in this city and the world can come up with a solution that preserves Burleigh Hill and Tallebudgera Creek – they just need to be given the mandate and the budget to do it.

"It's not beyond the realm of possibility. But don't tell us it's all okay without showing us exactly how it will be okay. That is what is scaring people. You don't need to be an engineer to see that it won't work how the artist impressions show it.

"If you are serious about this route, show us how you are not going to f*** up our spiritual heartland.

"For starters, I would suggest that we drop the plan to duplicate the Tallebudgera Creek bridge. If we redo it entirely we can fit far more into the same, or very nearly the same, footprint.

"Let's throw the best minds and money at this project because if it's worth doing, it's worth doing right."

Mr Howe says while he sees merit in suggestions put forward by groups like the Southern Gold Coast Think Tank, whom he recently met with, it would be impossible to run both a light rail and heavy rail within the corridor adjacent to the M1.

"With the heavy rail corridor preserved along the M1, it's an either/or situation. We can have one or the other there, not both.

"So that's something we need to be honest about, which rail system is more important there?

"If you talk to planners, they'll say that we need to connect Brisbane Airport to the Gold Coast Airport because ultimately the aim is to use Coolangatta as the secondary terminal to Brisbane. Whereas light rail will be more for people already heading to the Gold Coast, that's how they would access their beachside accommodation.

"Both sides have ignored some facts when it comes to proposing routes. What we need right now is very open and very honest conversation about what we want, what we need and what we are prepared to put up with.

"I think the light rail has been and will be great for the city – but not at any price."

Mr Howe says his attitude is similar to that he adopted towards the implementation of the ILS (instrument landing system) at the Gold Coast Airport.

He says he never objected to the use of the ILS but it's overuse.

"When I was contacted by community members, I realised that it was ridiculous to use it all-day every day. But it was also ridiculous not to have it at all.

"I joined that fight but it wasn't about shutting everyone up, it was about having a conversation about what each side really needed. And that's where we landed.

"The airport has its much needed ILS – but it's only used in certain conditions, like severe weather and emergency situations.

"It's a sensible decision and that's what I'm pursuing with the light rail as well. We need it, but we need it done right."

This is not Mr Howe's first taste of community activism either. In fact, he first fought for his Palm Beach community in the late 70s.

As part of the Palm Beach Action Group he lobbied for sand dredging to rebuild the fragile beaches of the suburb.

"After the NSW Government built the Tweed River breakwaters in the 1960s, it trapped the sand that would normally travel north, so we were losing our beach.

"We won that fight but I think people forget how delicate the ecosystem is there.

"Now there's talk of building the Oceanway, which would be great, except the A-line rock wall is on the boundary of properties in Palm Beach. That means either the Oceanway would be in danger of being washed away, or you would have to build another rock wall to protect it.

"Again, a great concept ... but don't forget the facts."

Perhaps it should come as no surprise that as well as a long line of Gold Coasters in Mr Howe's family, with one grandfather buying his first Southport property in 1944 and the other grandfather buying a home at Palm Beach in the early 50s, there's some serious political history as well.

In fact, his great-grandfather was one John Robert 'Jackie' Howe, who was instrumental in the shearer strikes of 1891 and 1894, and a committed trade unionist.

Jackie shot to fame in pre-Federation Australia in 1892 when he broke the daily and weekly shearing records across the colonies, hand-shearing 321 sheep in seven hours and 40 minutes at Alice Downs station, near Blackall, Queensland.

"I'm not saying which party I vote for, but I come from a family who believes in taking action," he says.

"You can't just complain, you have to do something."

And Mr Howe's record speaks for itself.

As chairman of the Southport Committee, he's helped the suburb rediscover its past and find its future.

He was responsible for restoring the Old Ambulance Building at Nerang Street and is passionate about bringing the colourful history of the suburb back to life.

He's also helped create a plan for the future, with the suburb continuing to kick goals.

"We've completed about 90 per cent of our first Southport PDA Development Scheme, and now it's time to start planning again," he says.

"All the elements to make this suburb boom are here, we just have to kick it up a notch.

"I think we need to drop the old ideas of a CBD and start referring to this suburb as a city centre, we need to aim towards a Fortitude Valley-style vibe."

He says one of the big changes proposed for Southport is to 'bury' the Gold Coast Highway in front of Australia Fair.

He says the drastic action isn't as costly as it sounds and would connect the city to the Broadwater.

"Essentially we'd be doing a sort of cut-and-cover, it's like half-burying the highway," he says.

"But it would really form that connection to the Parklands that Southport needs, all the elements are here – we just have to make them work together."

And if Mr Howe has anything to do with it, no doubt he'll do it right.
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Gold Coast Bulletin --> Gold Coast light rail: Contracts awarded for $709m Broadbeach to Burleigh tram extension

QuoteIt's all aboard for the extension of the light rail into the city's south, with the final hurdle finally passed for the tramline's push into the beachside suburbs.

MAJOR construction of the $709 million Broadbeach to Burleigh tramline is imminent after the project's contractor was revealed.

John Holland has been put forward to build the 6.6km light rail stage 3, including eight stations while Keolis Downer will manage the system as part of GoldinQ's consortium.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the contract included 760 jobs.

"This next stage of the hugely successful Gold Coast Light Rail project means further achievements for both of those important goals - creating more employment and also connecting the southern Gold Coast to the rest of the line and getting more people onto public transport into the future," she said.

"Light rail on the Gold Coast is already a key local employer, supporting about 800 operational jobs, and the extension to Burleigh is expected to support more than 760 construction jobs."

The announcement puts the project on-track for completion by 2023, leaving the coastal spine of the system to run 27km from Helensvale to Burleigh Heads with 27 stations serviced by 23 trams.

Early works have been underway for several months, with the first resumptions performed in August to demolish the old Caltex service station at Burleigh.

Transport Minister Mark Bailey said locking in the contract was a critical step towards boosting employment in the construction sector.

"We have seen more than 50 million trips taken on light rail since it first opened, which shows just how hungry Gold Coasters and visitors to the city are for better public transport," he said.

"For businesses and people on the Gold Coast that means building that all-important light rail connection between the city's north and centre towards the south.

"We have seen economies not just in Queensland but across the world impacted by the global pandemic, but by locking in the contract to build the next stage of light rail it means crews that are either working on or have worked on other infrastructure projects can move onto this next project."

Planning is already underway for stage 4 of the tram system, which will run from Burleigh Heads to Coolangatta via Gold Coast Airport.

Community consultation is expected to begin next year ahead of an expected start in 2023-24.

Mayor Tom Tate welcomed Friday's announcement and said the fast-tracking of infrastructure would boost the economy at a critical time.

But he urged locals to support businesses in the construction zone during the three-year process.

"I often dream of the day the light rail connects our city all the way to Coolangatta and this announcement reminds me that it will be a reality sooner than many thought," he said.

"As we now fast track transport and infrastructure projects along this corridor to help with traffic and pedestrian movement I urge the community to support the businesses between Broadbeach and Burleigh during construction.

"Another great day for the Gold Coast and a shining example of how we achieve most when we all work together.

"All aboard."
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SurfRail

Good.  I was expecting an announcement before the caretaker period commences next week.

This at least locks it in.  Even if Annastacia and Co are turfed out and the current nuffy MP for Burleigh is returned with him or his LNP colleagues sitting on the Treasury benches, they can't unwind it.

Onwards ho.
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Gold Coast Bulletin --> How light rail is going to transform Nobby Beach

QuoteIf we build it, they will come.

Amid all the infighting and arguments over the advent of light rail in Palm Beach, I want to focus on something closer to home – light rail in Nobby Beach.

While online forums appear outraged every time I reference public infrastructure in Palmy, I thought perhaps it's time to explain that I do, indeed, have skin in this game.

My home is just 200 metres from the future station and while it will be a few years before my family and I are actually all aboard, the positive effects of the rail coming to town are already right on track.

While we all love our corner shops at Nobby Beach, there's no doubt that – whether due to fire or economic famine – they could use a facelift. While I fully support our local small businesses, the truth is that what this cluster of shops most resembles is a sagging suburban strip mall, rather than an enclave of beachside boutiques.

While various pubs and restaurants have come and gone from the area over the years – many extremely successful operations – the precinct as a whole has never received the renovation it deserved.

Until now.

And there's only one reason why it's finally happening ... light rail.

Yes, the light rail brought development to my part of town, but it brought development that doesn't just suit but elevates the character, history and charm of the suburb.

Under a striking plan by Nobby's two biggest commercial landowners, fruiterer George Manettas and developer Daniel Veitch unveiled a few weeks ago their complementary developments that will reflect the arched architecture of former Gold Coast landmarks such as the Pink Poodle Motel, the Southport Bathing Pavilion, and the still-standing Sata Nita building in Southport.

The impressive-looking three-level ventures will front the Gold Coast Highway and flank Lavarack Rd and are intended to be "better than world class", with ground-level retail, first-floor commercial space, bars and restaurants and even a public pool on each top level.

Architect Darren Greenaway, of BDA, told the Bulletin the proposed buildings will enhance the existing village charm of Nobby Beach.

"There will be a series of laneways and courtyards," Mr Greenaway said.

"The aim is to draw people on to the sites with these laneways, an eclectic mix of boutique-style tenants, and lush landscaping.

"We're aiming for a tree-laced High Street-type location, similar to Hastings St in Noosa and James St in Brisbane – something the Gold Coast does not have."

Most importantly, Mr Greenaway said the development was born to benefit from exposure to the light-rail station planned in front of the shops.

"People will be able to step off the train, embrace what the new Nobby village will offer, and walk straight down Lavarack Rd to the beach."

Even better, each building will have four basements and between them will provide parking for 680 vehicles – something that is desperately needed for the area already.

One of the only criticisms of the light rail that I've heard from my Nobby's neighbours is that we'll lose some existing street parking due to the station.

Yet by making the sacrifice to build this infrastructure, we've ended up winning hundreds more parks than we ever imagined – and all with private (ie non-taxpayer) money.

And that's precisely why this transport project matters to the city.

So not only is light rail bringing my Nobby's neighbourhood essential public transportation services, but better facilities, more parking and more jobs.

Why would I ever complain?

Not to mention it's fattening my own wallet as well.

No, I don't have any vested financial interest in the rail itself, but there's no denying my proximity to the future station has put a rocket under my home's value.

Just yesterday I noticed a home for sale on the adjoining street. Ever the nosy neighbour, I had to search its asking price – and was absolutely shocked that it was fully 50 per cent more than I expected.

Surely that must be a misprint, I thought. So I called the agent to find out the facts (yep, I'm that person).

Turns out it was no mistake, but based on a recent sale in a nearby area for the same price. I mean ... aren't we meant to be in a recession?

Now, I'd like to postface this with the fact that when it comes to light rail heading south towards the airport, there appear to be some engineering challenges to overcome. Indeed, businessman and engineer John Howe has questioned the accuracy of the government's artist impressions of the crossing of Burleigh Hill and Tallebudgera Creek.

But if we can (literally) bridge these issues, then I – like Mr Howe – am ready to call 'all aboard'.

When it comes to the direction of neighbourhoods affected by light rail, the only way is up.
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ozbob

Gold Coast Bulletin --> Light rail not a major factor for southern Gold Coast voters in Queensland election

QuoteTrams were supposed to destroy Labor's chances in the south. The party did not win but came close and the results show light rail was not the major factor.

THE unwritten story about the State poll on the Gold Coast was the referendum on light rail. The trams were supposed to kill off Labor's chances in the south. The ALP did not win but came close and the results show light rail was not the major factor.

Electoral Commission of Queensland figures show at the Palm Beach South booth, Labor's Wayne "Rabbit" Bartholomew polled 35.63 per cent of the primary vote compared to LNP MP Michael Hart on 29.73 per cent.

At the same booth, Currumbin Labor candidate Kaylee Campradt just outpolled Currumbin LNP MP Laura Gerber – 37.98 per cent to 37.50 per cent.

In Palm Beach, Mr Hart polled 35.20 per cent of the vote and "Rabbit" secured 38.22 per cent of the vote. At Palm Beach North, Mr Hart was slightly ahead – 36.68 per cent to 36.14 per cent.

Mr Hart during the State poll campaign was portrayed on some Facebook pages as the saviour of Palm Beach. Residents posted a vote for him would stop light rail.

The LNP in Government promised to explore the option of taking light rail west through Varsity and then down the heavy rail corridor next to the Pacific Motorway to the airport.

Mr Bartholomew said the trams had left the station for Burleigh "on the sitting member's watch" and now it was time for him and Ms Campradt to ensure a rollout of an exhaustive consultation process before the business case of Stage 4 of light rail to the airport.

So what happened at the booths, to a potential huge swing to Mr Hart by stopping trams? A Currumbin Labor source told your columnist: "The anti-light rail protest? It did not have any effect at all."

Where Labor was hurt most was the "red rump" at Coolangatta where traditional ALP voters cast a protest vote about the border closures, and in the green valleys of Tallebudgera where green leaning activists second preferenced the LNP.

In Burleigh, a booth worker who spoke to hundreds of residents gave even more insight: "People don't want to say they are for it. They don't want to say that because they will be vilified."

Even so, the trams were not at the top of their wish list.

"Health came first (with COVID-19) and small business (solutions). A lot of people were happy that small business could still operate," the booth worker added.

This is not to say that residents in the campaign were not voicing legitimate concerns about the trams heading south of Burleigh.

Experienced environmental planner Matt Keys wrote to the major party candidates and secured commitments about pursuing a fauna overpass to protect koalas.

Mr Hart said he was a strong supporter of koalas and backed the overpass. Mr Bartholomew in an email indicated a "land bridge may be built as part of the design which will be finalised following community consultation".

Booth workers know there are other concerns, notably the crossing of Tallebudgera Creek and how the trams will fit down the tight corridor to Palm Beach.

Now with the election finished, this is the time for clever consultation from the community stakeholders with the government and council on these issues.
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ozbob

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Gold Coast Bulletin --> Gold Coast light rail stage 3: Pressure grows for flat fee charge for Broadbeach to Burleigh trams $

QuoteGOLD Coast political leaders are urging State Government to adopt a single, flat tram ticket price all the way to Burleigh once the extension is built.

As it stands, users catching the light rail from or to Burleigh would pay nearly 30 per cent more for a ticket, a so-called "tram tax".

Stage 3 of the light rail between Broadbeach and Burleigh Heads is under construction, but its three most southern stations will sit in a different TransLink fare zone. ...

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achiruel

^ so in other words, they'll pay the same as they currently do for a bus/tram journey. Not sure how that's a "tram tax."

However, I wouldn't be opposed to zone boundaries being extended over multiple stations, e.g. Miami North and Miami & Christine could all be dual-zoned 5/6 so people aren't paying two zones for relatively short trips.

The other issue is tourists paying mainly for paper tickets, which I believe well largely go away once the new ticketing system is rolled out, but in the mean time, TransLink ought to be doing a better job of promoting the Go Explore card. It would cost less than two 2-zone paper tickets and allows travel all day (except on trains, which I disagree with; it should include train travel between Ormeau and Varsity Lakes IMO).

Gazza

Who are the political leaders making the push Bob, I want to email them

ozbob

Quote from: Gazza on December 18, 2020, 07:29:16 AM
Who are the political leaders making the push Bob, I want to email them

"Fearing the $709 million extension will be an expensive white elephant, Coast councillors all voted to support Mayor Tom Tate's flat rate push with State Government.

Tourism leaders have joined in, with Destination Gold Coast chairman Paul Donovan warning the new extension could not be allowed to become a "white elephant."
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SurfRail

Quote from: Gazza on December 18, 2020, 07:29:16 AM
Who are the political leaders making the push Bob, I want to email them

Hermann Vorster would be one (Div 11 councillor).
Ride the G:

ozbob

Gold Coast Bulletin --> Revealed: How the State will pay million dollar tram compo deal to council $

QuoteTHE State Government is to pay millions of dollars to council to manage key parts of the new light rail precinct from Broadbeach to Burleigh.

Councillors have ticked off on a confidential report which green lights approval of the future asset transfer of the Gold Coast Highway in the tram corridor to the council. ...
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Gazza

Hopefully better landscaping in this part if this goes ahead.

achiruel

Quote from: Gazza on February 08, 2021, 09:57:00 AM
Hopefully better landscaping in this part if this goes ahead.

Is it even a question of if for Stage 3? I thought the preferred tender had already been announced and construction was scheduled? Is there something that would stop it at this late stage?

Gazza

I mean the concept of GCCC controlling the asset.

ozbob

Gold Coast Bulletin --> Burleigh, Gold Coast: The biggest talking points and issues with the iconic suburb including towers, parking and light rail $

Quote... Stage 3 of the light rail between Broadbeach and Burleigh is under construction, despite continuing criticism from some vocal opponents.

They fear the $709 million extension will kill the vibe in Burleigh, reduce parking and drive down the number of people visiting the suburb.They have pointed to Southport and Surfers Paradise – both scattered with empty shopfronts – as examples of the negative impact light rail has on suburbs, during and after construction.

Additionally, residents have expressed concerns light rail will be accompanied by the overdevelopment of Burleigh.

The light rail has been described by detractors as outdated, slow and expensive for authorities and passengers. The aesthetics of running tram tracks down major roads, and of the trams themselves, have also copped criticism.

But Gold Coast City Council, the State Government and various businesspeople have fiercely defended the light rail as critical to service the city's booming population in coming years.

It was revealed in 2019 the light rail carried more than 42 million passengers in its first five years. ...
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Cazza

Man they are really starting to clutch at straws now...

red dragin

Quote from: Cazza on February 10, 2021, 10:22:39 AM
Man they are really starting to clutch at straws now...

Soggy paper straws at that.

ozbob

Gold Coast Bulletin --> Gold Coast light rail: Burleigh tram extension faces delays and cost blowout $

QuoteEXPANSION of the light rail to Burleigh is facing delays and a budget blow out because the government is still trying to find someone to build it.

The Palaszczuk government announced before last October's state election that the John Holland Group had been appointed to build the 6.7km line from Broadbeach.

However, despite early ground works starting and projections heavy work would start in early 2021 the Bulletin has learnt the contract for the $709m project has still not been signed.

Transport Minister Mark Bailey admitted to the embarrassing blunder in reply to a series of Bulletin questions this week.

"We are finalising the contract to build the next stage of light rail to Burleigh, with the aim still of starting construction this year," he said.
"Negotiations have been underway with the preferred contractor since late 2020.

"It's taken longer than we would have preferred, and the delay will impact the project's initial timelines and final budget."

The rail line is expected to take about three years to build and at one point was expected to open in 2023. ...
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Gold Coast Bulletin --> Gold Coast light rail: Tate rules out extra funding for Burleigh trams after cost blowout $

QuoteMAYOR Tom Tate says ratepayers will not cough up "a single cent more" to cover cost blowouts on the light rail's extension to Burleigh.

The 6.7km tram line from Broadbeach to Burleigh is facing delays after the state government admitted last week it was yet to sign a contract with John Holland Group, the firm last year selected to build it.

Transport Minister Mark Bailey confirmed the delay would "impact the project's initial timelines and final budget".

But Councillor Tate, a long-term supporter of the $709m project, says there is "no way" council will step in to cover the blow out.

"A small delay is not a concern as long as council's funding contribution does not increase because we were not a party to the reasons for the cost increase," he said.

"We are willing to wear the delay but we are not willing to dip into the kitty again for this."

Council has consistently put up 11 per cent of the cost of each stage of light rail, and the federal government 22-38 per cent.

The state government paid almost 49 per cent of the costs to build Stage 1, 64.3 per cent for Stage 2 and 50 per cent of Stage 3. ...
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Gold Coast Bulletin --> Gold Coast light rail: Pressure builds on state to cut deal to build Broadbeach to Burleigh trams $

QuoteTHE state government has seven weeks to secure a builder for the next phase of light rail to Burleigh if construction is to begin this year.

Political and business leaders say June 30 is the cut-off date for a contract to be signed, given it takes six months to confirm staff, equipment and construction permits.

The Bulletin last month revealed Stage 3 from Broadbeach to Burleigh was facing delays and cost blow outs because the contractor the state government announced last October was yet to sign off on the $709m deal. ...
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Couriermail --> Federal government to inject $130m into Gold Coast light rail $

QuoteThe Morrison Government will inject almost $130 million to get the stalled latest stage of the Gold Coast light rail on track as part of next week's federal Budget.

The $126 million funding lifeline for the third stage of the Coast's popular people mover, from Broadbeach to Burleigh Heads, will be announced by Federal Urban Infrastructure Minister Paul Fletcher at a media conference today.

It follows delays in the State Government signing the contract for the 6.7km third stage, despite the project already being announced and builder John Holland announced as the major contractor. ...

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LRV 018

myGC — Stage 3 of Gold Coast light rail back on track but at a huge cost

Quote... Federal Minister for Urban Infrastructure Paul Fletcher says the extra funding for Stage 3 would provide a boost for public transport on the Gold Coast.

"This additional funding brings our total commitment to Stage 3 of the light rail to $395.6 million and demonstrates our Government's continued commitment to helping deliver what is the most significant transport infrastructure project ever carried out on the Gold Coast," Mr Fletcher said.

"This stage of the project is expected to directly support 760 jobs while also improving the speed, reliability and service frequency of the light rail system, and helping to further bust local congestion." ...

This comment is rather interesting, I wonder if there's any truth to it. Got his projects mixed up maybe? :conf

ozbob

Brisbanetimes --> Funding lifeline for delayed Broadbeach to Burleigh light rail

QuoteThe next stage of the Gold Coast light rail, linking Broadbeach and Burleigh, will secure a $126 million federal rescue package when the budget is handed down on Tuesday.

A contract dispute between the Queensland government and builders, John Holland Group, has triggered delays and a budget blowout on the light rail extension. ...
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ozbob

Quote from: LRV 018 on May 08, 2021, 01:19:27 AM
myGC — Stage 3 of Gold Coast light rail back on track but at a huge cost

Quote... Federal Minister for Urban Infrastructure Paul Fletcher says the extra funding for Stage 3 would provide a boost for public transport on the Gold Coast.

"This additional funding brings our total commitment to Stage 3 of the light rail to $395.6 million and demonstrates our Government's continued commitment to helping deliver what is the most significant transport infrastructure project ever carried out on the Gold Coast," Mr Fletcher said.

"This stage of the project is expected to directly support 760 jobs while also improving the speed, reliability and service frequency of the light rail system, and helping to further bust local congestion." ...

This comment is rather interesting, I wonder if there's any truth to it. Got his projects mixed up maybe? :conf

Yo.  Probably a bit of 'romancing the stone' ...
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