Gold Coast City Council

[ozbob]

Gold Coast Bulletin --> Paul Weston: how light rail will play a role in the next council poll

Light rail will play a key role in the next council poll - here's how the make-up of city council is about to change, big time.

THE make-up of our council is about to change, big time. When you vote in March next year, the area represented by your local councillors will be substantially altered. Here is a glimpse into the future of local politics on the Gold Coast.

Deputy Mayor Donna Gates is in Division 1. Whether she runs again depends on her husband, Bill Gates. "I'm still fit and healthy but my husband is a little older. I need to weigh up my options as we get a little closer," Cr Gates said after the recent budget.

In Division 2, Helensvale-based councillor William Owen-Jones will run again. This time he might even face an opponent.

The current Division 3 councillor is the planning committee chair, Cameron Caldwell. This is where it starts to get complicated and interesting.

Given the boundaries proposed by the Change Commission, Cr Caldwell and Division 4 councillor Kristyn Boulton are expected to run against each other in the new Division 4.

Under the changes, Division 4 expands north to include Paradise Point – where Cr Caldwell has his office – and west, gaining Coombabah.

Labrador, where Cr Boulton has her office, and Arundel go to the new Division 7.

Cr Caldwell's wife, Lauren, recently posted on Cr Boulton's Facebook page urging her to "be honest with your constituents and show them the Division 7 map", arguing that was where most of the existing Division 4 residents live.

Several council insiders disagree. They estimate between 55 to 65 per cent of Cr Boulton's constituents will be in the new division. So it makes sense for her to run in the new Division 4.

For whatever reason, it is unlikely Cr Caldwell will head north to Division 3 and Coomera. So it's game on.

In Division 5 there are few changes and Peter Young is expected to stand again. It's a similar situation for Mudgeeraba's Glenn Tozer in Division Nine, Robina's Hermann Vorster in Division 11 and Gail O'Neill in Division 14.

So on that count, we have six of the nine sitting councillors likely to be returned.

In Ashmore, there continues to be speculation about whether long-term Division 8 councillor Bob La Castra will join his Evandale bandmates for another term.

Two of the city's most important areas – Surfers Paradise and Southport – are almost certain to be represented by rookies. In the CBD, Dawn Crichlow is likely to retire. Gary Baildon is retiring.

Along the coastline, the boundaries have all moved a little, like the dune erosion. Everyone's home is a bit further north.

Veteran Division 10 councillor Paul Taylor, after representing the Broadbeach area for so long, must be viewing retirement.

The boundary changes create a potential stand-off between Burleigh's Pauline Young and Palm Beach veteran Daphne McDonald. This is where the trams fit in.

Cr Young has family and business ties with Burleigh but will lose the coastal village under the new arrangements. Cr McDonald's border now crosses north over Tallebudgera Creek.

If they run against each other, it will be a vote on light rail.

Cr Young supports the trams while Cr McDonald is against the high rise they encourage.

Further south in Division 14, given the divisive nature of the community and the campaign against high rises, sitting councillor Gail O'Neill can expect a lively campaign.

Finally, what would happen if Mayor Tom Tate decided against a third term?

Cr Caldwell is a logical starter. That would make Cr Boulton rest much easier, wouldn't it?

Would Mrs Caldwell consider becoming a Councillor Caldwell herself? It's been mentioned around City Hall but then again, it is the lead-up to the March poll and as my insider says, everyone gets a little mischievous.

What is certain is that the Gold Coast City Council can expect six or seven new councillors in the biggest change in decades.

[ozbob]

Gold Coast Bulletin --> Burleigh's biggest brawl: light rail poll showdown as council boundaries change

One of the Gold Coast's busiest seaside suburbs is to be split in two by a surprise new measure which could have a big impact on infrastructure plans for the area.

BURLEIGH residents are being urged to protest against a proposal which will see the coastal town centre split from the rest of the suburb under local government boundary changes.

The proposed new boundaries created by the Local Government Change Commission Review could see Burleigh-based councillor Pauline Young opposing Palm Beach-based councillor Daphne McDonald in the poll next March.

Residents on community Facebook pages have claimed the contest would see the election become a vote on light rail heading south to the border.

Anti-tram campaigner Karen Rowles, on her Facebook page, has posted: "New council boundaries mean Cr Daphne McDonald could go head to head with Councillor Pauline Young in election 2020. Vote one for Daphne McDonald. Kick pro light rail Councillor Pauline Young out."

Cr Young is urging residents to write to the Change Commission and support the divisional boundaries remaining the same. Submissions close at 5pm today.

"The people of Burleigh and the surrounding areas use the same road network, community infrastructure and transport corridor – splitting up our community is not the right choice," Cr Young told the Bulletin.

"I would encourage locals to put in a submission to these draft boundaries and tell the Change Commission that dividing our growing community is not the best outcome.

"Burleigh is a very established long term local community supporting each other, working together to create a wonderful fabric of residents, businesses and visitors.

"Removing the business and entertainment heart will create a disconnected feeling amongst the residents."

Under the proposed changes, the boundaries of Cr Young's Division 12 will move forward to gain Mermaid Waters and Mermaid Beach.

The proposed division will see it bounded by Bermuda Street in the west and Hooker Boulevard in the north taking in Broadbeach and Broadbeach Waters.

Cr McDonald who has been based in Palm Beach will also see her Division 13 expanded northwards, adding the entire Burleigh Heads suburb including the commercial centre.

New council boundaries for Burleigh on the Gold Coast.

[#Metro]

Deputy Mayor Donna Gates is in Division 1. Whether she runs again depends on her husband, Bill Gates

Bill Gates... from Microsoft?

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Queensland corruption watchdog finalises probe

Queensland's corruption watchdog says it won't prosecute any Gold Coast councillors after an investigation prompted by corruption allegations.

However the Crime and Corruption Commission says it has referred some allegations involving mayor Tom Tate to Queensland's Office of the Independent Assessor.

The matters relate to alleged failures of Cr Tate to meet obligations under local government laws and a council policy.

The CCC also says it has written to council CEO Dale Dickson recommending he consider internal disciplinary action against a staff member.

It has also recommended the council improve a range of internal policies and staff code of conduct to clarify the expectations of council employees.

The CCC says it plans to publish a report into the investigation next month.

The "wide" investigation into the council began in August 2018 following numerous allegations from multiple complaint files.

These included allegations of failing to declare conflicts of interest, receiving gifts, providing misleading information to council, misuse of funds and local developments.

The CCC announced in April that no corrupt conduct was identified in relation to local developments involving Black Swan Lake at Bundall and the Waterglow developments in Surfers Paradise.

[SurfRail]

This is completely unsurprising.  Most of the complaints were about the merit of certain decisions which none of the regulators have any input into (for obvious reasons).

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Council CCC bombshell report: spotlight on Mayor and chief of staff

THE State corruption watchdog has delivered its report on the Gold Coast City Council, spotlighting Mayor Tom Tate's relationship with his chief-of-staff Wayne Moran.

The Crime and Corruption Commission recommended stricter governance around the role and performance of political advisers appointed to local councils.

The recommendations were from Operation Yabber, an investigation into allegations of corruption in the Gold Coast City Council.

In a report tabled in Parliament today, the CCC drew attention to the potential for politically appointed advisers to council to compromise the efficient and effective carrying out of council business.

Operation Yabber highlighted three areas of concern for the CCC:

* Failures to declare and properly manage conflicts of interest, particularly those involving the Mayor's Chief of Staff in relation to private companies.

* The Mayor's intervention in a disciplinary process to effectively protect the Chief of Staff from disciplinary action initiated by the CEO, and

* The manner and nature of the interaction of the Chief of Staff with other council officers with respect to the carrying out of council business.

Mr Moran is currently stood down on full pay from duty pending an investigation by council. The council has previously refused to comment. Councillor Tate and CEO Dale Dickson are understood to be preparing statements today for public release.

CCC Chairperson Alan MacSporran QC said integrity in local government has been a focus of the CCC for some considerable time and Operation Yabber identified the need for further reforms to reduce corruption risks.

"Local councils are responsible for providing us with important services and infrastructure that we use every day, and I know the community wants those services delivered within a framework of ethical decision-making, good governance and accountability," Mr MacSporran said.

"Whilst Operation Yabber did not identify such serious and systemic issues found in recent CCC investigations into other councils, it did once again highlight the impacts of not properly declaring and managing conflicts of interests."

The report identified the risks involved when political staff and advisers, whether at the urging of a mayor or councillor or on their own initiative, inappropriately interfered in council business.

To ensure stricter governance and accountability in local government, the CCC is recommending amendments to the Local Government Act 2009 that will:

* Clarify the responsibilities of mayors and councillors for the management of their staff/advisers and their adherence to codes of conduct, and

* Ensure that mayoral directions (under section 170 of the Act) cannot be used to undermine the authority of chief executive officers to carry out their responsibilities.

No criminal charges have resulted from Operation Yabber. The CCC has referred some matters relating to the Mayor of the Gold Coast City Council to the Office of the Independent Assessor.

The CCC said it was important to note that no adverse inference should be made about these matters whilst they remain unresolved.

[ozbob]

Operation Yabber
An investigation into allegations relating
to the Gold Coast City Council
Investigation Report
January 2020

> https://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/documents/tableOffice/TabledPapers/2020/5620T41.pdf

[ozbob]

Gold Coast Bulletin --> Gold Coast light rail: Gold Coast council candidate opposes light rail going through Palm Beach.

A Council candidate says she will oppose light rail being built down the Gold Coast Highway in Palm Beach.

PALM Beach and Burleigh council candidate Katrina Beikoff says she will oppose light rail being built south to the airport down the Gold Coast Highway.

In a major policy announcement, Ms Beikoff believes her stand on the trams give her a "clear distinction in position on policy" on light rail which shapes as the hot issue in Division 13.

Veteran councillor Daphne McDonald remains opposed to light rail, but is yet to announce if she will stand at the March 28 local government poll. The only other candidate, Bern Young, says she wants to be part of a "solutions table" for transport. issues.

Ms Beikoff supports improved public transport and believes heavy rail from Varsity to the Gold Coast Airport must be the priority.

"I do not support the proposed light rail route down the Gold Coast Highway from Burleigh through Palm Beach," she said.

"But should light rail be the only public transport option, I call for our community from Burleigh through Koala Park, Palm Beach, Tallebudgera and Elanora be specifically engaged in meaningful consultation as a condition for any proposed route from Burleigh south.

"I believe the fight for heavy rail is still live and it is in the frame on funding and timing – given earliest completion for Burleigh light rail is 2023 and Brisbane's Cross River heavy rail is 2024.

"There is also no funding committed from council, state or federal for light rail after Burleigh, so the argument is valid that heavy rail take priority in funding."

Ms Beikoff believes the alternative of sending light rail west from Burleigh to Varsity just creates a loop that excludes the southern Coast from the public transport.

"So I reject that light rail route as an option until the heavy rail missing link is extended south to the airport," she said.

Mayor Tom Tate threatened to take the trams south to the border without stops at Palm Beach if residents did not want light rail.

Ms Beikoff believes the community must be involved in talks and if light rail extends through Palm Beach it should not just be convenient for visitors and the rest of the Coast to pass by.

In a political shot at Cr McDonald, she said: "We must be involved because there has been a complete failure by our local representative to reflect our concerns or solutions in the current debate and she has offered no proactive alternatives to deal with traffic congestion.

"As a result our community feels excluded from any solutions and is being punished for her failure by being forced to accept a light rail route that offers no benefit to those of us who live here."

Ms Young said transport and traffic were key issues in this election and she intended to be at a "solutions table for light rail so the best outcomes could be secured for Burleigh Heads and Palm Beach".

"My priority for light rail Stage 3A is to ensure that businesses along the corridor, but especially in Division 13 Burleigh Heads, not only survive but as much as possible thrive, during the crucial build phase," she said.

[ozbob]

Gold Coast Bulletin --> Gold Coast election 2020: Tom Tate and Mona Hecke face off in first mayoral debate

A mayoral candidate has suggested pausing the light rail, a move which the incumbent warns will set the project back a generation.

MAYORAL contender Mona Hecke has suggested "pausing" the light rail after construction of its Broadbeach to Burleigh Heads link is completed.

Transport issues and the future of major infrastructure projects were among the many topics discussed during the first mayoral candidates debates yesterday.

Ms Hecke and Mayor Tom Tate faced off in front of a crowd of more than 50 people at a lunch hosted by the Gold Coast branch of the Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA) at the Surfers Paradise Hilton.

Both candidates were asked their views on the future of the light rail route once Stage 3A is completed in 2023.

Cr Tate told the audience he favoured it continuing direct to Coolangatta via Gold Coast Airport alongside the extension of the heavy rail south of Varsity Lakes.

But Ms Hecke said she was in favour of a different option.

"I think with the progression of light rail stage 3A through to Burleigh it would be an opportune time for us to pause and look at the direction of light rail linking up to our heavy rail corridor at Varsity which could then look after the population down in Elanora who have very little public transport access to the rest of the Gold Coast," she said.

"There is a lot of new technology that is constantly coming out with regards to transport and it would be a good opportunity to look at other transport options which we could do be it trackless trams or electric buses."

Cr Tate responded that any "pause" would delay light rail extensions by a generation.

Ms Hecke was also questioned about her views on development around transit corridors, particularly in Palm Beach, where residents have been up in arms about a wave of towers proposed or under construction.

She said most residents were not upset about the height of towers but instead the density of projects.

"Most people would be quite happy with medium density ... most people don't object to beautiful high-rises and good design ... we need our accommodation on transport corridors.

"There would be no point in putting them in areas where there is no suitable infrastructure," she said.

"Medium scale which I think most people would agree is suitable in those transport corridors would be nine stories. Nine or 10 storeys."

Speaking for more than an hour, both candidates discussed their vision for the city:

* Ms Hecke warned the Gold Coast was at a "tipping point" and needed a shift in how the city was managed, saying there were significant issue to address including transport and diversifying the economy.

* Cr Tate said the most significant issue facing the Gold Coast was planning for the growth the city was experiencing as it faced having a population of more than one million by 2041.

[ozbob]

Gold Coast Bulletin --> Gold Coast trams: Division 12 candidate Zac Revere calls for end to 'stop the light rail' discussion

A council candidate says it's time to 'drop the stop the light rail discussion', saying the community has had enough.

A CANDIDATE in the division where the Gold Coast light rail will be built next is urging the council to keep pushing the green button on the project.

Mayoral contender Mona Hecke has suggested "pausing" the light rail after the Broadbeach to Burleigh Heads link is completed.

But Division 12 candidate Zac Revere today told The Bulletin: "The opportunity for a piece of public transport that guarantees less vehicles on the road, a lift in parking and simultaneously boosting tourism and trade would mean the difference between make or break for some.

"Locals love a local brew in the morning and understand that we need tourism in order to support our local traders. This election I remain the only candidate, within Division 12, promising to work with businesses who are within the corridor of Stage 3A to draft and implement a strategic management plan."

Mr Revere said his plan would be central to council supporting small business during "burdensome infrastructure works".

"I encourage all mayoral candidates to back my plan and change their style of thinking. It's time to drop the nonsensical 'stop the light rail' discussion and consider realistic and strategic policy to tackle this infrastructure and our growing population," he said.

"The community is tired of it. When the residents of Mermaid, Miami and Burleigh Waters choose to vote 1 Revere, they are voting in support of economic growth for our city and for sustainable solutions for small and local business within our community. Let's get the job done."

Mr Revere's support for light rail going south to the airport has attracted strong criticism from anti-tram campaigner Karen Rowles.

On her Facebook page which has more than 3,4000 (sic) "likes", Ms Rowles has previously warned Mr Revere against supporting light rail through the Burleigh headland and its wildlife corridor "or you will lose votes".

[Cazza]

Thank you. Someone who seems to have the "let's just get this sh!t done attitude". We need more of this in Queensland!!

[ozbob]

Gold Coast Bulletin --> Businesses seek light rail compensation for construction chaos

BUSINESSES from Broadbeach to Burleigh along the next section of light rail should be compensated for losses during construction, says a council candidate.

Miami resident Cathy Osborne wants the council and State Government to develop a plan to help ease the financial burden on businesses along the Gold Coast Highway during the building of light rail Stage 3A.

"Businesses from Broadbeach to Burleigh should be concerned that the State Government and Gold Coast Council have not yet provided a plan to financially compensate businesses for the disruption and loss of customers and patrons, due to the three years of light rail construction," the Division 12 candidate said.

"We have seen what poor planning of the light rail in Sydney did to small businesses – they went bankrupt, families were ruined through financial hardship, people lost their jobs and years later those affected are still fighting for compensation from the government.

"I want our local businesses to stay open and survive but that requires forward thinking and a proactive approach."

Ms Osborne said commercial operators had complained there was "still too much uncertainty for them".

"I am astounded that there has been silence from the incumbent councillor who helped

cement the light rail expansion, through her support on council," Ms Osborne said.

"Councillor (Pauline) Young has not showed the leadership that is required to restore confidence amongst businesses in the area. These people have seen shops close down along the tram line in Surfers and Southport and are concerned that their businesses and jobs are next."

Cr Young said she had attended all consultation meetings and gathered feedback from residents and businesses.

"The city does not make compensation to businesses for State-led projects when it has already made a large contribution to construction of Stage 3A," Cr Young said.

"I've been at every community information session and consultation on light rail for the past four years. I've made sure I've engaged with all of the community, the residents and businesses to get their feedback.

"We've learnt a lot from Stage 1 (in Southport) on construction time from the businesses there. I will continue to advocate on behalf of businesses in the light rail corridor when construction will start."

Ms Osborne said she would "demand compensation for any businesses that are negatively impacted" during rail expansion and ensure council minimised traffic congestion.

[ozbob]

Gold Coast Bulletin --> Light rail compensation plan would cost millions

A call for compensation to businesses impacted by the building of light rail has sparked a furious row – with objectors highlighting one major problem.

COMPENSATION payouts to businesses impacted by the building of light rail from Broadbeach to Burleigh could cost ratepayers millions of dollars, warns a council candidate.

Zac Revere, who is standing in Division 12, has taken aim at comments by rival candidate Cathy Osborne who wants council to develop a plan to ease the financial burden on businesses.

Ms Osborne wants to ensure businesses remain open after three years of construction and believes it will require financial compensation from the council and the State.

But Mr Revere told The Bulletin: "What Cathy hasn't explained is where the money will come from and how much for the potential legal fees to follow. Compensating businesses for damage done would mean using taxpayer dollars to the tune of millions and further failing to take real leadership to act prior to the projects roll out.

"Our community has already made it clear that we do not want a 'tram-tax' and now Cathy is ringing the dinner bell. Cathy hasn't clearly and openly stated where she stands on the project; and Cathy continues to react instead of act. Cathy's reactionary policy is incredibly different to my actionary leadership."

Mr Revere said he would, if elected, develop a strategic management plan where businesses had input into the roll-out of light rail.

Area councillor Pauline Young has previously outlined council's position, explaining that local government did not make compensation to businesses on state-led projects where it had made a large contribution to the construction costs.

She said she would continue to advocate for businesses during the construction period and attended community feedback sessions

[ozbob]

Gold Coast Bulletin --> Gold Coast Election 2020: Mayoral candidate Virginia Freebody backs pause on light rail

A second Gold Coast mayoral candidate has backed putting a pause on the light rail, citing high costs and "common sense".

A SECOND mayoral candidate has called for the roll-out of the Gold Coast light rail network to be paused.

Virginia Freebody today cited "common sense" and high costs as a reason to put a stop to expanding the tram lines down to Coolangatta.

She joins fellow candidate Mona Hecke, who has previously called for the tram network to be "paused".

Ms Freebody said during the latest Mayoral debate this morning that she planned to advocate pushing heavy rail down to Gold Coast Airport instead.

"I just think common sense is the biggest thing," she said.

"The light rail at the moment is impacting our roads and congestion. I'm not saying not forever, just not at this time, not until we get our roads sorted.

Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate is in favour of expanding the light rail, and is campaigning to take it through to the airport.

Mayor Tate wants to see the line continue direct to Coolangatta alongside the Varsity Lakes heavy rail extension once Stage 3A is finished in 2023.

[Cazza]

Gold Coast Bulletin --> Gold Coast Election 2020: Mayoral candidate Virginia Freebody backs pause on light rail

"The light rail at the moment is impacting our roads and congestion. I'm not saying not forever, just not at this time, not until we get our roads sorted.

Yeah it's taking more cars off the roads and reducing congestion... That's how it's impacting our roads you dimwit. Please use some common sense yourself before opening your mouth to the media.

[ozbob]

Gold Coast Bulletin --> Why mayoral candidate Mona Hecke does not want to talk about trams heading south

Mayoral candidate Mona Hecke has told the Bulletin she is 'deliberately' avoiding the light real debate. Here's why.

MAYORAL candidate Mona Hecke admits she is deliberately trying to avoid the tram debate about light rail heading south.

At a Central Chamber of Commerce 'Meet the Candidates' breakfast, Ms Hecke focused on three topics — transport congestion, the need to widen the economy from tourism and construction and supporting better development which matches expectations of the City Plan.

Ms Hecke, who has previously been reported as saying the tram network should be "paused", has distanced herself from comments by rival candidate Virginia Freebody who today called for a rollout of the network south to Coolangatta to be halted.

Ms Hecke told The Bulletin: "I deliberately omitted speaking about the light rail this morning because people keep pressing me for a simple Yes or No on whether I will support Stage 3B heading south from Burleigh Heads.

"Transport planning and infrastructure delivery is complex. To speak of singular issues ignores the broader context and considerations. Since 2015, I have been advocating to fast-track heavy rail to Coolangatta. It's the lynch pin in our entire transport system. I have also been pushing for east-west public transport links."

On the light rail heading south from Burleigh, Ms Hecke said she has consistently called for a wider debate about the design, the route and technology options.

"No-one can deny that Stage 1 badly affected the main streets of Southport and Surfers Paradise, and that type of impact should be avoided in other areas," she said.

"I'm not alone in wanting these things. Many Gold Coasters have been waving the flag for better east-west public transport links."

[SurfRail]

^ Waffle, waffle, waffle.

I'd be very surprised if Tate is not re-elected anyway.

[Cazza]

Gold Coast Bulletin --> Why mayoral candidate Mona Hecke does not want to talk about trams heading south

"No-one can deny that Stage 1 badly affected the main streets of Southport and Surfers Paradise, and that type of impact should be avoided in other areas," she said.

The main streets of Southport and Surfers have never been safer you clown.

[timh]

Gold Coast Bulletin --> Why mayoral candidate Mona Hecke does not want to talk about trams heading south

"No-one can deny that Stage 1 badly affected the main streets of Southport and Surfers Paradise, and that type of impact should be avoided in other areas," she said.

The main streets of Southport and Surfers have never been safer you clown.

Navigating surfers as a tourist is a breeze now, the tram is so good.

Car bad

Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk

[SurfRail]

^ Southport could and should have been handled better.  Still doesn't justify anything she's saying.

[ozbob]

Gold Coast Bulletin --> Gold Coast light rail: Pro-transport candidate Zac Revere says businesses needs rate relief

GOLD Coast businesses on the next section of light rail from Broadbeach to Burleigh should be given concessions on rates, according to a pro-transport candidate.

Zac Revere says he will be advocating for a rental deferment for businesses within the corridor of light rail Stage 3A if elected in Division 12 at the March 28 poll.

He said he would seek a rates freeze for landlords to ensure business could profit and operate in difficult conditions.

"If elected, I'll be pushing for existing small businesses to be given a 10 per cent reduction in annual fees, applying to food van licences, market stall fees and business advertising applications," Mr Revere said.

"I want to match our Brisbane City counterparts and see our council pledge investment to the growth of new home-based businesses in the suburbs, committing to a Suburban Shopfront Program to focus on activating vacant local shopfronts.

"I am promising to protect shopfront parking and tailor parking to meet the business needs.

I want to provide more support through free small business events where business can connect and grow."

Mr Revere has been supportive of light rail, along with area councillor Pauline Young, given the work was completed with community consultation.

Opponent Cathy Osborne, aware "the tram has already bolted", wants a compensation plan for business.

[ozbob]

Gold Coast Bulletin --> Gold Coast light rail 3B: Palm Beach council candidate Bern Young reacts to extension

NOT everyone is happy about the Gold Coast light rail 3B extension.

The State Government ended years of debate today by announcing the last stage of the light rail will run from Burleigh to Tugun, reaching the Gold Coast Airport.

Premiere Annastacia Palascuzuk and transport minister Mark Baily came to the conclusion after a two-year study was conducted by international consulting firm Jacobs Engineering.

Jacobs Engineering found the light rail to be extended from Burleigh to Tugun was the "best option" for the extension.

Palm Beach council candidate Bern Young told the Bulletin the proposal was "out of touch".

"The artist impression released today looks like the Sundale Bridge, this is Tallebudgera Creek, not the Nerang River," she said.

"I don't support the plan across Tallebudgera Creek. This is not the way to bring public transport through this stunning, natural environment.

"When community consultation begins I will champion one track only across Tallebudgera Creek, thereby requiring a much narrower bridge."

Among the biggest supporters of the southern light rail is Queensland Airports boss Chris Mills who welcomed the news, saying it would have many benefits.

"We have long advocated for the light rail to the airport and our preference has been for it to follow the Gold Coast Highway, so we are pleased to hear that is the direction that has been recommended by this study," he said.

"About 6.5 million people come through Gold Coast Airport each year and the vast percentage are leisure travellers, so we need an efficient and easy public transport linkage that accommodates visitors to the city and local residents well into the future."

[SurfRail]

She doesn't seem to have a problem with what the M1 upgrade will do to both creeks!

I thought she was one of the sensible ones.  Seems I was wrong.

[ozbob]

Gold Coast Bulletin --> Light rail extension must not close down the entire track from Broadbeach to Burleigh

THE extension of light rail from Broadbeach to Burleigh has to be done in stages rather than close down the precinct for more than a year, a Bulletin election forum has been told.

The election forum, the first of six, was a sellout with 95 people pre-booking for the debate at the Kurrawa Surf Club for Division 10 and 12 which began at 6 last night.

Division 12, which covers north from Burleigh to Broadbeach, area councillor Pauline Young and candidates Cathy Osborne, Zac Revere and Scott Turner attended the debate.

Councillor Young at the forum last night said she would ask for the construction of the 6.2km track to be done in sections rather than have a stretch of the Gold Coast Highway restricted to traffic for up to two years.

"We don't want the whole section closed off for two years. We want it done in stages," Cr Young said.

The city's chair of the transport committee said she supported light rail being built to the Gold Coast Airport but was opposed to compensation from council to businesses impacted in construction for a state-based project.

Candidate Cathy Osborne told a packed meeting of residents her policy was that businesses should be compensated.

She said she had spoken to business owners and many operators were concerned about losing their retail operation.

"I would say there should be some sort of avenue of redress for them," she said.

Councillor Young said a team of six to eight officers were ready to start work and consult with up to 600 businesses on the rollout of the next section of light rail.

But Ms Osborne said businesses were not confident about the construction of the track.

"They fear the rollout. They hope it is not going to be as bad as what happened in Surfers Paradise," she said.

Candidate Zac Revere said he had been a strong supporter of the extension of the trams to the airport. He admitted he was about "getting the job done rather than being popular".

He said he had spoken to businesses and would introduce a management plan on light rail if elected to office.

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/eastTMoore/status/1243369002002313217

[SurfRail]

Ask any of them if they will actually use it. 

Tate, for all his many, many sins, at least has a go card and uses the light rail from time to time - and is 100% behind it behind expanded.  The others vacillate because they are chasing a relatively small NIMBY vote centred on wealthy property owners on the coastline. 

[ozbob]

Tom Tate remains as Mayor ..  good for light rail.

>> https://prodresults.elections.qld.gov.au/lga2020/029/mayor

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/SEQMayors/status/1252484502833688578

[SurfRail]

Now that an Olympic bid is seriously in the offing this was a foregone conclusion.  Still far from convinced it is worth it apart from that.

[AnonymouslyBad]

^ I mean, it's not, but here we are

On the result ... Broadly, I reckon Gold Coasters agree that Tate's a bit slimy and has too much power. But it's LNP heartland, and even if it weren't incumbency is a really strong force in these big councils. BCC seems to be the same. It doesn't really matter what people think of the mayor, they'll tick that box over a challenger who's inexperienced or just doesn't get enough coverage.

[SurfRail]

Agree, but it doesn't help when the other candidates don't take it seriously, which is why the ALP keep losing Brisbane and why Tate got an absolute majority. 

I voted for him (albeit holding my nose) because of 8 mayoral candidates he was the only one who actually supports the light rail.  The others are all nitwits or were chasing the votes of beachfront property owners.  Likewise, of 2 division candidates, only one supported it and the other got captured by the Facebook echo chamber.  The city runs fine with or without councillor input these days, so that issue alone determined my vote. 

Of course I now have to vote in BCC elections from here on out...

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/ozbob13/status/1550138289759195136

[ozbob]

IN QLD --> Gold Coast mayor says council lobby group might be a club he'd like to join after all

Foiled in a plan to go it alone, the Gold Coast is looking increasingly set to make a sharp U-turn and re-join the southeast Queensland council of mayors (COMSEQ) in the lead up to the 2032 south-east Queensland Olympics. ...

[SurfRail]

Membership wasn't required for nearly everything else the Commonwealth has funded on the coast.

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/ukpapers/status/1622390616360620032

[ozbob]

https://x.com/GCBulletin/status/1768955707196678400?s=20

[ozbob]

^ good result for light rail!       

[#Metro]

Any of the anti-LRT candidates take on GC wards?

[ozbob]

ECQ Results > https://results.elections.qld.gov.au/2024QLGE

In Division 13 which includes Palm Beach and Burleigh, Josh Martin (54.8 per cent) is ahead of Nikki Archer (45.6 per cent).

Nikki Archer is anti-LR, Josh Martin is not outright against but wants better outcomes for the community.

[SurfRail]

Kath Down is ahead in Div 14 (Coolangatta and southern end).  Even if she does win it will mean little.