Gold Coast Light Rail

[somebody]

Ms Nolan said the award was recognition that Queensland was an international leader in infrastructure projects which manage population growth and congestion.

The best government spin I've seen today.

For Queensland's growing population it has rather lacking public transport infrastructure, poor and short sighted future planning.

Yes.  While improving, they've mostly managed it in a way to increase congestion.  And failing to build a dam south of Brisbane before houses were built on the land was another botch up, which apparently has resulted in requiring desalination.

Besides, unless you have a command economy, how do you "manage population growth"?  You only cater for it.

[ozbob]

Treasurer and Minister for Employment and Economic Development
The Honourable Andrew Fraser
04/12/2009

Green light for Gold Coast Rapid Transit

The search is on for a team to build and operate the first light rail project in Queensland, with expressions of interest called for the Gold Coast Rapid Transit project.

Treasurer Andrew Fraser said the project would literally change the face of the Gold Coast, and become an iconic piece of transport and tourist infrastructure.

"The Gold Coast is one of Australia's fast growing regions, welcoming 15,000 new residents each year," Mr Fraser said.

"Rapid Transit will replace up to 75 million car trips in the first ten years of operation, cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 114,000 tonnes.

"This is the sort of project that a modern, growing region needs."

Mr Fraser said the eagerly anticipated project had been refined as a result of industry consultation, and would now go to market as a two stage project.

"We originally considered a three stage project, with early works, civil construction and operator franchise packages.

" But we know the Gold Coast needs jobs now, so we've beefed up the early works package to deliver more employment opportunities for locals."

Mr Fraser said the operator franchise would go out to expressions of interest immediately as a public private partnership (PPP).

The operator franchise will establish a long-term partnership between the City and a world-standard light rail operator.

"We've had interest from some of the best international light rail operators, who want to be part of this exciting new project.

"We will deliver the latest, cutting edge technology for the Gold Coast - a project that will become the envy of Australia."

Mr Fraser said tenders for early works had already been called.

"These jobs will start flowing soon, with tenders already called for the works on the station at the new 750 bed University Hospital.

"This first contract will be followed by tenders for a range of works that can start quickly , including road widening, intersection upgrades and the relocation of public utilities.

"These contracts will provide a shot in the arm for the Gold Coast construction industry, which accounts for 12% of the City's total employment."

Interested companies can register on the project's online local industry register at www.goldcoastrapidtransit.qld.gov.au.

Gold Coast Rapid Transit is a 13 kilometre light rail project linking the commercial and retail centres of Southport, Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach in Australia's sixth largest city.

It is a partnership between three levels of government, with funding from the Queensland Government, Australian Government and Gold Coast City Council.


==============================================================

[ozbob]

Why light rail for the Gold Coast

http://www.goldcoastrapidtransit.com.au/about/why-light-rail.php

Why light rail for the Gold Coast?

Throughout the consultation phase of the project, two modes of rapid transit were investigated in detail: bus rapid and light rail.  The vehicles were compared against a number of criteria including capacity, passenger comfort, reliability, safety, sustainability and value for money. While both modes proved competitive, light rail was deemed the preferred choice for the Gold Coast community because:

    * light rail vehicles can carry 10 000 passengers per hour and 100 000 passengers per day — these figures cannot be matched by bus rapid transit
    * the length and capacity of light rail vehicles can be increased to meet the demands of the Gold Coast's fast-growing population
    * light rail technology has a proven vehicle life of 30 years or more
    * over time, operating a light rail system provides better value for money than operating a bus rapid transit system
    * light rail provides superior levels of passenger comfort when compared with other modes of transport
    * the Gold Coast community showed strong support for light rail over bus rapid transit.

[#Metro]

   * light rail vehicles can carry 10 000 passengers per hour and 100 000 passengers per day — these figures cannot be matched by bus rapid transit
HOW? How does it get around the headway problem? That is about one LRT every 100 seconds (in one direction).

[ozbob]

Light rail trains can carry easily 500 pax.  That is only one every 3 minutes.  Assume 720 pax for a 4 car unit even less.  This was the basic reason that light rail got the nod, the ability to ramp up as loading increases. 

See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Light_rail#Capacity_of_light_rail_versus_roads  Some suggest 20,000 pax per hour can be achieved.

[#Metro]

It doesn't appear to be 100% grade separated. The videos have it crossing a number of traffic signalised intersections with the GC Highway...

Excellent though!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9tvBeX0f_WI&feature=related

This one shows how effective it is at mass transit. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WSVTwYKFFSc&feature=related

[O_128]

It doesn't appear to be 100% grade separated. The videos have it crossing a number of traffic signalised intersections with the GC Highway...

Excellent though!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9tvBeX0f_WI&feature=related

This one shows how effective it is at mass transit. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WSVTwYKFFSc&feature=related

But the light rail will recieve priroty.

[ozbob]

From the Queensland Parliament Hansard  24th February 2010

Gold Coast Rapid Transit Project

Hon. RG NOLAN (Ipswich—ALP) (Minister for Transport) (10.10 am): This morning I rise to clarify some reports regarding the Gold Coast Rapid Transit project as outlined in today's Gold Coast Bulletin. The Gold Coast Rapid Transit project is a unique nation-building project being delivered by the Queensland government in partnership with the Australian government and the Gold Coast City Council. All of the modelling suggests that without the Gold Coast Rapid Transit project there will be gridlock on the Gold Coast. Therefore, we are undertaking a project that will substantially increase the rate of public transport patronage in that growing part of South-East Queensland. Early works on the first stage of the Gold Coast Rapid Transit project have already started between Griffith University and Broadbeach, and that stage of the project will be operational by 2014. Planning is also underway for the next stage of the project between Griffith University and Helensvale.

Yesterday, on the recommendation of the local member, the Gold Coast City Council and the Gold Coast Rapid Transit team, I approved the H1 option linking Helensvale and Griffith University via the Harbour Town shopping centre. Contrary to reports in the Gold Coast Bulletin this morning, this announcement provides a greater level of certainty for residents. There is now one route to connect Helensvale and Griffith University, not the two that were previously being considered. During consultation in 2006-07, 83 per cent of people surveyed said that they preferred the Harbour Town route option. Early planning indicates that the subject of the news story in the Gold Coast Bulletin, Mr Gordon Taylor, will not be impacted upon by the proposed route.

The next step is for more consultation with residents, along with more detailed planning around engineering and property impacts. Hardship acquisitions will be available for those directly impacted by the route, which was first mooted some years ago. Construction on this stage of project is not expected to start until at least 2014 and residents will be consulted at every step of the way. The Bligh government remains passionately committed not just to building this stage of the Gold Coast Rapid Transit project but also to planning a sustainable public transport system for the Gold Coast's future.

http://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/view/legislativeAssembly/hansard/documents/2010.pdf/2010_02_24_Qtime.pdf

[#Metro]

She is right.
It is impossible to devise a situation where there are all winners and no losers given the time/money and transport options that are realistic. Someone's house might have to go etc etc.

It is why we have Brisbane Airport today, busways, tunnel exits, bridges etc.

[ozbob]

From the Courier Mail click here!

Labor MP blasts government over Gold Coast tram route

Labor MP blasts government over Gold Coast tram route
Article from: Gold Coast Bulletin

March 01, 2010 06:35am

LABOR MP Peta-Kaye Croft has broken ranks to blast the State Government's bungled handling of the Gold Coast's rapid transit system's newly announced route.
Ms Croft, who as a parliamentary secretary is also part of the Government's 'outer' ministry, rang Transport Minister Rachel Nolan at the weekend to express her anger at the way her constituents on Olsen Avenue at Labrador have been treated.

She was also furious she had been left out of the loop on the announcement, only being told about it on Wednesday while Parliament was sitting, The Gold Coast Bulletin reports.

Although only about 20 as yet unknown properties will be resumed for the route, 840 households and businesses have been left in limbo due to a vague letter delivered to them on Friday which did not specify who would be affected.

"The communication on this project is not acceptable, it should have been better," Ms Croft said.

"I can understand why these people are very upset, I am upset.

"I haven't had an opportunity to go out and see these residents, it's just been announced.

"This has been really poorly handled by Queensland Transport.

No surprise about the comment by Ms Croft, see --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=2427.0

[ozbob]

http://www.goldcoastrapidtransit.com.au/pages/20100315.php

The world is coming to build Stage One

15 March 2010

Six consortiums from Australia and overseas are now vying to build Stage One of the Gold Coast Rapid Transit system after submissions for Expressions of Interest closed last week.

Transport Minister Rachel Nolan said, "The submissions are from a range of international light-rail operators, Australian and international financiers, vehicle builders and construction companies. Historically major Queensland projects calling for Expressions of Interest attract between two and four submissions. The fact six consortia want to work with the Queensland Government highlights the significance of this project."

Bidders include a number of respected international companies from Canada, France, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Scotland, Singapore and Spain along with a strong contingent of Australian based companies from Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne.

"The Queensland Government is seeking a long term partner with the right mix of experience, vision and innovation to operate, maintain and construct a modern high capacity light rail public transport system for Australia's sixth largest city," Ms Nolan said.

Gold Coast Mayor Ron Clarke said the successful bidder for the Operator Franchise will need staff to run and maintain the system, bringing a new long term employer to the city. "The Gold Coast Rapid Transit project will become a vital part of the city's public transport network well into the future and will be seen as an iconic feature of one of Australia's most loved cities," Mayor Clarke said. Member for Southport Peter Lawlor, Member for Broadwater Peta-Kaye Croft and Member for Burleigh Christine Smith said the level of interest from these multi national companies wanting to build and run Queensland's first light rail system shows significant confidence in the Gold Coast as an investment hub.

The Expressions of Interest will be evaluated by the project in the coming months before Government announces a shortlist of companies who will progress to the detailed bid phase.

[O_128]

well if experience is wanted then dont bother with the australian companies except the melbourne one

[ozbob]

From the Railway Gazette click here!

Gold Coast light rail attracts six bidders

Gold Coast light rail attracts six bidders
01 April 2010

AUSTRALIA: Six consortia have expressed interest in the PPP contract to design, build, operate and maintain phase I of the Gold Coast rapid transit project. The 13 km corridor from Griffith University to Broadbeach is due to open in 2014.

The bidders are:

•    GCSmartmove comprising Ansaldo STS, SMRT International, Thiess, Mitsui & Co and Royal Bank of Canada;
•    GC Connect comprising MTR Corp, John Holland, Itochu Corp and Royal Bank of Scotland Group;
•    Move GC comprising Veolia Transport, Alstom, Leighton Contractors and Macquarie Capital Group;
•    GoldlinQ comprising Keolis, Downer EDI, Bombardier Transportation, McConnell Dowell Constructors and Plenary Group;
•    Kirralink comprising TransdevTSL, Acciona SA, CAF, Mitsubishi Corp, Seymour Whyte and Capella Capital;
•    SNC-Lavalin Australia comprising SNC Lavalin, BMD, Thales and Verkehrs Consult Dresden-Berlin GmbH.

The expressions of interest will now be evaluated by the project team. A shortlist of the companies to be invited to prepare detailed bids is expected in May.

According to the project schedule, the request for proposals will be issued in June with a submission deadline of November. The preferred bidder should be announced in March 2011 and financial close is envisaged in May, when the operator franchise will start.

'The Queensland government is seeking a long-term partner with the right mix of experience, vision and innovation to operate, maintain and construct a modern high-capacity light rail public transport system for Australia's sixth largest city', said Queensland Transport Minister Rachel Nolan.

[ozbob]

From the ABC News click here!

Gold Coast light rail 'good to go'

Gold Coast light rail 'good to go'

By Charmaine Kane

Queensland Treasurer Andrew Fraser says the federal budget has cleared an obstacle from the path of the Gold Coast light rail system.

Mr Fraser says there are now no conditions attached to the Federal Government's $365 million contribution to the project that is due to begin construction in the middle of next year.

"There was a real risk that the Commonwealth would be sticking to its original plan where it wanted to make an equity contribution, i.e. earn a rate of return," he said.

"What this means is that the Commonwealth will be providing their money without strings attached.

"That removes an element of uncertainty attached to the project and it means we are good to go."

The Rapid Project Team is evaluating six bids for the construction and operation of the light rail system and a spokeswoman says they hope to name the successful consortium early next year.

[ozbob]

Premier and Minister for the Arts
The Honourable Anna Bligh
13/05/2010

$110 million tender release gets Gold Coast Rapid Transit project moving

The highly anticipated Gold Coast Rapid Transit project takes a further step towards reality today with Premier Anna Bligh and Federal Transport Minister Anthony Albanese opening bids for $110 million worth of roadwork contracts.

This is the largest package of early works contracts released so far, and will provide a shot in the arm for the local construction industry.

The works support stage one of the project, a 13 kilometre light rail corridor connecting Griffith University and the new 750 bed Gold Coast University Hospital to Broadbeach, passing through the key centres of Southport and Surfers Paradise.

Premier Bligh said the project is the first light rail network in any regional Australian city and is part of managing the enormous growth that has occurred on the Coast.

"These major tenders confirm the project will be delivered and we will build a transport network that will take 75,000 cars off Gold Coast roads when it is completed in 2014.

"This will provide a fully integrated public transport system and a more affordable and reliable alternative to car travel for all Coast residents, boosting public transport use from four per cent to 10 per cent.

"Let me be perfectly clear - it is full steam ahead for rapid transit. It is becoming a reality and that's great news for the Gold Coast."

Minister Albanese said the project was part of the Rudd Labor Government's unprecedented $37 billion investment in transport infrastructure.

"Our record investment is aimed at building more sustainable communities, a more productive economy and supporting the economic recovery.

"This project ticks all the boxes - it will slash greenhouse gas emissions 114,000 tonnes within its first decade of operation and generate more than 6,300 direct and indirect jobs for locals.

"After a decade of neglect, the national government is now back in the business of building our cities, and these tenders show we are serious about better infrastructure for the Gold Coast.

Premier Bligh said roadworks package will be delivered using a competitive Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) approach.

"The project team has identified two government funded packages valued at approximately $110 million that will lay the foundations for the future light rail system."

Advertising for the two roadworks will commence over the next week with the packages been divided geographically into two areas;

    * Roadworks North (Southport)
    * Roadworks South (Broadbeach)

The works would include road widening, the relocation of public utilities and accommodation works such as the reinstatement of driveways, fencing and car parks.

"These works are vital in preparing the stage one corridor for the laying of the light rail tracks and the construction of stations which will be conducted by the appointed operator from 2012-2014," Ms Bligh said.

"We are seeking Main Roads pre-qualified and experienced contractors to bid for the roadworks packages and I would encourage all interested contractors to visit the e-tenders website www.tenders.qld.gov.au for more information."

==============================================================

[ozbob]

Minister for Transport
The Honourable Rachel Nolan
03/07/2010

First major early works contract awarded for the Gold Coast Rapid Transit project

Leighton Contractors Pty Ltd has been awarded the first large early works contract for the Gold Coast Rapid Transit project, worth approximately $33 million, Transport Minister Rachel Nolan announced today.

The company will build the Gold Coast University Hospital Station Shell and carry out associated roadworks in Parklands Drive, Southport.

This first major package includes construction of the floor, roof and walls that will support the future light rail station structure.

"The shell construction and associated roadworks is expected to create around 200 direct and indirect jobs.

"Labour and materials will be sourced locally where possible providing a valuable boost to the Gold Coast economy."

Ms Nolan said a staged construction approach will be used to minimise traffic and pedestrian disruption.

The first stage of the station shell construction and Parklands Drive road works is expected to start later this month and is due for completion in September 2011.

The final stage of construction and fit out of the station will take place in 2012/2013 prior to commencement of the Gold Coast Rapid Transit system operations in 2014.

Requests for Proposals are in the market for two additional Early Enabling road works packages, valued at approximately $110 million.

The Bligh Government recently announced three consortia had been shortlisted to build the Gold Coast's light rail system - GC Connect, GoldlinQ and Move GC.

Between now and the end of the year the project and three short-listed bid teams will participate in an interactive bid phase.

During this phase the project and bid teams will meet and ensure that a common understanding of the issues and expectations of the light rail system are consistent to ensure high quality bids.

==============================================================

[#Metro]

Hallelujahs!

[ozbob]

13th May

first light rail network in any regional Australian city

Just noticed this     Rockhampton had trams, and Bendigo and Ballarat in Victoria had extensive tram networks.  Trams still operating in Bendigo and Ballarat

[mufreight]

The pedantic nit pickers will undoubtedly claim that they were tramway systems not light rail systems.

[longboi]

The pedantic nit pickers will undoubtedly claim that they were tramway systems not light rail systems.

Well, it is true 

[ozbob]

Ha Ha!  I just pointed out that some regional centres had trams ( and still do )  ...   

[ozbob]

From the Courier Mail click here!

First Gold Coast light rail contract awarded to Leighton Contractors

First Gold Coast light rail contract awarded to Leighton Contractors

    * From: AAP
    * July 03, 2010 11:09AM

THE first contract for a billion-dollar light rail system on the Gold Coast has been awarded.

Leighton Contractors will build the Gold Coast University Hospital Station Shell and carry out associated roadworks in Southport, worth approximately $33 million.

This first major package included construction of the floor, roof and walls that will support the future light-rail station structure, Transport Minister Rachel Nolan said in a statement.

Stage one of the Gold Coast Rapid Transit system, from Griffith University to Broadbeach via Southport and Surfers Paradise, is due to begin operation in 2014.

The Gold Coast Rapid Transit project has secured funding commitments totalling $949 million from federal, state and local government for stage one, which will include 16 stations.

Potential future stages could see the light rail system extended as far as Coolangatta, on the NSW border.

[somebody]

The pedantic nit pickers will undoubtedly claim that they were tramway systems not light rail systems.

The difference being??

[ozbob]

I don't think there is a complete separate distinction.  To my mind though Light Rail means a light rail system operating in its own right of way predominantly.  Trams is normal street running.  But it gets complicated. Melbourne now can be thought of as tram system and parts of it are really light rail?

Other viewpoints:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Light_rail

Light rail or light rail transit (LRT) is a form of urban rail public transportation that generally has a lower capacity and lower speed than heavy rail and metro  systems, but higher capacity and higher speed than traditional street-running tram  systems. The term is typically used to refer to rail systems with rapid transit-style features that usually use electric rail cars[1]  operating mostly in private rights-of-way separated from other traffic but sometimes, if necessary, mixed with other traffic in city streets. If this is the case, then under the law of many countries such systems are then legally tramways, although the vehicles which run on them are sometimes designated "supertrams". Modern light rail technology is flexible and adaptable, and whether any given system is considered a true rapid transit system or not depends on its characteristics.

[Golliwog]

I always thought the main distinction was that tramways tended to use single carriage vehicles where as light rail had basically the same type of track structure (although increasing its use of sections seperate from private vehicles) but light rail was run by vehicles with multiple carriages.

[ozbob]

Some photographs I took last visit to Melbourne ... tram or light rail?  





Photographs R Dow 8th January 2010

[#Metro]

 

Rides on those services are very very good.
The difference in my view between LRT and Tramways is simply stop spacing.
Light rail has busway, or train style stop spacings while tramways have closer stop spacings.
The lay meaning of LRT is a bit clouded as anything with a tram gets labelled LRT and there isn't a clear distinction.

The longer distance between stops makes higher speeds possible.
By thinning out stops, Melbourne could upgrade its tramway to a higher speed Light Rail system.
The St Kilda tram is LRT.

[ozbob]

Minister for Transport
The Honourable Rachel Nolan
01/08/2010

Sod-turning marks start of $949 million Gold Coast Rapid Transit project

Early construction works on the Gold Coast Rapid Transit system have officially begun with Queensland Premier Anna Bligh, Cabinet Secretary, Senator the Hon Joe Ludwig, and State Transport Minister Rachel Nolan turning the first sod today.

They joined Gold Coast Mayor Ron Clarke to inspect early works in the jointly Federal, State and Council funded project.

Ms Bligh said Leighton Contractors are onsite and have started preliminary works on the Gold Coast University Hospital Station - a key part of the $949 million project.

"During the next three and a half years, the Gold Coast Rapid Transit project will generate 6,300 jobs," Ms Bligh said.

"The Station shell is being constructed in two stages to integrate with the Gold Coast University Hospital construction and to avoid disruption when the new 750-bed tertiary teaching hospital is operational.

"Project modeling estimates that by 2016 there will be approximately 7, 000 passenger movements per day at the Gold Coast University Hospital Station so what we see here today is a vital part of this vital project start to come to life."

The Premier said the Gold Coast University Hospital Station made up the bulk of the early works stage (Stage 1) of the Gold Coast Rapid transit project.

"We are currently assessing a shortlist of three consortia for the operator franchise, or stage 2 of the project, and expect this to be appointed in March 2011," she said.

"The Federal Government, State Government and local council are working together to deliver this important public transport infrastructure for the rapidly-growing Gold Coast."

Senator Ludwig said Gold Coast Rapid Transit was an exciting $949 million nation building project.

"Through the Commonwealth Government's nation building program, we're investing in iconic projects like this," Senator Ludwig said.

"The Gold Coast Rapid Transit project is the largest public transport infrastructure project ever undertaken on the Gold Coast.

Ms Nolan said the project will change the way people move around on the Gold Coast.

"Light rail will connect neighbourhoods, community centres and retail areas - access to these areas will be possible without cars," she said.

Gold Coast Mayor Ron Clarke said the new light rail was an important part of long-term planning for a first-class public transport system in the city.

"The Gold Coast is currently Australia's sixth largest city, with more than half a million residents and 10 million visitors annually, and it continues to attract new residents," Cr Clarke said.

==============================================================

[colinw]

Three cheers!!! 

I might add that even though he was originally opposed to light rail, it is good to see Gold Coast Mayor Ron Clarke on board with this project, and respecting the majority opinion of his council (and the surveyed residents along the route).

[ozbob]

Twitter

Premier Anna Bligh  TheQldPremier
 
Check out what the $1 Billion Gold Coast Rapid Transit is going to look like in these animations http://bit.ly/bjMXOd

[colinw]

On the topic of this project, has anyone heard a squeak out of the "stop light rail" mob for a while?  Their site appears to be fossilised with last update in March, and the anti light rail feedback on GC Bulletin has mostly dried up as well.

[ozbob]

Premier and Minister for the Arts
The Honourable Anna Bligh
12/08/2010

V8 race change means Gold Coast Rapid Transit system just got even better

The Gold Coast's V8 motor race circuit has been finalised and the more compact route means the $949 million Gold Coast Rapid Transit system just got even better.

Premier Anna Bligh has announced that the street circuit for the Armor All Gold Coast 600 event means the preferred Gold Coast Rapid Transit route through Surfers Paradise can go ahead.

"The new V8 route has been shortened from 4.49 km to 2.96km and retains the chicane along Main Beach Parade, turning into Breaker Street and travelling west before turning onto the Gold Coast Highway," she said.

"The circuit will turn towards Surfers Paradise Boulevard before taking a hairpin turn back onto the beach side of Surfers Paradise.

"That means the Gold Coast Rapid Transit Route can now follow the preferred Surfers Paradise Boulevard route instead of the Ferny Avenue option"

Premier Bligh said the highly beneficial alternate route option down Surfers Paradise Boulevard for GCRT was a "no brainer".

"It will deliver a number of benefits including potential patronage increases of 4%, significant capital cost savings and a reduction in residential and commercial land impacts with an approximate saving of $15 million.

"This project was always going to deliver wonderful benefits to people on the Gold Coast. With this route through the centre of Surfers Paradise it just got even better."

This superior transport outcome has strong local community and Gold Coast City Council support, including Mayor Ron Clarke, Councillor Suzie Douglas and key stakeholder groups.

Mayor Clarke said this announcement was welcome as businesses and residents had been pushing for this alteration for some time.

He said the new alignment was an opportunity revitalise the northern entrance to Surfers Paradise.

"It will be the trigger for redevelopment, provide clarity for traders and property owners and enable the project partners to begin detailed planning for a green entry boulevard," Cr Clarke said.

The Premier said that for many years Surfers Paradise Boulevard was the original coast road and was the main artery through the heart of the city.

"The boulevard is a low speed, low traffic road environment. This means construction will be quicker and easier and disruption to Ferny Avenue through traffic will be kept to a minimum," she said.

"Choosing this alignment is an opportunity to regenerate and activate the northern end of Surfers Paradise.

"It lends itself to creating a pedestrian friendly space with wider footpaths than on Ferny Avenue, the boulevard also has great potential to grow into a socially active and economically vibrant main street.

"Changing from Ferny Avenue to Surfers Paradise Boulevard will mean the light rail will pass closer to the places people live and work while providing easier access to the world famous Surfers Paradise beach."

Ms Bligh said there had been extensive consultation between the project and V8 Supercars Australia.

"Collaborative discussions on design and operations will enable both the V8 Supercar event and the Gold Coast Rapid Transit system to operate simultaneously, an outcome previously thought to be unachievable," she said.

During the major Gold Coast event, the operation of the light rail will be reduced to single track running through the interface area.

"This provides the added benefit of an efficient high quality public transport service moving people to and from the V8 motor race," she said.

Member for Burleigh, Christine Smith, said she was delighted that the route has now been finalised.

"I think this is a good outcome for both the residents who live along the track, but also for business people in Surfers Paradise, who now have some certainty for the future."

The project the team will undertake consultation with key stakeholders and the community to inform them of the change and most directly affected property owners have already been advised of the anticipated impacts to their property.

Four additional properties are required for the revised Surfers Paradise Boulevard route in addition to seven properties that were already required for the Ferny Avenue route.

Of the four properties, three are partial takes of land only that don't impact on the building or structure on the land.

There is one potential full property take that will impact a residential property although it is not clear if this property is inhabited.

Stage One of the Gold Coast Rapid Transit project, a 13 kilometre corridor linking Griffith University at Southport to Broadbeach, is scheduled to begin operations in 2014.

==============================================================

[colinw]

Article in the Gold Coast Bulletin - click here.

Coast mayor: Rapid transit will revitalise
GOLD Coast Mayor Ron Clarke has declared that the rapid transit route through Surfers Paradise Boulevard will 'revitalise' the city's centrepiece suburb.

Cr Clarke, who has been heavily involved in discussions with the State Government, said the decision to avoid a proposed Ferny Avenue route would be welcomed by local businesses and residents who had vocally fought the proposal.

'It will be the trigger for redevelopment, provide clarity for traders and property owners,'' he said.

Cr Clarke said the route would also allow for a greener transit system.

''It will enable the project partners to begin detailed planning for a green entry boulevard.''

The rapid transit system will travel along Surfers Paradise Boulevard rather than being forced to go along Ferny Avenue after a deal was brokered between the V8 Supercars to shorten the Armor All Gold Coast 600 route by almost 2km.

[colinw]

The media release OzBob quoted also includes an artist's impression of what the line through Surfer's Paradise Boulevard will look like, and a PDF showing the revised route.

[colinw]

Editorial in the Gold Coast Bulletin - click here.

New light rail route will be a winner

August 13th, 2010

THE revised route for the Gold Coast light rail is a victory for long-term thinking, which we do not see often enough.

The re-routing of the track along Surfers Paradise Boulevard (as opposed to the previous Ferny Avenue proposal) will see that street turned into a one-way street southbound and businesses in the area are excited at the prospect of a steady stream of trams delivering new customers into the area.

With Surfers Paradise Boulevard carrying an estimated 7000 vehicles a day compared to the 40,000 using Ferny Avenue, the move makes perfect sense and will result in a minimal impact on traffic flows.

It is estimated the new route will also increase patronage by up to 4 per cent and save the Government $15 million -- a pleasant windfall for a change.

And change is something that our favourite seaside suburb has to embrace. The light rail will create new ways of getting about our city. It will link the huge student, staff and visitor population of the Griffith University and new University Hospital to the retail and entertainment precincts of Surfers and Broadbeach.

For the sceptics who doubt that the rapid transit system will make any difference to Surfers, we say look forward a few years.

By then the Soul and Hilton buildings will be complete, as will the foreshore project. Then the light rail system will hopefully deliver a whole new clientele in and out of the area quicker, safer and cheaper.

These four projects all falling into place will be crucial -- but to really add impetus to the rejuvenation it needs the civil and commercial leaders of Surfers Paradise to add even greater intensity to their efforts to beautify and make more inviting the engine room of our city.

We cannot think of a better motivation for that effort than the arrival of the trams. Unfortunately whenever large projects such as this are created there are some who will lose out and we sympathise with the owners of the few properties that need to be resumed.

They should be appropriately compensated. In these cases the concept of the greater good for the greater number triumphs.

[colinw]

Article in the Gold Coast Bulletin - click here.

Expanded Coast light rail long way off

Matthew Killoran   |  August 17th, 2010

TRANSLINK has dodged questions from Gold Coast mayor Ron Clarke about whether the city's light rail system will extend past stage one before 2018.

During a TransLink presentation to the council yesterday on how bus routes will service the rapid transit system in 2018, it was inadvertently revealed the light rail will not have progressed beyond stage one by then.

Mayor Ron Clarke said he was concerned that on the maps used, which showed what the RTS and feeder services would broadly look like in 2018, did not include any light rail tracks beyond stage one from Southport to Broadbeach.

Future stages for the RTS are expected to include an extension north to Helensvale train station and south to Burleigh Heads.

Translink's Gold Coast director Peter O'Loughlin dodged questions from Cr Clarke as to whether it meant there would be no extension before 2018.

"I think everyone is keen to see the rapid transit system go ahead," he said. "Future stages are still subject to funding."

He said big projects such as the $8.2 billion Cross River Rail in Brisbane, due to be completed by 2016, were taking up available funds.

Cr Clarke said it was disappointing expansion of the light rail did not look like progressing further in the next eight years.

"I recognise the demand on the State Government finances, but if we don't speak up, we will be forgotten," he said.

"I'll be contacting the Government about that to see if we can't get a better indication."

Cr Clarke said the presentation on future feeder routes seemed to be premature as details were lacking.

"They virtually had nothing to the townships like Mudgeeraba and to the west of the railway line and to the M1. Also to the north," he said.

The presentation was about bus feeder systems linking with the light rail at four key interchanges every 15 minutes from Coolangatta, Helensvale train station, Biggera Waters, Nerang and Sea World.

The interchanges will be Griffith University, Cypress Avenue in Surfers Paradise, Pacific Fair at Broadbeach, and an unspecified location in Southport.

[O_128]

It needs to  be extended to helensvale asap

[colinw]

Editorial, "It is time to worry about missing link", in the Gold Coast Bulletin - click here.

It is time to worry about missing link

August 17th, 2010

WARNING bells should be raised about the future of the light rail track being built on the Gold Coast.

Yesterday, when pushed for answers, TransLink officials were unable to disclose any future timelines for the next stages of the rapid transit corridor through the city, or to where it might link.

It is almost 18 months since the first stage of the light rail was announced, with a 2013-14 operational date.

The 'first sod' has been turned on phase one of the $900 million project. Even as recently as last week, route modifications were declared. Houses have been resumed and contracts handed out.

However, the Gold Coast needs a light rail that links to the major rail line from Varsity to Brisbane.

Now is when our political leaders should be considering the next stages of this vital public transport solution.

It will take several years to get the link from Griffith University to Helens- vale up and running so commitments need to be made now.

The silence of local state MPs on this issue is befuddling. It is a no-brainer and transcends both sides of politics.

Only when enough noise is made at state level will federal funding be considered. That is how the system works.

[ozbob]

From the Railway Gazette click here!

Gold Coast groundbreaking

Gold Coast groundbreaking
21 August 2010

AUSTRALIA: Queensland Premier Anna Bligh turned the first sod on the A$949m Gold Coast Rapid Transit project at the site of the new Gold Coast University Hospital in Southport on August 1.

The event marked the start of work by Leighton Contractors on the shell of the terminus station at Griffith University. Construction of the station floor, walls and roof will involve the removal of 18000 tonnes of soil and installation of more than 550 bored piles.

Three consortia have been shortlisted for the PPP contract to design, build, operate and maintain the 13 km light rail corridor from Griffith University to Broadbeach, which is due to open in 2014. They are:

    * GC Connect: MTR Corp, John Holland, Itochu Corp and Royal Bank of Scotland Group;
    * Move GC: Veolia Transport, Alstom, Leighton Contractors and Macquarie Capital Group;
    * GoldlinQ: Keolis, Downer EDI, Bombardier Transportation, McConnell Dowell Constructors and Plenary Group.

Selection of a preferred bidder is expected in March 2011.

[ozbob]

From the Brisbanetimes click here!

Contracts awarded for Gold Coast light rail works

Contracts awarded for Gold Coast light rail works
October 7, 2010 - 10:54AM

Two contracts worth a total of $68 million have been awarded for early works on Queensland's first light rail system on the Gold Coast, the state government has announced.

Seymour Whyte Constructions and Baulderstone Pty Ltd were the successful tenderers to prepare the Gold Coast rapid transit corridor for construction, Premier Anna Bligh told state parliament today.

"The two contracts are expected to create about 800 direct and indirect jobs," she said.

The two companies will be responsible for surveying, road widening, intersection upgrades, landscaping and paving.

"Services located under the road, such as gas, water and telecommunications, also have to be moved to a more accessible location to allow for repairs and upgrades," she said.

Stage one of the $949 million Gold Coast Rapid Transit system, from Griffith University to Broadbeach via Southport and Surfers Paradise, is due to begin operation in 2014.

AAP