Travel Gold Coast Trams/Transport

[Matchu]

Anyone else ride the G (light rail/tram) yesterday? Reports were that 80,000 people tried it yesterday and 20,000 paid to use it this morning/afternoon. Keep in mind it isn't school holidays and university has not gone back yet so those numbers should grow. Looks like it was a success!

Pictures from Twitter:

Videos:

http://video.au.msn.com/watch/video/gold-coast-tram-launch-successful/xrtqkmm

 

[Experimental]

I've been so excited for the trams to start.

They started ripping up all the roads just before I moved to the UK, and when I finally moved back, I saw the the trams gliding up and down in the 'testing' phase. I nearly wet myself with excitement. It's a great addition to the Gold Coast, and it can only get better as more phases are completed. I know Queensland is "broke", and Tom Tate is a scunge, but surely there can't be many reasons against expansion of the tram system before the Commonwealth Games in 2018.

Can't wait to check it out when I'm down in GC next month. Keen as mustard.

 

[Big Red Machine]

One thing I've noticed just from the pictures is that they are using the same Trip Tracker display system that Logan City Busses having been trailing for Translink. In other words less people getting off at the wrong stop and you don't have to guess how long until you're at said stop.

Fingers crossed one day it'll say at the bottom there - 2mins O Metricon Stadium

 

[Matchu]

I've been so excited for the trams to start.

They started ripping up all the roads just before I moved to the UK, and when I finally moved back, I saw the the trams gliding up and down in the 'testing' phase. I nearly wet myself with excitement. It's a great addition to the Gold Coast, and it can only get better as more phases are completed. I know Queensland is "broke", and Tom Tate is a scunge, but surely there can't be many reasons against expansion of the tram system before the Commonwealth Games in 2018.

Can't wait to check it out when I'm down in GC next month. Keen as mustard.

It's definitely a smoother ride than the trams in Melbourne. They've done it quite well but the obvious limitations are probably no connection to heavy rail (Brisbane) and no wi-fi. If you can overlook those two factors then you'll see it has been built very well.

From Anthony Albanese (Minister for Transport and Infrastructure):




Without federal funding, stage 2 will not happen. Without state funding, stage 2 will not happen. Local funding would be the easiest to acquire because Tate will probably cave. The state election is later this year/early next year and going by the recent by-election on the weekend, Labor looks likely to get back in. So that would probably mean federal funding will be the last stumbling block for stage 2. Can it happen before the Comm Games? Sure. Will it happen? Unlikely.

One thing I've noticed just from the pictures is that they are using the same Trip Tracker display system that Logan City Busses having been trailing for Translink. In other words less people getting off at the wrong stop and you don't have to guess how long until you're at said stop.

Fingers crossed one day it'll say at the bottom there - 2mins O Metricon Stadium

Certainly helps commuters, especially older ones. Along with the electronic screen inside the tram and on the platforms, there is also a MyG: mobile app that allows you to track where each tram is so you have a good idea of whether the tram is running on time. Another thing I've noticed that they've done well is installing electronic boards on the bus stops right next to each station. So you get off the tram and can easily see the bus schedule on the electronic board as well.

If it was ever extended to Metricon Stadium then I'm certain there would be a considerable increase in crowds. The public seems to have really embraced the trams, even though they've been open for just two days. So you can imagine how many tourists and locals would use it to get to the footy.

 

[Matchu]

State Transport Minister already playing games over light rail stage 2

TRANSPORT Minister Scott Emerson supports green lighting stage two of light rail but flicking the switch will depend on a “substantial contribution” by the council.

In an exclusive interview with The Bulletin, Mr Emerson revealed his family had been regular visitors to the Coast’s beaches on weekends and he understood first hand the potential for the project to drive tourism.

“I’m keen to see stage two,” he said.

“I have described it as Brisbane to the beach, making that link, that people can do that seemless travel, getting off at probably Helensvale and coming down.”

But the Transport Minister cautioned that for Gold Coast Rapid Transit stage two to proceed, it would also have to be “value for money” and supported by a united front of Coast MPs.

The Transport Minister also revealed he is facing heavy lobbying from unified lobby of MPs on the Sunshine Coast who had reached agreement on their number one transport infrastructure project.

The north Coast MPs want a duplication of their heavy rail system but the Coast, by comparison, is divided about future infrastructure priorities.

The Bulletin’s Missing Link campaign has found only Burleigh’s Michael Hart showing support for light rail stage two. The council continues to switch positions on its funding commitment.

Mr Emerson has to weigh up how best to spend $1 billion available for rail infrastructure after the Government pays back debt with its asset sales.

The Newman Government is expected to make a call on this spending in the lead-up to the State election expected early next year.

The Coast is unlikely to obtain any federal government funding for light rail stage two leaving the State Government, council and private enterprise to pay the costs.

The Federal Government provided $365 million in funding for stage one which helped secure $949 million from the three levels of government.

Mr Emerson admits he has followed the Bulletin’s campaign and noted polling which indicates that residents believe the council should fund up to half of the project.

An infrastructure report by the SEQ Council of Mayors in 2011-12 costed light rail stage two at $1.375 billion with the Government nominated to fund $500 million.

Mr Emerson also admits to be confused by the changing position of Mayor Tom Tate which led to a slanging match between the two only last month.

Councillor Tate, in May, suggested his council would not contribute one cent to light rail but two months agreed to a similar funding arrangement to stage one, where council had provided 10 per cent of $1.2 billion.

Asked about what should be council’s contribution, Mr Emerson replied: “I’m not putting a number on it yet but we want to have those kind of discussions.”

“What I do say, if we did proceed with the light rail, I’d expect to see a very substantial contribution by the Gold Coast City Council.”

There is no way the Gold Coast City Council will provide $500 million+ towards a second stage. They will want to get into discussions with the owners of Harbour Town Shopping Centre and try to get them to invest money into the second stage with the promise that it will pass by the shopping centre on the way to Helensvale train station. The best way to get them interested is for people to keep using the current system.

 

[Experimental]

I think that perhaps the QLD LNP could cave and give the Gold Coast more money in hopes it would sway their vote.

After the latest state by-election, and the heavy impact of the anti-bikie laws on the Coast (not all of it positive), I can definitely see it happening to 'please' Gold Coasters. Federally, though - no chance. Phoney Abbott wants to call himself 'the infrastructure prime minister', but won't contribute any money to anything worthwhile. I'd have assumed that Australia's fastest growing city would be a good investment...

 

[Matchu]

I think that perhaps the QLD LNP could cave and give the Gold Coast more money in hopes it would sway their vote.

After the latest state by-election, and the heavy impact of the anti-bikie laws on the Coast (not all of it positive), I can definitely see it happening to 'please' Gold Coasters. Federally, though - no chance. Phoney Abbott wants to call himself 'the infrastructure prime minister', but won't contribute any money to anything worthwhile. I'd have assumed that Australia's fastest growing city would be a good investment...

Best case scenario both state parties commit the required money for stage 2 and it happens regardless of who wins the election. There is going to have to be a third party though and without the federal government being that third party it becomes very hard to achieve.

 

[Experimental]

http://m.goldcoastbulletin.com.au/n...t-rail-extension/story-fnj94j0t-1226997317139

Somewhat backs what I was saying, I guess.

Let's keep in mind that the second phase, should it connect the light rail to heavy rail, it won't cost nearly as much as phase one, nor will it take as long to construct.

 

[Matchu]

http://m.goldcoastbulletin.com.au/n...t-rail-extension/story-fnj94j0t-1226997317139

Somewhat backs what I was saying, I guess.

Let's keep in mind that the second phase, should it connect the light rail to heavy rail, it won't cost nearly as much as phase one, nor will it take as long to construct.

It's funny that the Premier is saying the only way stage 2 will be completed is if they get re-elected and continue selling off assets. Looking forward to seeing what the opposition leader says in regards to stage 2.

One of the recent GC Bulletin articles stated that stage 2 was costed at $1.375 billion in 2012. If that's true, it's more expensive than the $1.2 billion costed to build stage 1. Hard to believe but I don't really have any reason to not believe it. One of the issues is that the state government has allocated just $1 billion to rail infrastructure and appear to have already come to an agreement for the Sunshine Coast's heavy rail network upgrade. So what does that mean for light rail? There's just simply not enough money in the budget. I can't help but think the opposition will use this as a way to get votes and probably promise stage 2 to Gold Coasters. Easy way to get votes.

 

[Experimental]

One of the recent GC Bulletin articles stated that stage 2 was costed at $1.375 billion in 2012. If that's true, it's more expensive than the $1.2 billion costed to build stage 1. Hard to believe but I don't really have any reason to not believe it.

That's a bloody ridiculous price. But how can it be costed if there's no confirmation of route?

Depending on how long it's going to take to approve a plan for stage 2, I wonder if the casino licenses (should they be given to a developer for GC) will impact on the route. In a perfect world, the new route would go down past Pacific Fair, past Carrara Markets, past Metricon, and connect to Nerang Station! This route would also pass one of the proposed casino sites, too.

Otherwise, it's logical to try and gather funds from Harbour Town to get the tram line go to Helensvale Station via Harbour Town. But a lot of politicians keep talking about the Commonwealth Games and the Light Rail's impact on visitors. It's going be be completely ineffective if it doesn't take people to the main arena (and finish at a heavy-rail station). It already passes the majority (if not all) of the other venues - doesn't it?

If it's all about money, surely it would just be cheaper to built another train station between Helensvale and Nerang, and connect the Light Rail to that. It would be just over 1km from GCUH Station.

 

[Matchu]

That's a bloody ridiculous price. But how can it be costed if there's no confirmation of route?

Depending on how long it's going to take to approve a plan for stage 2, I wonder if the casino licenses (should they be given to a developer for GC) will impact on the route. In a perfect world, the new route would go down past Pacific Fair, past Carrara Markets, past Metricon, and connect to Nerang Station! This route would also pass one of the proposed casino sites, too.

Otherwise, it's logical to try and gather funds from Harbour Town to get the tram line go to Helensvale Station via Harbour Town. But a lot of politicians keep talking about the Commonwealth Games and the Light Rail's impact on visitors. It's going be be completely ineffective if it doesn't take people to the main arena (and finish at a heavy-rail station). It already passes the majority (if not all) of the other venues - doesn't it?

If it's all about money, surely it would just be cheaper to built another train station between Helensvale and Nerang, and connect the Light Rail to that. It would be just over 1km from GCUH Station.

There are three routes being taken into consideration. One is extends to Helensvale via Harbour Town, another is Nerang station via Metricon and the third is to Parkwood. As you've mentioned, the Parkwood option is the shortest but that would require an infill train station to be built which is obviously going to add to the overall cost.

As for the new casino, the Nerang option has already been given the red light and they are going ahead with the proposal at Wavebreak Island. Not really helpful for the light rail considering it is north of the current line that starts to go west. Something to take into account when it comes to the routes are the theme parks. Shuttles regularly run from Helensvale station so it would certainly make it easier for tourists to get to the theme parks using the light rail. I'm pretty sure buses no longer run through the touristy areas of Broadbeach and Surfers Paradise so they might have to use the light rail whether they want to or not.

Just looking through the Comm Games venues on wikipedia and these are within walking distance of a light rail station: Broadbeach Convention Centre (50 metres, Broadbeach North), Broadbeach Bowls Club (500 metres, Florida Gardens), Southport Aquatic Centre (700 metres, Southport Station) and Labrador Hockey Centre (1.7kms, GCUH station). The rest (Metricon, Hinze Dam, Robina Stadium, Currumbin Valley Bike Track, Carrara Leisure Centre, Coomera Leisure Centre, Runaway Bay Sports Centre and Movie World) aren't close to light rail stations. An extension to Nerang station would add two extra venues to the accessible venues and one of them is the main stadium.

Usually when a city hosts a big sports event they make the main stadium easily accessible but that doesn't look to be the case in this situation.

 

[Experimental]

Has the casino license been approved? I can't find any info on the Wavebreak Island cruise terminal other than proposals.

Usually when a city hosts a big sports event they make the main stadium easily accessible but that doesn't look to be the case in this situation.

From an unbiased standpoint, I still can't understand why they haven't extended the Light Rail to Metricon, or even have it as their priority at the moment. As a Suns fan, it'd be great to have easy access to the stadium, but from a Commonwealth Games standpoint, buses cannot and will not work effectively without being a complete embarrassment.

Keep in mind too, that should the Light Rail go via Metricon to Nerang Station, the train will technically link to Robina for Robina Stadium (and for NRL games in future), though it would be a strange way to travel there.

 

[Matchu]

Has the casino license been approved? I can't find any info on the Wavebreak Island cruise terminal other than proposals.


From an unbiased standpoint, I still can't understand why they haven't extended the Light Rail to Metricon, or even have it as their priority at the moment. As a Suns fan, it'd be great to have easy access to the stadium, but from a Commonwealth Games standpoint, buses cannot and will not work effectively without being a complete embarrassment.

Keep in mind too, that should the Light Rail go via Metricon to Nerang Station, the train will technically link to Robina for Robina Stadium (and for NRL games in future), though it would be a strange way to travel there.

I'm 99% sure I read that the Wavebreak Island project had been approved as the site for one of the three casino licences with the others being in Brisbane and Cairns. There looks to be plenty of bridge access in the renders so it wouldn't be hard to get to. Here is a picture of what it'll look like if you're interested:

I think they will eventually extend the light rail to Nerang but I don't think it's high on the priority list right now. Fair enough, we need it to connect to the airport more than Metricon. We sort of need an investor to come along and build more things around the area of Metricon for it to become a higher priority. Perhaps the Asian investor that bought the land just north of Metricon will do something nice with it even without the casino licence but I doubt it.

 

[Experimental]

I'm not completely opposed to asset sales if the revenue is to pay for more infrastructure projects around Queensland, but at the moment, extending the tram down to the airport would cost at least 3x the initial phase one project. It's definitely what the Coast needs, and has needed it for years, but until it's extended to the heavy rail network, the tram system will be underutilized.

Shames about the casino at Nerang not going ahead. I'd like to know what the government is planning on doing for getting to/from Metricon for the Games in 2018 though...

 

[Matchu]

Coolangatta, Robina and Parkwood considered for light rail expansion

POLITICAL momentum for a light-rail link to Helensvale is increasing and city councillors are already looking into four new tram connections across the city.

Links from the coastal strip to Robina, Parkwood, The Spit and Coolangatta are among 11 suggested extensions listed in the council’s City Plan 2015 scheme.

The proposed spur lines would connect with the existing 13km first stage, which opened to passengers this week.

Council maps indicate trams would run along the Gold Coast Highway south of Burleigh to Coolangatta, with western tracks running to Robina from Broadbeach, Elanora from Palm Beach and Gold Coast Airport from Bilinga.

The Spit line would run from Main Beach just south of Sundale Bridge and could run as far north as Marina Mirage. However, none are likely to be completed by the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

Council documents viewed by the Bulletin show an airport link is not expected for up to 20 years.

Council planning director Gail Connolly this week told a gathering of town planners the proposed light-rail routes were an indication of future growth areas across the city.

“It tells you we are investigating future growth and it is a heads up for where we are looking to achieve it,” she said.

“Expect movement and changes in those areas.”

The State Government’s proposed second stage linking Griffith University with Helensvale could potentially be built by 2018 if work begins soon.

Coolangatta councillor Chris Robbins said construction of an airport link was “essential” to the success of public transport on the Gold Coast.

“The second stage has to connect with the heavy rail in the north and I am happy for this to happen but the airport must be its next destination,” she said.

“We are talking about an integrated transport system for a modern city and the airport is clearly the next logical option.”

The State Government also wants rail-based public transport south of Broadbeach. In May, the Newman Government called for tenders to investigate taking the light rail to Tugun.

The council’s support of a heavy-rail link at Parkwood is at odds with the Government’s preference for Helensvale.

City figures revealed last year suggested linking trams from Griffith University to Parkwood is could cost upward of $330.6 million, while the stage two route to Helensvale via Harbour Town would come in at $1.1 billion.

The last sentence in that article is probably the most interesting. An extension to Parkwood would cost a minimum of $330.6 million while an extension to Helensvale via Harbour Town would cost $1.1 billion. I presume that doesn't take into account the fact that they have to build an infill train station at Parkwood but it does seem the Parkwood option is cheaper. State wants Helensvale, city council wants Parkwood. Transport is a state issue so you would think Helensvale will get the green light if they can gather enough money to build it.

No mention of an extension to Nerang via Metricon

 

[Matchu]

Where do you want the light rail to go?

THE planned second stage of light rail is set to become a state election issue with political parties and their own candidates split on where the tram should connect with heavy rail.

Premier Campbell Newman and Transport Minister Scott Emerson, responding to theBulletin’s Missing Link campaign, have told residents that if they were united in support of the track extension that the LNP was the only party which could deliver it.

Mr Emerson is a strong supporter of Helensvale, seeing the rail station there as the crucial component in a Brisbane-to-beach ride.

The Palmer United Party yesterday announced the second stage of rapid transit could be delivered without an assets sale as planned by the Government.

Gaven MP Dr Alex Douglas said his party would establish a public-private partnership to link light rail with a new station at Parkwood.

“But we’ll be protecting the state’s assets, unlike that promised by Premier Campbell Newman linking asset sales to the G’s second stage. The light rail needs to be urgently connected to the heavy rail at a new station at Parkwood with a large park-and-ride station,” he said.

The State Opposition appears less enthusiastic, calling on the Government to release details of a feasibility study on potential tram routes that was commissioned by Labor in 2011. Shadow Treasurer Curtis Pitt said the Government had refused to release the study despite several requests in the past month.

“Unlike the Premier, we are not going to make any promises about anything without sound economic footing and reliable data just because there is an election due soon,” Mr Pitt said.

“Keep in mind that the $8 billion infrastructure fund to come from the Newman Government’s fire sale of our assets is already earmarked for the BAT tunnel, eight dams, Kingaroy hospital, Townsville football stadium, other projects and now the Gold Coast light rail.”

Gaven ALP candidate Michael Riordan this month revealed his personal preference, nominating Nerang to become a transport hub.

“I think there is a strong argument to make the first station at Metricon Stadium, particularly with the Commonwealth Games,” Mr Riordan said.

Council town planning documents shows a variety of spur lines including Chevron Island, Bundall, The Spit, Parkwood, Elanora, Gold Coast Airport and Coolangatta.

Burleigh LNP MP Michael Hart supports a southern link connecting the trams to the heavy rail with the connection at Varsity Station.

But GoldLinQ chief executive Phil Mumford remains convinced a northern connection would be the best option for second stage.

“Our understanding of the Helensvale option is that it will be an easier delivery,” he said.

So the Gaven ALP candidate would like to see it connect to Nerang via Metricon Stadium while Palmer United want Parkwood and LNP want Helensvale. Then there is the lone solider that it is the Burleigh MP who wants a connection to Varsity Lakes via Burleigh. GoldLinQ want it to extend north because it's the "easier" option.

Pretty hard to know what they'll do but at least Nerang is being talked about now. I'd like to know what ALP's preference is (if they even have one) because if they want to connect it to Nerang then there is a good chance it'll happen with the swing they are getting at the moment. It would help the Suns so much if they built the east-west line to Nerang. From a tourist perspective, there is some sense to it as well. A patron wanting to go to the beach from Brisbane will avoiding having to go through Southport and can connect straight to Broadbeach (a more desirable destination at the moment) from Nerang. It would also promote development in the Carrara area.

 

[Experimental]

Where do you want the light rail to go?


So the Gaven ALP candidate would like to see it connect to Nerang via Metricon Stadium while Palmer United want Parkwood and LNP want Helensvale. Then there is the lone solider that it is the Burleigh MP who wants a connection to Varsity Lakes via Burleigh. GoldLinQ want it to extend north because it's the "easier" option.

 

[Matchu]

I think both will happen eventually but for now we can only hope for one before the Comm Games.

 

[Matchu]

Albanese pushes for extended Gold Coast light rail line

A federal Labor MP says the Gold Coast light rail line should be extended north to Helensvale and south to the Coolangatta Airport before the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

The Opposition's spokesman for infrastructure and transport says the federal and state governments, as well as the Gold Coast City Council, should contribute to its cost.

Anthony Albanese says the Southport to Broadbeach line is just the first part of a five-stage project that must be completed.

"If you don't have Federal Government support for urban public transport projects then the Productivity Commission said just last week it will mean a distortion and you will just have roads and of course if you don't have light rail as well as heavy rail projects, then you will have more and more congestion on those roads," he said.

"The Gold Coast rapid transit system will produce more jobs in the short-term in construction but importantly will also produce a big productivity boost and it's important that there'll be that infrastructure investment ahead of the Commonwealth Games.

"It's about time that they argued strongly and delivered something in terms of infrastructure for their local communities and not just argued against it and then came to the openings and were happy to cut the ribbon."

The Parliamentary Secretary to the federal Treasurer, Steven Ciobo, says he believes extending the line to Helensvale makes sense but that is a decision for the Queensland Government.

Mr Ciobo, who is also the LNP Member for the federal Gold Coast seat of Moncrieff, says Mr Albanese's comments are unhelpful.

"The Queensland Government will evaluate it and the Gold Coast City Council also is obviously having a look at it and ultimately a decision will be made and frankly the last thing we need is grandstanding when all they did is left behind a mountain of debt and deficit which now we have to borrow a billion dollars a month just to repay the interest on," he said.

Premier Campbell Newman has tied any extension of the rail line to asset sales.

I know politicians aren't good at keeping their word but it sounds like Albanese (Opposition spokesman for infrastructure and transport) will produce funds for future extensions if ALP get in at the next federal election. Even if they don't, it's better then the current flat out no we're getting from the LNP. As much as I'd like to see it extend to Metricon, connections to Helensvale AND Coolangatta BEFORE 2018 would be amazing for the city.

 

[Experimental]

Albo should have been the current Opposition Leader - top bloke. Very much agree with his comments.

 

[Iva Bigun]

Albanese pushes for extended Gold Coast light rail line


I know politicians aren't good at keeping their word but it sounds like Albanese (Opposition spokesman for infrastructure and transport) will produce funds for future extensions if ALP get in at the next federal election. Even if they don't, it's better then the current flat out no we're getting from the LNP. As much as I'd like to see it extend to Metricon, connections to Helensvale AND Coolangatta BEFORE 2018 would be amazing for the city.

Easy to like something you don't have to deliver, but I agree it would be great for the city

 

[Matchu]

Easy to like something you don't have to deliver, but I agree it would be great for the city

I agree and that's why I prefaced my sentence with "I know politicians aren't good at keeping their word but..."

It's one of those wait and see situations. We know what we're going to get from the current government in that regard but we don't know what a the other parties will do. Let's not forget it was ALP that made the first stage a reality. Will they do it again? Perhaps if the momentum for stage 2 keeps up. As you said, it would be amazing for the city to get two extensions at either ends of the city before 2018.

 

[Matchu]

Gold Coast City Council funds $100K giant surfboard to welcome visitors to Surfers Paradise

YOU’VE seen the Big Pineapple, now meet the Big Surfboard.

The glitz and glamour of Las Vegas’s famous welcome sign is set to be replicated in a 6.3m surfboard welcoming motorists to Surfers Paradise which will rise over Ferny Avenue before Christmas.

It will include a welcome sign and digital billboard advertising local community events and public information.

The $100,000 sign will be built by the Gold Coast City Council and operated by Surfers Paradise Alliance, with hopes the unique sign will become a tourist attraction.

The Bulletin has exclusively obtained early artist impressions of the structure, which is expected to be modified to incorporate designs by local artists.

Area councillor Lex Bell lobbied to fund the sign in this year’s council budget and said it would be a “striking” addition to Surfers Paradise.

“Surfers Paradise has been badly hit by the light rail construction work and we wanted to do something special for the area,” he said.

“It will be an exciting addition to Surfers Paradise and now we are trying to find the perfect location for it.”

Council officers are investigating several locations, with the central median strip on Ferny Ave south of Paradise Waters the favoured option.

The sign is expected to point north, greeting southbound traffic from Southport.

The idea was proposed early this year after a meeting between Cr Bell and traders who pushed for a new attraction for Surfers Paradise. It received funding in last month’s 2014-2015 council budget.

Surfers Paradise Alliance boss Mike Winlaw said the design was expected to change before construction begins later this year.

“We want the sign to stand the test of time and the design should reflect the area’s heritage as well as fit with the idea of the precinct,” he said.

“The Surfers Paradise sign on the Esplanade is something which is iconic and a place tourists visit to get their picture taken and we want to create something which will welcome people to the area.”

It is not the first time a surfboard sign has been proposed for Surfers Paradise.

Anyone see this? They want it to be like the welcome sign in Vegas. I guess it's uniquely Gold Coast given surfing is very popular here. Would be a good opportunity for the Suns to advertise their brand on the digital board they intend to install on the giant surfboard. It's interesting that they intend to have it facing north considering the airport is south of Surfers Paradise. I guess the idea is to have people see it on the tram as they enter from Southport. It's kinda cheesy but anyone who has been to Surfers Paradise knows that is nothing new.

I do wonder if it'll become as iconic as the Vegas welcome sign.

 

[Experimental]

Matchu there are still many people who fly internationally to Brisbane and catch the air train down to GC so it makes me wonder whether the council knows something about the tram extension.

I guess it's only logical to assume that the next phase will be to the heavy rain though, so perhaps not.

 

[Matchu]

Matchu there are still many people who fly internationally to Brisbane and catch the air train down to GC so it makes me wonder whether the council knows something about the tram extension.

I guess it's only logical to assume that the next phase will be to the heavy rain though, so perhaps not.

You could be right but, as you pointed out, a stage 2 extension that doesn't end at a train station would be very surprising. I actually think this has to do with the planned CBD in Southport. I think they anticipate a lot more people will stay in the Southport CBD area in the future and will know exactly when they enter the famous Surfers Paradise suburb by the electronic screen on a giant surfboard. Once the high rises are built in Southport, it's going to be very hard for a tourist to know the difference between the Southport broadwater area and Surfers Paradise.