Travel Gold Coast Trams/Transport

[Matchu]

Labor party unwilling to commit to stage 2 without seeing the feasibility study. And people say Labor are always irresponsible with money...

You would think an opposition party would jump at the chance to commit to something like this with an upcoming election.

 

[Matchu]

Demand for monorail grows

OWNERS of the Broadbeach monorail have promised it will be running again by Christmas — but traders and the local councillor will have to see it to believe it.

Oasis Shopping Village, which operates the monorail, is owned by Sydney-based company Brookfield, which is understood to be in negotiations to sell the centre.

The 25-year-old monorail has been out of action since last October.

Broadbeach councillor Paul Taylor said management of Oasis had told him the train would be resuming its trips across the Gold Coast Highway to the casino by the end of the year.

“They have told me that the monorail will be up and running by Christmas,” he said.

Local woman Gail Walker claims a sharp chunk of metal fell from it on to the path where she was walking two days before the monorail stopped working — and some traders say they’ve been told the train is missing a rare and expensive part.

The 6.8cm piece of metal was shaped “like an axe” and weighed almost 350g.

Trader Don Webb, 82, whose gem and fossil shop has traded in Oasis for almost 20 years, said management had promised shop owners the train would be running by Christmas — but that was not soon enough.

‘They need to have it running by September or October. People don’t do their Christmas shopping in December,” he said.

“It’s affecting all the traders, not just us but Niecon Plaza too. They say it is going to go by Christmas but is it? They’re so vague.

“The monorail is an icon and it should be working ...”

If Oasis can’t keep their pre-Christmas promise, Cr Taylor has a Plan B for the 1.3km track.

“I would like to turn the track into a pathway across to the casino,” he said.

“I’d like to see a green walkway, with creepers down the side.

“One way or another we’ll either have a monorail or we’ll go for a boardwalk.”

Brookfield has been contacted for a response.

Not exactly the tram but very closely related. I would have thought an extension to Pacific Fair would raise monorail patronage dramatically.

 

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The Suns website now states that a game-day ticket includes the tram as well as buses and trains. Great news for northern Gold Coasters

 

[Matchu]

The Suns website now states that a game-day ticket includes the tram as well as buses and trains. Great news for northern Gold Coasters

I'd imagine it will help the tourists the most. It's no secret that plenty of AFL fans travel to see their team play and most of them stay in Surfers Paradise or Broadbeach so getting to the free shuttle to the stadium has now become a lot easier.

 

[Experimental]

So it looks like Canbuilt Newmines and his cronies have promised that they'll extend the light rail up to Helensvale should the LNP be re-elected. However, there's no guarantee it'll be completed before the Commonwealth Games in 2018.

Given his lack of any given *s on the issue prior to this announcement, it's pretty obvious that he's desperate to lock down some 'wins' with the GC electorates. Regardless, it's good news for the Gold Coast as the likelihood of a 2nd LNP term is high.

 

[Matchu]

I don't understand how you can promise to build something but then concede construction may not go ahead before the following election. It's a commitment without actually committing to anything...

I have a strong feeling it's just an attempt to win votes on the GC like Experimental already pointed out.

 

[Matchu]

Experimental, it's obvious that the Gold Coast's public transport network isn't really good enough as it stands and it will become even more inadequate as the city grows. I've provided a picture below that shows the current light rail network in blue:

It's pretty obvious to see it isn't extensive at all but it does go through one of the busiest/most densely populated areas of the Gold Coast (including the future CBD). A lot of the Gold Coast isn't very populated at all so this map is a bit more accurate when looking for transport priorities:

Some of the future plans are pretty interesting which include light rail extensions and infill train stations. I'll get into that in my next post. What do you think of what you can see/know?

 

[Matchu]

It can happen to anyone...

 

[Experimental]

Got confirmation today at the Suns open day that the busses will be leaving from Broadbeach South station in 2015 - Victoria Park will no longer be utilised.

 

[Matchu]

Got confirmation today at the Suns open day that the busses will be leaving from Broadbeach South station in 2015 - Victoria Park will no longer be utilised.

Great news! We know usage of the light rail system is free on AFL game day so this should make it a lot less confusing for tourists trying to catch the shuttle to Metricon. Broadbeach South to Nerang railway station is one of the future rapid bus network routes so the drive should get better the closer we get to the Commonwealth Games. Also, a lot of other routes down south end at Broadbeach South station so it will become considerably easier for the locals to get there too. The redevelopment of Pacific Fair Shopping Centre and Jupiters casino right next to Broadbeach South will attract lots of people to that station so that might help increase AFL attendances as well.

By no longer driving from Victoria Park the buses will have to enter one less major intersection which will cut travel time down and I know the double decker buses are used around the Pacific Fair/Jupiters area so that should allow them to use the double deckers to take patrons to Suns games. Now we just need the bus stop to be built on the western side of Nerang-Broadbeach Rd and it'll become a much more efficient bus system.

 

[Experimental]

Great news! We know usage of the light rail system is free on AFL game day so this should make it a lot less confusing for tourists trying to catch the shuttle to Metricon. Broadbeach South to Nerang railway station is one of the future rapid bus network routes so the drive should get better the closer we get to the Commonwealth Games. Also, a lot of other routes down south end at Broadbeach South station so it will become considerably easier for the locals to get there too. The redevelopment of Pacific Fair Shopping Centre and Jupiters casino right next to Broadbeach South will attract lots of people to that station so that might help increase AFL attendances as well.

By no longer driving from Victoria Park the buses will have to enter one less major intersection which will cut travel time down and I know the double decker buses are used around the Pacific Fair/Jupiters area so that should allow them to use the double deckers to take patrons to Suns games. Now we just need the bus stop to be built on the western side of Nerang-Broadbeach Rd and it'll become a much more efficient bus system.

I'm wondering if the Suns will re-enter into the agreement they once had with Pacific Fair to allow cars to park there on game day. Pacific Fair is obviously right next to Broadbeach South, which would be a great location if people didn't want to use to Boowagon Road Park N Ride facility. Maybe when the new car park opens?

 

[Matchu]

I'm wondering if the Suns will re-enter into the agreement they once had with Pacific Fair to allow cars to park there on game day. Pacific Fair is obviously right next to Broadbeach South, which would be a great location if people didn't want to use to Boowagon Road Park N Ride facility. Maybe when the new car park opens?

As far as I'm aware there is nothing stopping someone from parking at Pacific Fair on game days anyway? It would definitely be a nice alternative to Boowaggon Rd. I guess the biggest advantage of this new arrangement is that it suddenly becomes a lot easier for people in Surfers Paradise (tourism capital of the GC) to attend Suns games. You just get on a southbound tram (for free) and go to the end of the line (which will take about 10 minutes) and then you get on a bus at the same terminal. Much easier than trying to find Victoria Park.

 

[Matchu]

Palaszczuk was the transport minister back when the Gold Coast light rail project was announced. So perhaps she may understand the importance of stage 2. The bloke on the far right happens to be the chairman of the Gold Coast Suns these days.

 

[Matchu]

There is an article in the Gold Coast Bulletin today that states Construction Skills Queensland and Queensland Major Contractors Association have released a report that flags the construction of light rail stage 2 between Parkwood and Helensvale as well as the $850 million heavy rail extension between Varsity Lakes and Elanora. According to industry insiders, construction on stage 2 of the light rail is apparently going to begin next financial year while the heavy rail extension will be constructed between 2017-18. Both in time for the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

If this is true then it's huge news for the Gold Coast. Not only will the light and heavy rails be linked but rail transport will finally be available on the southern side of the Gold Coast (Elanora) and will mean the heavy rail system is just one extension away from the Gold Coast Airport. I think it's also worth mentioning that the Gold Coast City Plan outlines plans to create infill railway stations along the heavy rail line at Yatala, Ormeau North, Pimpama, Hope Island, Parkwood and Merrimac. If all that plays out, it would result in 14 railway stations on the Gold Coast with the likelihood of a 15th station at the airport being built not long after.

 

[Matchu]

Gold Coast light rail gets support from Queensland Government

The new Queensland Government supports the next stage of the Gold Coast's light rail project, hoping it will be built in time for the Commonwealth Games in April 2018.

And it may come at no cost to the Queensland Government over the next four years.

Stage two of the Gold Coast light rail project connects stage one – which runs between Southport and Broadbeach – out to the main Brisbane to Gold Coast rail line.

The previous government did not provide a commitment to have the project finished in time for the Games in April 2018.

Queensland's deputy premier, transport and infrastructure minister Jackie Trad said on Tuesday the Palaszczuk Government backed the project, which she has identified as "critical."

"Labor supports the extension of the light-rail system to connect with heavy rail at the northern end of the Gold Coast," Ms Trad said.

"The light-rail project has been an incredible success, thanks to the joint contributions from former State and Federal Labor Governments, as well as Gold Coast Council," she said.

Ms Trad said the Queensland Government and Gold Coast City Council have exchanged letters in the past fortnight about an alternative funding model for the project.

"I recognise that this project is critical to the Gold Coast, and I am working hard to explore all options available," she said.

"I have been corresponding with Gold Coast Council on the light rail extension, and have requested they provide the Department of Transport and Main Roads with documentation about their alternative funding proposal to assist with finalising planning work."

Ms Trad said she had also asked the federal government for help with rail infrastructure funding for the project, an issue raised in Brisbane on Tuesday by infrastructure economist Adrian Hart from infrastructure consultants, BIS Shrapnel.

"I also personally asked the Federal Minister for Infrastructure to consider funding for public transport infrastructure, such as the light rail extension, when I met with him recently," she said.

The $1 billion stage one of the project received funding from all three levels of government.

The Bligh Queensland Government committed $464 million, while the former Australian Government provided $365 million.

Gold Coast City Council provided $120 million to complete the construction phase.

Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said the Gold Coast City Council has promised to provide a similar 12 to 15 per cent to the $600 million Stage 2.

Gold Coast City Council proposes to build stage two – out from Griffith University's Southport campus - to Parkwood and Helensvale.

Earlier, Cr Tate said he and GoldLinq chairman, John Witheriff had explained their model to Commonwealth Games and tourism minister, Kate Jones, a fortnight ago.

GoldLinq is the private company that has the right to operate the Gold Coast light rail for 18 years.

"The design work is done, the engineering part is ticked off and we propose going from Griffith University up to Parkwood and then to Helensvale," Cr Tate said.

"And John said it was 'shovel ready' from his point of view."

Cr Tate said Mr Witheriff had explained that GoldLinq does not need state government funding for three years.

"He said with the financial funding, they do not need any funding for three years," Cr Tate said.

"They can get it from the future cash flow.

"So it is not going to hurt Treasury at all."

Cr Tate said the Gold Coast would prefer the connection ran to Helensvale, with a stop at Parkwood, effectively at the end of Smith Street at Southport.

Cr Tate, who is arguing with the state government over the future of a proposal to build cruise-ship terminal on a sand island in the mouth of Gold Coast Broadwater, welcomed the news from Ms Trad.

"The consistent message from the private sector is that they stand ready to deliver the next stage with no upfront cost to taxpayers – or ratepayers," Cr Tate said.

"In my view this is the best possible outcome because it is a win for the operator, a win for commuters and a win for the government."

* The state government stressed on Wednesday the extension would need council, state and federal funding.

Looks like a light rail extension will go ahead under the new government. I'm not so sure the route to Parkwood and along the heavy rail corridor to Helensvale is really the best option. You're doubling up on infrastructure for no reason. Having said that, if it doesn't cost anything then I guess you can't really complain.

 

[Experimental]

I thought that stage 2 was confirmed to be Helensvale via Harbour Town?

 

[Matchu]

I thought that stage 2 was confirmed to be Helensvale via Harbour Town?

Doesn't appear to be the case.

 

[Matchu]

GC's tram is tip top says Turnbull

THE Gold Coast’s $1.2 billion tram system has been dubbed the world’s best by one of its newest passengers — Communications Minister Malcolm Turnbull.

The prominent federal minister, widely regarded as the man most likely to replace Tony Abbott as Prime Minister, was effusive in his praise for the light rail system after riding it yesterday while visiting the city.

Mr Turnbull, on his first visit to the Glitter Strip since the trams began taking passengers last July, said he supported an extension of the system.

“I had a great ride on your tram and I am completely and utterly knocked out,” he said.

“That is the best light rail I think I have ever been on anywhere and it certainly should be extended.

“I think there is a bit of a political issue over who will pay for it but I certainly can see the logic in extending it to the heavy rail.

“I would think that is quite compelling and probably down to the airport too.”

The proposed second stage of the light rail would connect the trams to heavy rail between Griffith University and Helensvale Railway Station.

It is expected to cost around $600 million, though the final route is yet to be determined.

Mayor Tom Tate and council engineers had developed a preliminary design which would require a temporary heavy rail station to be built at Parkwood.

Trams would connect to the temporary station, while work continued on the Helensvale route.

Mr Turnbull posted an image of himself riding the light rail early yesterday morning ((MARCH 13)), sparking a tit-for-tat about funding for future stages between the Minister and Opposition frontbencher, Anthony Albanese.

Mr Albanese, who was transport minister in the former Rudd Government when the light rail was funded, said he was “glad Malcolm enjoyed riding on Gold Coast Light Rail funded by Fed Labor Govt opposed by Tories”

A joint report released by Construction Skills Queensland and the Queensland Major Contractors Association this month flagged an $850 million extension of the heavy rail train network from Varsity Lakes to Elanora in 2017-18 as a major priority.

Future light and heavy rail connections were named as priorities by the business community and as essential for the future flow of the city in a report released last month by demographer Bernard Salt.

Mr Salt said new transport infrastructure was necessary for the city to cope with its increasing population, which is expected to double to 1.2 million people by 2050.

Turnbull is a fan and says it should be extended.

 

[Experimental]

"Mr Albanese, who was transport minister in the former Rudd Government when the light rail was funded, said he was “glad Malcolm enjoyed riding on Gold Coast Light Rail funded by Fed Labor Govt opposed by Tories”" AND opposed by the crazies of the GC public who now similarly love it.

 

[Experimental]

Andrew Travis tonight was talking about the Carrara upgrades and that the old training sheds will soon be a thing of the past. Excitingly, he hinted (if not outright confirmed) at a ferry terminal being built on the Nerang River during the CSLC upgrade.

Fantastic!

 

[Matchu]

Andrew Travis tonight was talking about the Carrara upgrades and that the old training sheds will soon be a thing of the past. Excitingly, he hinted (if not outright confirmed) at a ferry terminal being built on the Nerang River during the CSLC upgrade.

Fantastic!

Very good! Just on the ferry, I saw earlier in the week that business leaders in Surfers Paradise are pushing for the Council to allow them to build a bridge that will run from Appel Park (where the ferry terminal will be) all the way to the Cavill mall. This would be a big game changer because it would mean pedestrians would no longer have to cross the Gold Coast Highway in order to get to Appel Park.

Riding around the Nerang River quite enjoyable but the ride from Metricon back to Surfers Paradise at night would be really scenic. I can just imagine a ferry full of SUNS supporters gazing at the Surfers Paradise skyline after a home win.

 

[Matchu]

Queensland News has tonight confirmed that the state government has approved stage 2 of the Gold Coast light rail and it will be completed before the 2018 Commonwealth Games. It will travel west on the Smith Street Motorway before heading north following the M1 to Helensvale railway station. Huge for the Gold Coast economy to finally have a link between Brisbane and Surfers Paradise. It will also mean the two major CBDs in Queensland will be connected by rail once the Southport CBD is up and running.

Huge for Helensvale Westfield as well.

 

[Experimental]

Queensland News has tonight confirmed that the state government has approved stage 2 of the Gold Coast light rail and it will be completed before the 2018 Commonwealth Games. It will travel west on the Smith Street Motorway before heading north following the M1 to Helensvale railway station. Huge for the Gold Coast economy to finally have a link between Brisbane and Surfers Paradise. It will also mean the two major CBDs in Queensland will be connected by rail once the Southport CBD is up and running.

Huge for Helensvale Westfield as well.

So much for the route via Harbour Town haha. Oh well. Pretty awesome news though! Any idea when construction starts?

 

[Matchu]

Any idea when construction starts?

I think I remember hearing construction will have to start this year for it to be ready in time for the Comm Games. It's big because it doesn't just connect Brisbane to the heart of the Gold Coast but it also connects Logan, Ipswich and the Sunshine Coast. I know shuttles from Helensvale regularly run to Movie World and Wet n Wild because it's only about 4kms away but maybe Village Roadshow will be inspired to invest a bit of money into a theme park extension considering the amount of people that will be passing through Helensvale railway station in the future.

Interestingly, back in 2009 the AFL was keen to buy a parcel of land next to the Helensvale railway station and build the equivalent of Metricon Stadium on the land. Gold Coast City Council and the Queensland State Government eventually convinced the AFL to change their mind and go with their preference of redeveloping the old Carrara site. I just wonder if that decision may come back to bite them with the way things are going. Having said that, Carrara is far more central than Helensvale. Plus, my preference is to see a CBD stadium in the future anyway so if that happens it really doesn't matter where they play right now.

Anyway, I'm really glad that it's taken less than a year for the government to commit to an extension. The news report stated they had huge numbers over the Easter break and have averaged 17k patrons daily since opening. That's pretty good for a network that is not very extensive at all.

 

[Matchu]

Just on the Gold Coast news that the 777 bus route will now run double decker buses up and down the Gold Coast Highway from Gold Coast Airport to Broadbeach South tram station. It will include 7 stops and will take an estimated 31 minutes to travel the whole route. Each double decker bus can hold just over 100 people as opposed to the single decker buses that can only hold 50 patrons. Sounds like this is the first of the rapid bus network routes that will eventually be replaced by light rail extensions.