South-East Queensland Transit Association (SEQTA) urges reversal of Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 4 cancellation
Since the first tracks were laid for what would be Queensland’s first tram since the 1960s, the G:Link has been a major positive. Three stages down the line, the effect is clear. The G:Link Light Rail project was a resounding success that has benefited the city. A success that many are jealous of and many around the world aim to copy. Whether you are a tourist visiting our state’s beautiful beaches, commuting to work or school, going to an appointment, enjoying less traffic or one of the other many reasons to love the G:Link, you’ve greatly benefited from the infrastructure. The South-East Queensland Transit Association is strongly urging the Queensland Government to reconsider their shortsighted cancellation of Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 4.
Quotes Attributable to various members of the South-East Queensland Transit Association:
Cancellation of the Gold Coast tram extension is a tremendous step in the wrong direction and a short-sighted attempt to propel the opinions of the loud minority. The longer we take, the more it will cost and the longer citizens are missing out on a truly connected experience.
This is a short-sighted decision which will satisfy only a vocal minority, to the detriment of the entire Gold Coast public transport network. A forced break of journey for travellers from the Gold Coast Airport into one of Australia's most popular tourist destinations, particularly in the lead-up to the 2032 Olympic Games in Brisbane, should be seen as an international embarrassment. Light rail must be extended at minimum to the Gold Coast Airport by no later than 2030.
Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 4 was a golden opportunity to build a smarter, greener, and more efficient Gold Coast, free from the strangling status quo of cars and buses. Now, we have been condemned to a future of chronic congestion and car dependency.
SEQTA is encouraging the Queensland Government to reverse this decision immediately so the Gold Coast can fully become the proper well-connected city it needs to be. If this is truly not possible, the Government NEEDS to use the corridor for something adequately substantial. Not just a bi-articulated metro system, but something that adequately improves the region. The Gold Coast Light Rail is one of the most popular routes in the state. It is unfathomably shortsighted to scrap the project, and the Government has to appropriately fix the transit in the region. Come on Queensland! Let’s #KeepTheCoastOnTrack.
