The 1.2 billion Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 3 from Broadbeach to Burleigh Heads has officially begun, and it has caused a great divide among local residents and business owners. On one hand, there are those who believe the project will bring significant benefits to the region, while others feel that it is a costly and disruptive endeavour that will have little impact on the community.

Pros

One of the main pros of the light rail is that it will provide a convenient and efficient mode of transportation for residents and visitors alike. According to Transport Minister Mark Bailey, "The Gold Coast has fallen in love with the light rail"! I'm not sure everyone would agree with that statement, however, if it becomes a reliable and regular mode of transportation for locals, he could be right!  

Another benefit of the light rail is that it will create jobs for local residents. Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has stated that stage 3 is “an exciting milestone which will support 760 local jobs”. This is a huge plus for the region, as it will provide employment opportunities for people who may otherwise struggle to find work.

Cons

However, there are also some cons to the light rail project. One of the biggest concerns is that it will disrupt local businesses. Owner of Street Corner Espresso, Matt Clowes, has had a tough go losing over $200 per day in take-away coffee sales. This is just one example of many businesses who have a tough road ahead with the work gridlocks that will remain for at least 3 years.

Another issue is that the project has been mismanaged, with costs blowing out to 1.2 billion and works not expected to be finished until at least 2025. This has led many to question whether the project is worth the substantial investment.

Lastly, there are some concerns about whether people will actually use the light rail. We already have a bus line and this project will cost $180,000 per sqm. This has led some to question whether these resources could be better distributed elsewhere.

My Take

In conclusion, the Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 3 project is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it promises to improve transportation and create local jobs. On the other hand, it has the potential to disrupt local businesses and exacerbate traffic congestion.

Personally, I can see the appeal of reliable public transportation, but at what cost? The Gold Coast is a city that heavily relies on cars for transportation, with a majority of residents choosing this mode of travel over public transport. The light rail's impact on car traffic lanes and parking could result in more congestion, rather than less. Additionally, the lack of "park and ride" options and lack of connectivity to the western suburbs raises questions about the effectiveness of this massive investment.

Furthermore, the light rail's route seems to be accompanied by changes in density and high-rise developments, which could lead to even more cars on the road and less parking availability. All in all, whether this 1.2 billion dollar gamble will pay off remains to be seen. One can only hope that the council and state government have thoroughly thought through every detail, or else we might be in for a bumpy ride.