Today the Gold Coast Bulletin continued its support of the light rail proudly claiming the below.
"The Premier acknowledged the Bulletin’s light rail Stage 3 campaign, which began in 2015 immediately after the announcement to build Stage 2 from Parklands to Helensvale for the Commonwealth Games."
So much for being for the people, in the Bulletin's case apparently not. The story also claimed the following.
"State Government-led consultation found 86 per cent of Coast residents wanted the tram line extended from Broadbeach to Burleigh and 91 per cent supported stage 3B, down the coast from Burleigh to the airport at Coolangatta. While 72 per cent of residents living in the light rail corridor supported the line running to Burleigh, the coastal route for Stage 3B has sparked a protest, petitions and community backlash from residents at Palm Beach on Facebook."
The only consultation done by the state government included a questionnaire where there was no option to say NO to the light rail. We were given three options where the rail WOULD go. It was deliberately designed so that the government and council could crow the above misleading figures and claim that locals wanted the light rail.
There is not a traffic problem that needs to be solved between Burleigh and Broadbeach, it takes at most 10 minutes. The Federal LNP have publicly indicated that they have no intention of funding the light rail past Burleigh Heads, so it will never go to the airport. It will not reduce car travel because there is no park and ride, so people have nowhere to park. Only those within walking distance will use it. Why is the Bulletin not pushing for the heavy rail to be built in the land already put aside for it next to the M1 to relieve congestion on that road.
Why is the Bulletin supporting this project when the deficiencies and objection of local residents are clearly visible?I wonder if the Bulletin will be so strident in its support when houses are resumed in Palm Beach to make way for a transport system that has no existing demand for it?
PM Morrison is meeting with the state government this Friday to decide on funding it is crucial that you contact the below and voice your disapproval.
Contact Scott Morrison PM.
https://www.pm.gov.au/contact-your-pm
Contact Federal LNP member
http://www.karenandrewsmp.com.au/Contact
Contact Michael Hart LNP member for Burleigh
burleigh@parliament.qld.gov.au
Contact Jan Stuckey LNP member for Palm Beach
https://www.jannstuckey.com.au/contact