JAMES GORMAN
The Gold Coast light rail in famous Surfers Paradise.
The State Government has sought advice from operators of the problem-plagued Gold Coast light rail in a bid to ensure a smoother construction process in Sydney.
From major disruptions to pedestrian traffic to the loss of almost 13 per cent of businesses surrounding the route, the GoldLinQ light rail endured its fair share of burdens during a lengthy construction period.
Project Director, CBD and South East Light Rail, Jeff Goodling said the Gold Coast light rail project has provided invaluable information vital to the Sydney counterpart.
“I have only been in Australia for two and half years and I was only here for about a week and half before I was at the Gold Coast talking to them about the project and creating a dialogue working out what they did well and how we can do it better,” he said.
“I think one of the most significant initiatives is we are trying to create a framework that minimises the impact on the properties along the alignment because there are a lot of people who believe the Gold Coast could done a better job than they did.”
The GoldLinQ service, which cost $1 billion and extends for 13km, compares to Sydney’s $1.6 billion, 12km route. GoldLinQ is now in operation, while construction of the Sydney light rail infrastructure is scheduled to begin next year.
Gold Coast Central Chamber of Commerce president Peter Yared confirmed the Gold Coast light rail significantly damaged businesses surrounding the line.
“At least 13 per cent or more of the businesses have shut down and gone out of business due to the length of the construction,” Mr Yared told Central in April.
“It has had a huge impact on foot traffic and it is criminal to think we are now left in this position because of a State Government initiative.”
Mr Goodling said the State Government would work with businesses along the route to help minimise the impact.
“We are setting up as part of our government structure a business reference group and a community reference group,” he said.
“In addition to that we have set up a number of business forums as well and we will arrange for places on the reference groups to represent all businesses.”
For more information about the NSW State Government’s light rail project visit transport.nsw.gov.au/lightrail
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