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Media Releases My electorate office distributes information which is important to the Southport electorate in particular, and the Gold Coast in general. This information goes to the print and electronic media, however due to space or time constraints it doesn’t always get printed or broadcast. Through my website however, you can access all news stories which emanate from my office and thus keep up-to-date with State Government issues relating to Southport.
Shot-in-the-arm for Southport's public transport |
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| Posted by Administrator (admin) on Apr 01 2005 |
| Media Releases >> |
The Beattie Government will spend an extra $335 million over the next decade on South East Queensland's public transport services, adding to an existing four-year commitment of $1.4 billion for new infrastructure.
The services and infrastructure funding are detailed in the Draft TransLink Network Plan, released by Transport Minister Paul Lucas on 23 March.
Mr Lucas said a further $64 million would be spent over the next three years to improve services, followed by ongoing yearly funding of $38.8 million to maintain these services over the following seven years.
Mr Lucas said $1.4 billion would be spent on infrastructure in the next four years across South East Queensland, beginning with $485.7 million being spent by July next year.
"This new plan will be a huge shot in the arm for public transport in South East Queensland," Mr Lucas said.
"Last July we introduced a new deal for passengers under the TransLink integrated ticketing system.
"In the first eight months of the program patronage was up 6.9 per cent in South East Queensland."
"This next phase of TransLink improvements is about providing better services and infrastructure.
"And Southport won't be missing out," State Member for Southport, Peter Lawlor said.
Southport is part of TransLink's Gold Coast region which stretches south to Coolangatta, west to Nerang and north to the developing areas of Coomera and Ormeau.
"The Beattie Government will spend $13.7 million over the next three years to improve public transport services in the Gold Coast region, followed by ongoing yearly funding of $7.9 million over the following seven years," Mr Lawlor said.
"This includes replacing existing bus routes along the Gold Coast Highway with new routes to reduce the length of routes and improve punctuality.
"These service improvements will be matched by a significant boost for public transport infrastructure.
"$69 million will be spent in the Gold Coast region over the next decade to improve public transport infrastructure," Mr Lawlor said.
"Residents will benefit from new bus priority measures along Smith Street from Parklands Drive to the Gold Coast Highway, the construction of a new bus station at Southport and the improvement of existing bus stations and stops throughout the Gold Coast.
"The Gold Coast will also receive improved rail infrastructure, including second rail tracks being constructed between Ormeau and Coomera and between Helensvale and Robina, and the extension of the rail corridor south of Robina."
South East Queenslanders can comment on the Draft TransLink Network Plan as part of an extensive consultation program from 4 April until 13 May 2005. TransLink Network Plan brochures focussing on specific regions would be inserted in local community papers the week beginning April 4.
"I encourage people to review the brochures and visit the TransLink website (www.translink.com.au) or call 1800 180 670 to provide input and complete a feedback survey," Mr Lucas said.
"This is a unique opportunity for people to have a say in public transport planning for the region. Community feedback will help us review and refine the three-year program, and shape government considerations and studies for longer-term initiatives."
A complete copy of the Draft TransLink Network Plan and region-specific brochures are available on the TransLink website at www.translink.com.au.
TransLink Network Planners will be available to provide information and answer people's questions at a number of locations throughout South East Queensland, including at King George Square on Wednesday, 13 April from 7am to 2pm. Details of all information sessions are posted on the TransLink website (www.translink.com.au). Last changed: [PUBLISHED_DATE] at 12:00 AM
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