Southport MP calls on National Party support for the Gold Coast Rapid Transit project
Posted by editor (editor) on Feb 18 2009
2009 >>

Local member for Southport, Peter Lawlor today called on the National Party to commit to delivering the Gold Coast Rapid Transport project.
“I am extremely disappointed to hear that the National Party has pulled the plug on its support for this vital piece of public transport infrastructure project,” Mr Lawlor said.

“This is clear evidence of the National Party’s plan to cut capital works projects.

“This is the same National Party that tore up the rail link between Brisbane and Coolangatta via Southport in the mid 1960s.  

“They did not have a long term vision for the Gold Coast then and now, just when another major public transport project for the Gold Coast is gathering momentum, the National Party wants to shunt it off onto a sidetrack.

 “I call on the National Party to immediately outline their position on the Gold Coast Rapid Transit project and not leave Gold Coast residents waiting,” Mr Lawlor said.

He also highlighted that the Opposition is split and divided.

“The Member for Surfers Paradise John-Paul Langbroek has expressed his support for the project while the party’s shadow minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Fiona Simpson appears not to support it.

“And the party’s Southport candidate Tania Wright has said that the project would have a negative impact on businesses.
“They are unable to agree on a policy on the future of the Gold Coast, how can they expect to be trusted to govern the State?” Mr Lawlor said.

 “The Bligh Government remains 100 per cent behind the project while the Opposition is backtracking and back-pedalling and withdrawing its support.

 “There is now a very clear difference between where the Queensland Government and the Opposition stand on the project.
“This is a betrayal of the people of the Gold Coast.

 “This project will create close to 2,500 direct and indirect jobs during construction phase while supporting many of the Gold Coast’s key industries including the tourism, construction and retail sectors.

“The Gold Coast Rapid Transport project is expected to remove up to 40,000 cars a day off the congested coastal strip by 2016.
 
“Gold Coast residents deserve to know why the National Party is not 100 per cent behind the project that will bring economic benefits to the community exceeding $1.3 billion” Mr Lawlor said.

Last changed: [PUBLISHED_DATE] at 9:55 AM