Mayoral candidate in the upcoming Gold Coast local elections, Mona Hecke, believes it’s time to correct our course. At a Central Chamber of Commerce ‘Meet the Candidates’ breakfast, Ms Hecke said, “We all know the definition of stupidity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result. Let’s stop doing the same thing. Stop repeating past mistakes.
Ms Hecke outlined the top three of many issues she will tackle as Mayor.
- “Our roads are choking. We need to keep our city moving with an efficient and convenient public transport network, including heavy rail to the airport and better east-west links.
- Our economy is changing shape. We are more than a tourism and construction economy we need to adapt to global markets, diversify and innovate.
- Our lifestyle is under threat by developments that fail to match design expectations of our City Plan.”
Ms Hecke said, “I deliberately omitted speaking about the lightrail this morning because people keep pressing me for a simple Yes or No on whether I will support Stage 3B heading south from Burleigh Heads.”
“Transport planning and infrastructure delivery is complex. To speak of singular issues ignores the broader context and considerations,” she said. “Since 2015, I have been advocating to fast-track heavy rail to Coolangatta. It’s the lynch pin in our entire transport system. I have also been pushing for east-west public transport links.”
On the lightrail heading south from Burleigh, Ms Hecke has consistently called for a wider debate about the design, the route and technology options. “No-one can deny that Stage 1 badly affected the main streets of Southport and Surfers Paradise, and that type of impact should be avoided in other areas.”
“I’m not alone in wanting these things”, she said. “Many Gold Coasters have been waving the flag for better east-west public transport links.”
Yesterday it was reported that the council has been working on a secret proposal for east-west electric bus services. “That’s the value of elections” Ms Hecke said. “Elected representatives listen more intently to the community as judgement day approaches.”