Traffic & Car Parking Solutions
Ease traffic congestion and improve the ways we move around the city
Main Roads and Public Transport
State and Federal Governments are primarily responsible for major roads and public transport and I will advocate for the best outcomes to keep our city moving. I will set up a Transport Taskforce to get independent, expert advice on emerging technologies, options and priorities. We have critical issues to tackle, including: faster trains to Brisbane CBD and airport, M1 congestion, bottlenecks and busy intersections, safety for pedestrians crossing Gold Coast Highway such as Hooker Boulevard, more routes and greater frequency of east-west bus services for established communities in the south and mid coast plus emerging communities in the north. And while Stage 3A construction to Burleigh gets underway, I think it will be prudent to re-think lightrail, bus and heavy rail options for the southern Gold Coast. We need to keep pushing urban transformation to reduce car dependency, and we need to get it right to achieve the most efficient and effective public transport network.
Free Bus Travel For Under 21s
Strike a deal with the State Government to introduce a 12-month trial to give free bus transport to our young citizens.
Walking and Cycling
Speed-up delivery of safe pathways to reduce car dependency and increase levels of walking and cycling. This includes signature projects like completion of missing links of the Coolangatta to Main Beach Oceanway, improvements in the walk-up to lightrail stations, and neighbourhood pathways connecting to schools in developing residential estates like Pimpama and Ormeau. Let’s consider all options and invite our community to help us prioritise investment in the places where they will add the greatest value.
Town Centre Car Parking Stations
Access and parking problems are inhibiting the success and vitality of some of our older retail and dining precincts. Without counteracting objectives to reduce car dependency in our city, I believe that smartly designed, multi-level, multi-use public car parking stations, with real-time wayfinding signage will benefit these traditional business centres. Car parks will also help to ease problems in surrounding residential streets where lightrail passengers park-and-ride. Let’s begin with Chevron Island, Broadbeach, Burleigh and Palm Beach. I believe the council should also retain ownership of Bruce Bishop car park.
Ferry Services
I have been wishing for a ferry service since I was a child. I’m delighted that a ferry trial will start this year and I think an extra leg to a new ferry stop near the Seaway should be added to enhance tourism experiences and relieve traffic and car parking at the top end of The Spit.