Gold Coast City Transport Strategy 2031 - Technical Report - City of Gold Coast
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Gold Coast City Transport Strategy 2031• Technical Report
Gold Coast City Transport Strategy 2031: Technical Report
Foreword
As Mayor, improving our transport system is one of my top priorities. Getting
transport right is essential for economic growth and to protect our Gold Coast
lifestyle.
I want the Gold Coast to be a connected community, where families can live close
to work, minutes from schools and have easy access to our incredible beaches and
parks. By investing in public transport and getting the infrastructure priorities
right, this strategy will see locals spend less time in traffic and more time enjoying
our fantastic city. It will help to reduce congestion and lay the foundations for a
more liveable, affordable and prosperous city.
While the car will continue to play an important role in the way we move around
the Gold Coast, all growing cities reach a point where relying solely on the car is
not the best option to meet the growing transport task.
The Gold Coast has reached that point. We are no longer a small, regional city. We are growing into a mature,
world-class city and our transport system needs to grow and change accordingly.
This strategy outlines the things Council can do to improve the city’s transport network. It also highlights how we
will work together with the state and federal governments to improve public transport, roads, and walking and
cycling facilities.
We know that funding will be tight over the next few years. That is why our strategy contains a balance of low-
cost actions that get the most out of our existing infrastructure in the short-term, and major infrastructure projects
that can be delivered once funding becomes available in the longer-term.
This strategy will make it quick and easy to get around the Coast and deliver a truly integrated transport network.
It will give residents certainty about their transport options for decades to come and developers the confidence to
begin investing again.
Thank you to the hundreds of local residents and businesses who have helped shape this strategy. This strategy
provides the overarching framework that will shape the city’s 10-year transport implementation plan and annual
investment programs.
I look forward to working with you in the years ahead to bring this transport vision to life. Together, we can create
a better transport future for the Gold Coast.
TOM TATE
Mayor, Gold Coast City
i ii
Draft Gold Coast City Transport Strategy 2031: Technical Report
Contents Executive summary
Foreword......................................................................ii Effective transport systems are integral to the success of This will be achieved by:
any modern city – they connect us to our families, friends,
creating liveable places – limiting urban sprawl,
jobs, amenities and communities.
Executive summary....................................................iv developing new communities around sustainable transport,
This technical report underpins the Gold Coast City and developing strong centres and high-quality public
Transport Strategy 2031, which is our 20-year blueprint transport corridors
Part A - Setting the scene.......................................... 1
for the city’s future transport network, with a key focus
better parking management – returning the revenue
1. Introduction................................................................................ 2 on the years leading up to the 2018 Commonwealth
raised from parking into centre improvement schemes and
Games. It provides a plan to keep the city moving in
2. How we travel today................................................................... 4 better public transport services
the face of higher energy costs and increasing traffic
3. Our transport challenges............................................................. 9 congestion. providing excellent public transport – delivering rapid
bus corridors, expanding the light rail network, providing
4. Options for meeting the challenges ..........................................17 The Gold Coast is unique. It is a young, lineal city more park-and-ride in strategic locations, and providing
extending for some 70 kilometres, with multiple activity more community transport services for the hinterland
centres. The city plays host to more than 10.5 million
Part B - Our vision.................................................... 21 communities
tourists each year and thousands of day trippers from
5. Overview of our plan for the future.......................................... 22 encouraging more walking and cycling – providing a
all around the region on any given weekend. We have
safe and connected network of pathways
some coastal areas with higher-density and good public
Part C - Key outcome areas..................................... 29 transport, walking and cycling, and we also have large providing a well-managed road network – catering for
areas of low-density suburban development that are all road users, focusing on safe and efficient movement of
6. Integrated transport and land use............................................. 30 highly car-dependent. These factors have combined to people and goods, delivering a ‘pinch point’ program to
create a strongly entrenched car culture and improve road capacity, greater signal coordination, ‘turn left
7. Car parking............................................................................... 40
growing congestion. on red’ trials and removal of inefficient transit lanes
8. Public transport network.......................................................... 48
If not addressed, congestion will cost the Gold Coast changing our travel behaviour – undertaking schemes to
9. Active transport network.......................................................... 68 in reduced productivity, poorer health and a greater encourage schools, workplaces and communities to walk,
imbalance in work/ family life. The attractive lifestyle cycle, car pool and take public transport as part of their daily
10. Road and freight network....................................................... 82 travel.
enjoyed by residents and visitors will be undermined.
11. Changing travel behaviour..................................................... 100 We have an opportunity in the lead-up to the 2018 To achieve our transport vision, Council must work in
Commonwealth Games to halt existing trends and start partnership with the state and federal governments to
12. Meeting the tourism sector's transport needs ...................... 108
to create a future that is less car-dependent and more deliver an integrated transport network, regardless of
sustainable. Our vision for 2031 is that the Gold Coast: ownership or jurisdiction.
Part D - Implementation........................................111
enjoys smart growth – the majority of new
13. Implementing the strategy.....................................................112 development is based on compact, mixed-use centres that
are focused on high-quality public transport
14. Funding and revenue.............................................................116
is a connected city – people and places are connected
15. Monitoring and review...........................................................120 by an integrated, safe and efficient transport network
makes sustainable travel choices – a significant
Glossary of terms.................................................... 122 proportion of Gold Coast residents and visitors choose to
walk, cycle and take public transport as part of their daily
travel.
iii iv
Gold Coast City Transport Strategy 2031: Technical Report
1. Introduction
The Gold Coast is a unique city bordered
by rainforest hinterland that includes world
heritage-listed national parks to the west, and
54 kilometres of beautiful beaches to the east.
Gold Coast 2020 Vision
Characterised by a relaxed lifestyle, premier
sporting and entertainment events and an
abundance of recreational pursuits, the Gold
Part A - Setting the scene
Coast is famous for fun. These attributes draw
people to the city from all over Australia and City Plan 2012-2020
the world to live, work and play.
The Gold Coast has evolved rapidly over
the past 50 years from a series of small
coastal settlements to the sixth largest city in
Australia. Our city is now home to 513,954 Gold Coast City Transport
people and is forecast to reach almost Long-term plans and strategies Strategy 2031
800,000 people by 20311. Added to the
pressure placed on the city by population
growth, the Gold Coast has in excess of 10
million visitors per year, creating additional
demand on the city’s infrastructure.
Operational Plan Transport Implementation Plan
Effective transport systems are integral to the
success of any modern city – they connect us
to our families, friends, jobs, amenities and
communities. As we continue to grow, Gold
Coast City Council must plan for the future,
to enhance these connections and to protect
Annual City Budget
our lifestyle. Unless we change our travel
behaviour, traffic congestion will significantly
affect our economy, lifestyle and environment. Figure 1 How the Gold Coast City Transport Strategy 2031 fits within Council’s planning framework
Purpose of this technical report Planning context n the release of Connecting SEQ 2031: An
Integrated Regional Transport Plan for
This technical report underpins the Gold The Gold Coast City Transport Strategy 2031
South East Queensland (2011)
Coast City Transport Strategy 2031, which is supersedes the previous Gold Coast City
our blueprint for the city’s transport network Transport Plan 1998. Since the release of the n review of the local planning scheme
over the next 20 years, with a particular 1998 plan, there have been considerable n the start of construction on the Gold Coast
focus on the years leading up to the 2018 changes to our city, the region and the state light rail project
Commonwealth Games. It provides a plan to along with other external factors that have n the definition of new local government
keep the Gold Coast moving in the face of influenced the way people live and move boundaries (2008)
higher energy costs, increasing congestion around our city. Some of these include:
n the announcement that the Gold Coast
and the need for responsible financial
n an increase in the city’s population by will host the 2018 Commonwealth
management.
39 per cent from 369,500 (1997) to Games (2011)
The strategy will guide transport policy and 513,954 (2011) n external issues that influence travel
investment decisions, ensuring transport n the release of the South East Queensland behaviour, such as the increasing price of
funding is allocated in ways that deliver Regional Plan 2009-2031 (2009) oil and higher obesity levels.
maximum benefits for the people of the Gold
1. ABS and Office of Statistical Research (2012) Estimated
Coast and those who visit our city. Resident Population
1 2
Gold Coast City Transport Strategy 2031: Technical Report
2. How we travel today
South East Queensland Regional Plan to align Council transport initiatives with State Consultation showed us that public transport
2009-2031 Government plans and strategies. is clearly the community’s biggest transport
The South East Queensland Regional Plan concern, 46 per cent were about the need for
2009-2031 provides the framework for the Planning our transport better public transport, whereas 10.2% were
overall development of the region. Population future together about roads and traffic. This strategy sets out
projections propose a need to develop a total a plan for significant improvements to the
of 143,000 new dwellings on the Gold Coast Community consultation public and active transport network, as well
by 2031 (about 5700 new dwellings each year Council has worked closely with the Gold as targeted road upgrades to ensure the Gold
up until 2031). Coast community to develop this strategy. Coast keeps moving into the future. Mode share 18%
In late 2012, we released the draft transport Key stakeholder consultation In 2009, 87 per cent of all trips made on the
An important focus of the regional plan is to 16%
strategy for community consultation. More Gold Coast were by private vehicle (refer to
continue the trend towards urban infill and Council held a number of workshops with 14%
than 2500 Gold Coast residents, businesses Figure 3 Mode share on the Gold Coast) - a
regeneration, and to ensure new communities transport industry stakeholders, including
and organisations took part. steady increase from 83 per cent in 1992. 12%
are developed along public transport corridors representatives from Gold Coast City Council,
and contain a mix of uses, like services and Public transport made up 4 per cent of trips,
the Department of Transport and Main Roads 10%
What people talked to us about up from 3 per cent in 1992. Cycling was Figure 4
employment, linked by direct walking and and specialist planning consultancies. The No car households
cycling paths. n Public transport – 46% of comments 1 per cent, down from 3 per cent in 1992, and 8% by suburb
workshops took a collaborative and interactive although walking increased slightly from 2007, (2006 Census data)
n Walking and cycling – 14.4% of comments 6%
In contrast to previous decades, the Gold approach to exploring transport solutions for to 8 per cent in 2009, it is still lower than the
n Road network – 10.2% of comments
Coast is expected to accommodate much the city, which helped to determine realistic 10 per cent share in 19922. 4%
n Parking – 3.9% of comments
of its future population growth in existing public and active transport initiatives across
n Travel behaviour change – 2.1% of 2%
urban areas. The regional plan suggests the Gold Coast that can be implemented by
comments
approximately 22 per cent of new dwellings Council and the Department of Transport and 0%
n Other – 22.6% of comments (including 100% C/gatta Surfers Southport Nerang Robina Coomera
would be in the major broadhectare Main Roads.
general support for the strategy, personal
development areas of Coomera, Pimpama, 85%
mobility vehicles and support to commence 80% Different travel experiences across the city
Reedy Creek and Maudsland. The remaining
(Modelling and Data Analysis Centre) 2011 Household Travel Surveys
implementation)
78 per cent would be achieved through Travel experiences vary across the city. For example, Figure 4 No car households by suburb and
development or redevelopment within existing 60% Figure 5 Percentage of walking trips to work by suburb show that those people living in higher-
urban areas, giving a total of almost 100,000 density areas (Coolangatta, Southport and Surfers Paradise) are less likely to own a car and more
Source: Department of Transport and Main Roads
new infill dwellings over the next 20 years. likely to walk to work than those in lower-density areas (Nerang, Robina and Coomera). This
10%
8%
shows that in urban environments where there is the right mix of density, connectivity and quality
8%
Connecting SEQ 2031 Gold Coast 6%
public and active transport links people will embrace more sustainable transport options and
Connecting SEQ 2031 is the strategic plan for Transport Strategy 4% 4%
reduce car ownership.
meeting the transport challenges facing South 40%
2% The Gold Coast’s outer, low-density suburbs are likely to continue to remain highly car-
20%
1%
East Queensland and is an action of the South 0%
0% dependent, although there is room for significant improvement in public and active transport use
East Queensland Regional Plan 2009-2031. 1992 2004 2007 2009
in these areas. The activity centres across the city have developed more densely, providing greater
Council will partner with the Queensland public and active transport options. High-density mixed-use activity centres are vital economic
and Commonwealth governments to deliver Figure 3 Mode share on the Gold Coast
drivers for the city and their accessibility must be strategically managed to ensure that they remain
transport infrastructure and services to meet attractive, functional and vibrant.
the city’s transport needs over the next 20
years. Connecting SEQ 2031 establishes Around 47 per cent of Gold Coast residents 18%
specific targets for the Gold Coast to increase use no public transport at all and are solely
reliant on cars for all trips. This is comparable 16%
the use of public and active transport and
reduce car trips. Discussion Paper - with the Sunshine Coast, where 50 per cent 14%
Workshops with of residents identify themselves as non-
“Our Transport Future”
Working with government key stakeholders public transport users. This is significantly 12%
higher than Brisbane where 30 per cent of 10% Figure 5
The Queensland Government is the lead
residents identify themselves as non-public Percentage of walking
agency with overall responsibility for planning 8% trips to work by suburb
transport users.
and providing public transport services,
6%
infrastructure, strategic transport planning,
managing the state-controlled road network, Bold Future 4%
and the regulation of taxi services. The community consultation
2%
Commonwealth Government also contributes
funding for transport in Queensland (for 0%
C/gatta Surfers Southport Nerang Robina Coomera
example, the Gold Coast light rail project). The
Gold Coast City Transport Strategy 2031 aims 2. Modelling Data and Analysis Centre (2011) Queensland
Figure 2 How consultation shaped the transport strategy Department of Transport and Main Roads
3 4
Gold Coast City Transport Strategy 2031: Technical Report
Legend
GCCC boundary
Beenleigh station
Beenleigh
Pacific Motorway
Steiglitz Where and why people travel
Multi-modal arterial Origin Commute profile - Gold Coast Destination
Work trips, including business trips throughout
Train station Brisbane
the work day, are the most common trip Brisbane
Train line
Yatala purpose, responsible for 27 per cent of all trips North GC
North GC
on the Gold Coast, followed by shopping trips
Principal regional activity Helensvale and
centre at 17 per cent and social/recreation trips at Oxenford
Helensvale and
Oxenford
Ormeau
Jacobs 15 per cent. The split of trip purpose on the
North of Southport
Well Major activity centre Gold Coast is shown in Figure 7 2009 trip North of Southport
Ormeau station
purpose - Gold Coast. Although work trips
Nerang, Ashmore
Specialist activity centre
make up less than a third of all trips (27 per Nerang, Ashmore and Carrara
cent), they account for 43 per cent of all and Carrara
Pimpama
District activity centre kilometres travelled on the Gold Coast. Southport Southport
Surfers, Broadbeach
South and Mermaid
Stradbroke beachside Surfers, Broadbeach
Coomera Surfers, Broadbeach and Mermaid
Coomera station Island 8% and Mermaid inland beachside
Cedar Robina and Merrimac Surfers, Broadbeach
Creek Hope 27% and Mermaid inland
Island 11% Burleigh and Varsity
Upper Robina and Merrimac
Coomera
South GC
Burleigh and Varsity
10%
South GC inland
South GC
Oxenford
Runaway Tweed South GC inland
Helensvale Bay Scale: Approximately 2,000 trips
Tweed
12% 17%
Helensvale station Biggera
Waters
Origin Commute profile - Greater Brisbane Destination
Moreton
15% (105,856)
North-East
Maudsland Gold Coast (64,702)
Health and North-East
Work trips Education (55,893) North-West
Knowledge (50,605)
Mt Precinct Southport Shopping Accompany North-West
(Source: MDAC 2011)
(42,588) Inner
Tamborine
(Source: Department of Transport and Main Roads Modelling, Data and Analysis Centre)
Ashmore (65,523)
City
Social recreation Personal Inner
Southport Park
business (95,122)
Nerang station Ashmore Serve passenger
Plaza Surfers CBD CBD
Nerang Paradise (34,641) (189,761)
Bundall Figure 7 2009 trip purpose - Gold Coast South-East
(57,747)
Key trip generators South-West
(85,796) South-East
Broadbeach Southport, Robina and Coomera are the (17,812)
Ipswich
Mermaid Mermaid Gold Coast’s principal activity centres. (45,916) South-West
Waters Beach Southport and Robina currently provide Logan (91,054)
(116,544)
Hinze Dam the bulk of civic, business and health Scale: Approximately 5,000 trips
Robina station
Robina Varsity Central/ services. Coastal centres such as Surfers
Brisbane is a radial city with a large number of work trips focused
Bond University Paradise and Broadbeach provide tourism
Mudgeeraba Varsity on a single CBD. The Gold Coast has a more even spread of work
Lakes Burleigh accommodation, entertainment, retail
Heads destinations and trips as it is a multi-centred city.
and dining, while Burleigh Heads and
Varsity Station Varsity Lakes station West Burleigh
Village
Coolangatta offer an attractive beach village
Treetops Plaza Figure 8 Comparison of Gold Coast and Brisbane journey to work trips
atmosphere. Nerang and Helensvale are key
Reedy
Creek Palm Beach retail and commercial centres. commuters and Brisbane commuters. For By comparison, Brisbane’s journeys to work
Currumbin the Gold Coast, it demonstrates how jobs are much more focused on one central CBD.
Elanora Journeys to work and residences are located all over the city,
Currently, 86 per cent of journeys to work are
Tugun The Gold Coast differs from other similar-sized not focused on one major destination.
within Gold Coast City Council boundaries,
cities in that it does not have a dominant The city’s structure presents opportunities
with around 7 per cent heading north towards
Map not to scale Coolangatta central business district (CBD). and challenges: it helps balance transport
Gold Coast Airport
Brisbane. Work trips to Brisbane will continue
trips across the entire network, but makes to be a major trip generator from the Gold
Figure 8 Comparison of Gold Coast and
providing high-quality public transport services Coast, as well as construction jobs, with
Brisbane journey to work trips shows
Springbrook across multiple centres difficult. workers travelling daily to the Logan and
the origin and destination of Gold Coast
Figure 6 Gold Coast centres network Ipswich regions.
Tweed City
Council
5 6
Gold Coast City Transport Strategy 2031: Technical Report
Legend
GCCC boundary
Tourist travel modelling, and allow planning for projects to Most of the roads identified on Figure 10 Beenleigh station
Beenleigh
Pacific Motorway
take into account the effect that tourist travel experience congestion on weekdays and Steiglitz
Roughly half of all trips made by visitors are Multi-modal arterial
has on the Gold Coast transport network. weekends, creating inconvenience and delay
made by car (see Figure 9 Mode choices
for residents and visitors. With growth in Train station
of visitors). Visitors to the Gold Coast do,
Weekend travel both resident and visitor numbers expected Train line
however, frequently choose to walk to Yatala
The Gold Coast experiences unique weekend in future, a key challenge will be to manage
activities. Public transport is a popular option
travel characteristics when compared to demand and make improvements to these Roads with more
for visitors, with 14 per cent of all visitor trips weekend traffic than
similar-sized cities. The coastal strip’s beaches, routes so that economic activity is supported.
taken by public transport (compared to only Ormeau
Jacobs peak weekdays
4 per cent of Gold Coast residents). Although shops and dining areas attract a large number Well Roads with similar
of discretionary trips from residents. In Recreational boat travel
visitors take more than half of their trips by Ormeau station
weekend traffic to peak
car, they have a low impact on total road addition to the high demand placed on the With an abundance of waterways, the Gold weekdays
demand. During the peak holiday period, network by tourists, the Gold Coast attracts Coast is a haven for boating, water sports Hope Island Road
visitors represent an estimated 3 per cent of all large numbers of day trippers on weekends and fishing. Canals are just one of a number Pimpama
Smith Street Motorway
drivers on the Gold Coast during the morning from neighbouring areas such as Brisbane, of water accesses and Council has a program
South Gold Coast Highway
peak period and 5 per cent in the afternoon. Logan and Tweed Shire. As a result, a to maintain these throughout the city.
Stradbroke Waterways Drive/Sea
number of key roads experience traffic levels Maintenance involves the removal of problem Coomera Coomera station Island World Drive
The Department of Transport and Main Roads on weekends matching or exceeding the vegetation and dredging on canal banks to Cedar
is currently collecting more data on visitor Creek Hope Main Beach Parade
weekday commuting peak. Figure 10 Roads restore desired profiles. Island
travel patterns and updating the transport that experience high weekend traffic demand Upper Thomas Drive
planning modelling tools to improve visitor Our local waterways, canal estates and Coomera
shows which roads currently experience these Hooker Boulevard/
marinas have supported the development Nerang - Broadbeach
high traffic demands.
of a significant marine sector on the Gold Road
Some major roads carry up to 50 per cent Coast. Currently the Gold Coast has 26,992 Brisbane Road
more traffic on weekends at peak times registered boats and the southern portion of Helensvale
Musgrave Avenue
Biggera
1% compared with weekday peak times. On these South East Queensland has 69,778 registered Helensvale station Waters
Smith Street
roads, the weekend period can account for boats. The Navigation Channel network links
as much as 60 per cent of total traffic for the together the Broadwater, Moreton Bay, the Nerang - Broadbeach
Road
whole week. By comparison, peak traffic for Gold Coast Seaway (Ocean) and Gold Coast Maudsland
33%
52% Nielsens Road
a major road not affected by weekend travel Marine Precincts (Coomera and Steiglitz). It Griffith
University Southport Gooding Drive/Nerang -
is typically 45 per cent less than the weekday is the backbone of the local marine industry, Mt Broadbeach Road
commuting peak and only accounts for about supports the tourism sector and is significant Tamborine
20 per cent of all traffic for the week. to the Gold Coast lifestyle. Bermuda Street
(Source: MDAC 2011)
14%
Nerang station Rio Vista Boulevard
Vehicle Surfers
Nerang Paradise Markeri Street
Public transport Bundall Pacific Motorway
Figure 9 Mode choices of visitors Walking
Robina Parkway
Cycling Broadbeach
Christine Avenue
Reedy Creek Road
Mermaid
Beach
Robina
Hinze Dam
Mudgeeraba Robina station
Bond
University
Varsity
Lakes Burleigh
Heads
Varsity Lakes station
Reedy Palm Beach
Creek
Currumbin
Elanora
Tugun
Coolangatta
Map not to scale
Gold Coast Airport
Springbrook
Figure 10 Roads that experience high weekend traffic
Tweed City
Council
7 8
Gold Coast City Transport Strategy 2031: Technical Report
3. Our transport challenges
Council’s Climate Change Strategy 2009-2014
provides direction for responding to climate
Beenleigh Accessibility change challenges, such as developing plans to
< 15 mins reduce the city’s carbon emissions. In Australia,
15 - 30 mins cars produce an average of 0.3 kilograms of
greenhouse gas per kilometre travelled4 and
30 - 45 mins
in South East Queensland, transport activity
45 - 60 mins
accounts for approximately 22 per cent of
Traffic congestion > 60 mins carbon emissions5.
Traffic congestion is fast becoming a major Gold Coast Energy from all sources is likely to become
challenge for the Gold Coast as the city grows more expensive in the future. The reduced
and develops. If not addressed, congestion Adelaide supply of oil-based motor fuels as well as the
will cost the Gold Coast in lower productivity, possible slowing of growth in oil production
poorer health and a greater imbalance Perth will affect how we move around the city.
of work/family life. Increasing congestion Relying on car-dependent lifestyles and
Coomera
levels will undermine the attractive lifestyle Brisbane buildings and transport modes that are carbon
enjoyed by our city’s residents and visitors. A intensive or use large amounts of fossil fuels
gridlocked city is not an attractive place to live Melbourne exposes us to major risks in the future.
or visit.
Sydney As well as increased carbon emissions and
It is forecast that the avoidable costs of traffic reduced and expensive supply of fuel, the
congestion in Australian cities will exceed city’s infrastructure will be impaired by other
$20 billion by 20203, caused primarily by: gradual and long-term effects of climate
0% 2% 4% 6% 8% 10% 12% 14% change. These include increased temperatures,
workers spending more time in traffic
rather than at work – causing a loss in Figure 11 Public transport mode share in Australian cities (2006) rising sea levels and increases in the intensity
productivity for businesses of extreme weather events such as cyclones,
Southport storm surges and heavy rainfall. Strengthening
slowing down the movement of freight Car dependence by public transport and walking increase to 14%
12%
10%
8%
6%
4%
2%
0%
the resilience of infrastructure to these
as trucks fall behind schedule due to over 45 minutes with the exception of a few
Car travel has been the main focus of the threats is essential for minimising risks to the
congestion. pockets. Nearly 50 per cent of journeys to Nerang
Gold Coast’s transport system for the past Surfers Paradise community and the economy.
work (from within the Gold Coast) by public Bundall
In the urbanised areas of the Gold Coast, 50 years, resulting in low public transport
there is little scope for large-scale expansion transport would take 45 minutes or longer,
use compared to many other Australian cities A fast growing and
of road capacity without affecting the quality which is nearly twice the average travel time
(see Figure 11 Public transport mode share in Broadbeach
of life that attracts people to live and holiday Australian cities (2006).
for current work commuting trips on the multi-centred city
here. A balanced approach to transport Gold Coast. Before World War II, Australian cities were
The share of trips by car increased from reasonably compact and relied heavily
investment and management is required so In summary, key ‘journey to work’ statistics
83 per cent in 1992 to 87 per cent in 2009 on railways, tramways and buses as the
that people who do not need to travel by car show:
(see Figure 3 Mode share on the Gold Coast). Robina
are provided with real transport alternatives dominant mode of passenger transport. The
Vehicle ownership rates across the city are Gold Coast work trips are nearly twice the post-war era saw some major changes, such
that leave room for those who do need to
also rising. In 2001, there were 213,118 cars distance of all other trip purposes as the increasing ability of ordinary families
drive (such as tradespeople and freight traffic).
registered on the Gold Coast. In 2012, this on average, Gold Coast workers commute to own a private car. Car ownership gave
One of the most harmful effects of traffic rose to 320,100 – an increase of 50 per cent. 17.6 kilometres to work with an average greater mobility and created demand for new
congestion is its impact on the environment. The Gold Coast has an average of 1.8 motor travel time of 26 minutes car-based suburbs at the fringe of existing
Stop-start driving, for example, produces vehicles per dwelling (excluding motorbikes
22 per cent of work trips are less than cities. Construction of modern roads to better
large volumes of carbon emissions that and scooters).
5 kilometres and within active transport Coolangatta link the Gold Coast with Brisbane and New
contribute to climate change. The Gold
Figure 12 Public transport and walking range, however, only 6 per cent of people South Wales opened up new development
Coast’s natural environment – from our Coolangatta - Tweed
accessibility to employment indicates that choose to walk or cycle to work opportunities along the Coast and in new
extensive waterways and expansive hinterland
good walking and public transport access to inland centres.
– is sensitive to phenomena like climate work trips generate 43 per cent of
employment is best along the coastal areas kilometres travelled on the road network.
change. To protect our natural environment,
and a few inland pockets. About 19 per cent
we must reduce or cease the practices that
threaten to erode its beauty by developing
of workers have an active travel or public Energy, oil and climate change
transport journey of less than 30 minutes.
transport systems that move our city into an The Gold Coast’s location, growth,
(Source: MDAC 2011)
Moving a short distance inland from the
environmentally healthy future. development and demand for services increase
coastal areas, journey times to employment 4. New South Wales Government (2011) A Walking Strategy for
its exposure to the effects of climate change. New South Wales
5. ICLEI Local Government for Sustainability (2009) South East
Queensland Regional Plan Climate Change Project: Phase 2
3. Bureau of Transport and Regional Economics (2007) Estimating Urban Traffic Congestion Cost Trends for Australian Cities, Working Paper 71 Figure 12 Public transport and walking accessibility to employment Emissions Analysis
9 10
Gold Coast City Transport Strategy 2031: Technical Report
Legend
GCCC boundary
Pacific Motorway
1,000,000 Ormeau - Yatala
Multi-modal arterial
17,824-20,513
900,000 Estimate Resident Population (ERP) Train station
High forecast
Train line
800,000 Medium forecast
Low forecast 2011 population
Jacobs Well - Alberton
700,000 3,895-7,669 2031 population
600,000 Pimpama - Coomera
24,377-70,085
500,000
400,000
300,000
200,000
Hope Island
100,000 Kingsholme - Upper Co
Coomera
er
8,672-17,735
29,439-34,985
Paradise Point -
1981 1986 1991 1996 2001 2006 2011 2016 2021 2026 2031 Helensvale
He Runaway Bay
Estimated Resident Population Forecast 18,664-33,960
6 18,173-23,054
Coombabah
Figure 13 Population growth and forecast 10,481-11,514
Oxenford - Maudsland
nd
15,604-17,995
The Gold Coast is a linear city and the spread transport challenges that must be identified networks, and encourage development of
of urban development northwards has seen and mitigated where possible, by careful and road networks and urban forms that support Biggera Waters - Labrador
Parkwood - Arundel
Pa 23,421-32,376
the urban fringes of Brisbane, Logan and the integrated transport planning. more sustainable cross-border travel options. 19,480-19,484
ven
Pacific Pines - Gaven
Gold Coast grow increasingly closer together. 13,938-16,953
Southport
28,669-51,521
Much of the urban development in the Cross-border transport issues Planning an inclusive transport system
western parts of the city is low density, with The lineal and multi-centred form of urban Accessibility is imperative for everyone in
Molendinar
M
the major employment and activity centres development on the Gold Coast also the community, including young people, Nerang 6,525-6,533
6,5 Main Beach -
South Stradbroke Island
dispersed across the city. continues south across the New South Wales older people, people pushing prams, people 28,119-41,918
3,885-4,538
There has been considerable development border into the Tweed Shire. Tweed is forecast who use wheelchairs, people who have a Ashmore - Benowa
Surfers Paradise
20,788-26,264
of higher density urban development to grow from a population of 74,000 in 2011 disability, and those who cannot afford a car. 22,869-37,844
to 120,000 in 2020, creating further transport Census figures show that in 2011, 16.2% of Bundall
along the Coast since the 1950s. However, 4,552-6,716
the prominent form of development - challenges for the Gold Coast. Gold Coast City’s population had a disability
suburban and rural residential communities (compared to 17.9% of Queensland’s Carrara - Merrimac
Currently, bus services in Tweed are unable 21,169-24,736
that are separated from services and population). In addition, the Gold Coast has Broadbeach Waters
to link into the go card electronic ticketing Mermaid Waters - 8,139-11,262
employment - is still in practice and is based a growing ageing population and Council Clear Island Waters
system and Gold Coast commuters are 17,134-19,262 Broadbeach -
on very high levels of car dependency. In recognises, and is responding to, the needs of Worongary - Tallai Mermaid Beach
unable to use their go cards south of
many communities, walking and cycling older people. In 2011, seniors (over 65 years 10,265-10,265 Robina 11,925-21,756
the border. This lack of coordination 24,510-39,882
connectivity is poor. Public transport of age) comprised 14.4% of the total Gold
discourages people from using public Miami
operations are made less efficient by canal Coast City population. By 2031, the number 6,833-8,264
transport for cross-border trips. In addition, Varsity Lakes
developments with circuitous street layouts of residents aged 65 years or over is set to Guanaba - Springbrook 17,436-33,977
integrated cross-border cycle links are 4,295-4,830
and long dead-end streets. account for over 20 per cent of Gold Coast Burleigh Heads
needed to improve cycle connectivity. 8,646-10,956
City’s population. Mudgeeraba - Reedy Creek
ek
24,449-26,541
As the population reaches almost 800,000 There are also difficulties with cross-border
by 2031, as shown in Figure 13 Population An accessible transport system enables people Palm Beach
taxi travel, due to regulatory restrictions. This Burleigh Wat
Waters 15,211-23,715
growth and forecast, the number of trips of all abilities to connect with family and
creates higher costs for users and makes the 13,790-15669
5669
by residents on the Gold Coast is expected friends, creating a sense of belonging and Elanora
area less attractive for taxi drivers to service, Currumbin
to increase by 44 per cent from 2.6 million social inclusion which are fundamental aspects 12,348-12,406
2,938-3,777
decreasing the availability of taxis for the
in 2011 to 3.7 million in 20316. The forecast of everyday Australian life. An accessible and Currumbin Waters Bilinga - Tugun
local community. 10,647-12,591
distribution of population and employment connected transport network must meet 7,170-11,403
is shown in Figure 14 Population growth Council will work with the Department the needs of these groups, which includes Currumbin Valley -
Tallebudgera Coolangatta
of Transport and Main Roads, Tweed designing for appropriate gradients, seating, Map not to scale 7,106-7,614 5,904 - 7,384
areas and Figure 15 Employment growth
areas. Coupled with continued growth in Shire Council and the New South Wales kerb ramps and accessible signage.
tourist numbers and the transport activity this Government to investigate opportunities
generates, the Gold Coast faces significant to integrate the Tweed Shire and Gold
6. Department of Transport and Main Roads (2012) Gold Coast
Coast public transport and active transport Southern and Central Area Transport Strategy Figure 14 Population growth areas
11 12
Gold Coast City Transport Strategy 2031: Technical Report
Legend
GCCC boundary
Pacific Motorway Physical inactivity Funding availability expos and other public events which attract
large numbers of domestic and international
Ormeau
Multi-modal arterial Almost one in two Gold Coast adults are Keeping pace with demands for funding
13
13858 - 39207 visitors and contribute to the Gold Coast’s
overweight or obese and obesity in our to provide new infrastructure and maintain
Train station economic prosperity. Major events are
children is increasing. existing facilities and services is becoming
Train line generally concentrated in major activity
increasingly difficult for all levels of
A lack of walkable urban environments, centres like Southport, Surfers Paradise and
2011 employment government. The fast-growing regions of
increased dependency on cars and concerns Broadbeach. Events also take place in Doug
2031 employment Australia are particularly exposed to transport
Jacobs Well - Alberton about safety (for example, traffic safety or Jennings Park at The Spit, Skilled Stadium
1,572 - 4,248 funding challenges due to the high cost of
personal safety) have reduced opportunities at Robina, Metricon Stadium at Carrara and
new facilities and community expectations of
for incidental exercise and increased physical Parklands Showgrounds at Southport.
world-class services that are free or cheap to
Pimpama - Coomera
inactivity. Incidental exercise associated with
use. Competing demands from the health, Events have specific transport needs, requiring
7,451 - 23,661 the use of public transport is often under-
education, law enforcement and welfare high numbers of people to be moved, often
reported. One Australian study has shown
sectors could lead to less government funding to a single location, within a small window of
that walking to and from public transport
being available for transport infrastructure. time. This often means special public transport
adds up to 2 kilometres per day for an
services are needed to cater for events.
average Brisbane commuter 7 and, according
Hope Island to medical experts, exercising for 30 minutes Tourism and events
Co
Kingsholme - Upper Coomera
ra 3,771 - 3,714 Australia’s fastest-growing airport
3,993 - 10,295 each day can improve health and assist with Tourism is a vital component of the Gold
weight loss (see Figure 16 Average time spent Coast’s economy, contributing almost one Gold Coast Airport is Australia’s fastest-
walking or cycling as part of daily travel). dollar in every five generated within the city. growing airport. In 2011, it had more than
Helensvale
ele
6,747
7 - 14,749
Paradise Point -
Transport infrastructure must support the five million passenger movements. By 2031,
Coombabah Runaway Bay
1,101 - 1,298 6,247 - 6,250 increasing numbers of visitors with transport this could more than triple to 16.3 million
an
Oxenford - Maudsland
4,528 - 4,983 services that are easy to use, reliable and passenger movements (14 million domestic
Source: Department of Transport and Main Roads (Modelling and Data Analysis Centre) 2011 Household Travel Surveys
Biggera Waters - Labrador
9,163 - 11,891 frequent, and take people where they want and 2.3 million international). The airport
35 is a significant economic generator for
Pa
Parkwood - Arundel to go in order to maintain the Gold Coast’s
5,355 - 10,082 appeal as a prime tourist destination. South communities in the South East Queensland
Southport
Pacific Pines - Gaven
ven
32,887 - 58,401 30 East Queensland regional population growth and northern New South Wales regions. Its
2,912 - 3,700
will result in increases in visitor numbers to fee structure makes it suitable for low-cost air
25 the Gold Coast, as beaches will remain a key carriers, meaning it is likely to have continued
Main Beach -
Nerang South Stradbroke Island regional attractor for day trippers. strong growth in the budget tourism market.
12,950 - 15,946 3,660 - 4,165
20 To ensure the airport continues to play a
The potential for a Gold Coast cruise ship
Ashmore -
As terminal will also have implications on the strong role in the local economy, it is essential
31
B
Benowa Bundall 15 minutes transport network. Council will need to to provide an integrated ground transport
1
10,241
41 - 10,875 9,552 - 12,672
Surfers Paradise consider the transport infrastructure required system that considers the surrounding road
16,886 - 19,105
10 to support such a facility. network, parking, public transport and
Broadbeach Waters
Carrara - Merrimac 4,206 - 4,546 pedestrian and cycling access. It is particularly
6,049 - 6,787 Events also play a significant role in the important to connect the airport to the major
Mermaid Waters - 5 economy and image of the Gold Coast (see
Clear Island Waters Broadbeach - 5 beachside accommodation precincts at the
Worongary - Tallai 3,764 - 3,983 Mermaid Beach minutes Figure 17 Expected attendance at 2012 Gold northern end of the coastal strip.
2,066 - 2,272 11,333 - 12,578
0 Coast major events). The Gold Coast hosts
Robina
13,554 - 22,985
Miami Public Non-public major sporting events, music festivals,
2,655 - 3,018 transport users transport users
Guanaba - Springbrook
919 - 1,456 Varsity Lakes Burleigh Heads Figure 16 Average time spent walking or cycling as
4,104 - 5,474 12,978 - 16,182 part of daily travel
Mudgeeraba - Reedy Creek
reek
4,600 - 5,603
Palm Beach
Burleigh Wate
Waters
3,455 - 4,594
448
4,379 - 4,448
ora
Elanora key tourism facts
2,766 - 3,406
Currumbin
1,806 - 1,822
• In the year ended March 2012, 10.5 million people visited the Gold Coast.
Currumbin Waters
Bilinga - Tugun 6.5 million were domestic day trip visitors and 4 million were overnight visitors.
3,327 - 5,301
4,413 - 8,143
• These visitors contributed $4.3 billion to the local economy.
Currumbin Valley -
Map not to scale Tallebudgera Coolangatta
1,767 - 2,247 3,696 - 5,310 • There are 2500 tourism-related businesses on the Gold Coast. These create
28,000 jobs, which is equivalent to 8000 full-time employees.
7. Burke, M, Hatfield, E & Pascoe, J (2008) Urban planning
for physical activity and nutrition: A review of evidence and
Figure 15 Employment growth areas interventions, Urban Research Program, Brisbane.
13 14Gold Coast City Transport Strategy 2031: Technical Report
Legend
GCCC boundary
Pacific Motorway priority ‘Games Lanes’ to ensure that the
Multi-modal arterial
Games fleet arrive at events on time
permanent and temporary transit malls at
Train station
Various Locations sporting venues, the Athletes' Village, and
Train line
Pan Pacific Masters the Main Media Centre to provide sufficient
Games
10,000 5,000 people pick-up and set-down space for spectators
and Games workers, and separate secure
Sanctuary Cove pick-up and set-down spaces for athletes
Sanctuary Cove Doug Jennings Park - The Spit and the international media
International Boat Show
20,000 Summafieldayze a combined State Government and Council
25,000
Nissan BRW Triathlon traffic management centre to coordinate
3,000
Parklands Show Grounds - Southport the flow of both games-related traffic and
Big Day Out
50,000
the city’s background traffic
Broadwater Parklands, Southport
additional fleet vehicles to cater for both
Gold Coast Triathlon
Creamfields 2,500 the city’s day-to-day transport needs as
5,000 Gold Coast Film Festival
5,000
well as the needs of spectators, Games
Evandale Parklands - Bundall Brisbane to Gold Coast workers and volunteers, athletes, team
Cycle Challenge
Multicultural Festival 10,000 officials, media, guests and other officials
3,000
improved networks of walkways, cycleways
and supporting infrastructure for people to
Royal Pines Resort - Ashmore
Neil Shannon Park and Surfers Paradise get to venues using active transport modes
RACV Ladies Masters
30,000 Surfers Paradise Festival
Opening Ceremony
travel behaviour change programs that
30,000 increase awareness of public and active
transport choices for getting to and
Armor All Gold Coast 600
Bundall Race Course
130,000 from events
Magic Millions Carnival
20,000
The Gold Coast’s Brittany travel demand management initiatives that
Broben, silver medallist at the contribute to the reduction in background
Metricon Stadium traffic demands and free up road space
Gold Coast Suns
average attendance
2012 London Olympic Games during the Games.
for 10m platform diving event.
17,000
These essential activities will help deliver
Gold Coast Festival
of Cycling a successful Commonwealth Games in
5,000
Surf Parade, Broadbeach
2018. They will provide benefits to the city
in the lead up to the Games and provide
Gold Coast 2018 – It’s our time
Skilled Park Blues on Broadbeach
predominantly on public transport. In addition,
Gold Coast Titans
40,000 opportunities to drive real and lasting travel
there will be approximately 6000 athletes
average attendance
14,000
to shine behaviour change on the Gold Coast after
and team officials and 8400 associated
Gold Coast Sevens
Broadbeach Jazz Festival the Games.
average attendance
5,000 One of the Gold Coast’s most immediate media, guests and other officials travelling
25,000
challenges is ensuring that the transport throughout the city on a dedicated Games Travel demand management initiatives will be
Robina Parkway
Kurrawa network is well-prepared for the 2018 fleet. At the same time, the transport system implemented before and during the Games
Gatorade Triathlon
QLD Masters State Commonwealth Games. Hosting the will need to meet the continuing travel needs to reduce background traffic volumes. These
Champions - 3,000
Series Race 4
2,000 Australian Surf Life
Games is a fantastic opportunity to raise of Gold Coast residents in a safe, efficient and will be designed to provide lasting benefits for
Saving Championships the profile of the Gold Coast, inspire the reliable manner. the city. For example, and similar to programs
8,000
Mudgeeraba Village - Nerang Velodrome Coolangatta Gold community and attract investment to the operating for the 2012 London Olympics,
5,000 The Host City Contract requires the Gold
Kokoda Challenge region. government employees could work from
2,000 Coast to be in ‘readiness mode’ by 2017, with
home or travel outside of peak periods to
All permanent or temporary Games-related infrastructure in place for test events in the
Coolangatta reduce pressure on transport networks. This
Burleigh Heads Currumbin Beach and Foreshore transport infrastructure must be aligned with lead-up to the Games.
Quiksilver and Roxy Pro
could be continued after the Games to reduce
Billabong World Junior Swell Sculpture Festival Snapper Rocks - 20,000 the objectives of the Gold Coast City Transport
Championships 20,000 Cooly Rocks On As part of the bid process, the Queensland daily travel demand.
15,000 30,000 Strategy 2031 so that investments are
Bleach Festival Government, Council and the Gold Coast
Breaker Burleigh Pro
Burleigh Point - 5,000
10,000 optimised and leave a positive and enduring The public and active transport experience
2018 Organising Committee identified the
legacy for the city. during the Games must be positive, easy,
Map not to scale need for:
convenient, inexpensive and sustainable to
During the Games, the city’s transport
permanent and temporary park-and-ride encourage the Gold Coast community to
network will cater for around 110,000
sites for spectators and Games workers to reduce its car use and to embrace new ways
spectators, as well as 50,000 Games
access shuttle buses to venues of moving around the city after the Games.
Figure 17 Expected attendance at 2013 Gold Coast major events
workers and volunteers who will be travelling
15 16Gold Coast City Transport Strategy 2031: Technical Report
4. Options for meeting the challenges APPROACH: PRIORITISE CARS
n Build more and wider roads.
n Limited public transport and active transport options.
APPROACH: PRIORITISE PEOPLE
n Cars still dominant mode, but more public transport,
walking and cycling.
n Unsustainable and unaffordable. n Balanced transport system.
n Sustainable and affordable.
Example: Los Angeles, California
Example: Melbourne, Australia
Our city’s transport challenges are increasing as we develop into a mature city. Currently, 2.6 million trips are made on the Gold Coast every day. By
2031, this will reach 3.7 million trips – an increase of 1.1 million trips per day, or a 44 per cent increase.
How we manage these increased trips will define our success as a sustainable city.
A new approach – prioritising people, not cars
In the future, the car will remain the dominant mode of transport for most trips. But the growth pressures we are facing mean we need a better
balance. Successful cities have balanced transport systems, with the right mix of car use and public transport, walking and cycling. They have
achieved this balance by finding ways to prioritise for people, rather than cars (refer to Table 4.1: The benefits of prioritising people over cars).
How will we n Cars are used for nearly all trips. n Cars are still used for the majority of trips. However, there
get around? n People rarely walk or cycle. are high-frequency public transport options (light rail, rail
and bus) for many trips across the city.
n Public transport is unattractive and only used by people
who don’t have access to a car. n People walk and cycle for local trips.
n Public transport is an attractive and popular option.
What sort of n More new roads are needed. n Roads are shared with buses and light rail, which get
infrastructure n Roads need to be widened in urban areas. priority on key routes.
will we need? n Car parks are managed carefully across the city with
n Increased parking and multi-level car parks are required
across the city. appropriate location and pricing.
n Fewer new roads are required.
What will our n Traffic congestion increases. n People will have real transport choice as public transport
lifestyle be like? n More time is spent in traffic. will be an attractive option.
n Urban sprawl continues, with emphasis on car-based n People will spend less time stuck in traffic. For many peak
suburban development. hour trips, public transport will be quicker than driving as it
will have priority.
n The expanding road system significantly affects the
amenity of the city (‘paving paradise’). n A broad range of housing choices are still available, but
with stronger emphasis on higher-density settlements with
n Health and obesity problems increase due to car
a mix of local services and housing. People live closer to
dependency.
employment and local services.
n Transport options are limited for those who do not drive.
n Incidental or active exercise improves the health and
wellbeing of the community.
n Those who do not drive are connected to family, friends,
work and services.
What are the n Not an economically viable approach as increased n Capacity of the transport network is significantly increased
economic road capacity is quickly filled by more cars and more and can move more people, more efficiently.
considerations? congestion. n A balanced transport system supports economic growth.
n Focusing solely on cars leads to gridlock and is a risk to
economic growth.
What are the n Economic growth is exposed to increases in the price, or n Exposure to reduced oil supply and price increases is
climate change reduced supply, of oil-based fuel. reduced. Alternative modes of travel and fuel sources are
impacts? n Greenhouse gas emissions increase. actively encouraged.
n Greenhouse gas emissions reduce on a per capita basis.
Table 4.1: The benefits of prioritising people over cars
17 18Gold Coast City Transport Strategy 2031: Technical Report
Developing the strategy better separation from cars for on-road there is little benefit in duplicating major testing light rail extensions from Surfers A balanced strategy option with both bus Light rail also offers greater attraction to infill
cyclists (92 per cent). public transport infrastructure in parallel Paradise to Bundall and from Main Beach priority and light rail and regeneration of urban areas due to its
In developing the Gold Coast City Transport
Respondents understood the effects of traffic corridors, such as extending both regional to Sea World A balanced strategy option made several perceived more permanent nature and its
Strategy 2031, Council worked closely with
congestion, with 89 per cent disagreeing that rail and light rail south to Coolangatta Gold Coast railway not extended beyond assumptions: ability to achieve full priority over general
the Queensland Department of Transport
the city should have more cars on the streets. the Pacific Motorway between Worongary its current Varsity station terminus traffic when operating within a pre-existing
and Main Roads and other government extension of the light rail from Broadbeach
and Tugun will be at capacity at six lanes in road corridor.
agencies to undertake transport planning, This community and stakeholder feedback has a new light rail connection from Coomera to Currumbin, then extending on to the
option assessment and project evaluation. 2031, but the effects of this congestion will linking Harbour Town and Hope Island to This strategy delivers the optimum balance
helped shape the transport strategy. Gold Coast Airport and Coolangatta
Contributions included the results of the also make public transport more attractive primarily serve the major growth centre between road network improvements, better
light rail extending from the Gold Coast
phase one public consultation (undertaken Investment scenario testing the construction of a four-lane arterial road of Coomera freight movements, a safe and connected
Health and Knowledge Precinct north to
between 1 September 2011 and 14 October in the Intra-Regional Transport Corridor will a bus lane between Nerang and cycleway network, and improvements to the
To develop an effective transport strategy Harbour Town and west to link with the
2011), as well as the results of the technical draw approximately 15,000 vehicles per Broadbeach mostly catering for longer bus network to complement the light rail.
for 2031, a number of transport modelling Gold Coast rail line at a new Parkwood
work undertaken by the Department of day from the Pacific Motorway at Nerang distance east-west trips from Nerang’s
analyses were undertaken as part of the Gold rail station
Transport and Main Roads including the and Coomera, which is equivalent to catchment to the coastline Testing the effects of external factors
Coast Southern and Central Area Transport light rail extensions from Surfers Paradise to
Gold Coast Southern and Central Area approximately 2-3 years of traffic growth In addition to the strategy development
Study under a range of investment scenarios: the Pacific Motorway upgraded to extend Bundall and from Main Beach to Sea World
Transport Study (December 2011). The results from the motorway work, a number of ‘sensitivity tests’ were
six lanes south of Worongary to Tugun
are summarised below. ‘do minimum’ – essentially only the corridors that attract the most public bus lanes from Nerang to Broadbeach, and conducted to identify how external factors
‘committed’ transport upgrades. This a four-lane arterial road provided in the Nerang to Southport
transport usage are those with multiple, and policy-related measures could influence
Gold Coast City Transport Strategy 2031 provides a basis for comparing individual Intra-Regional Transport Corridor provided
closely-spaced destinations. For example, a four-lane arterial road provided in the transport system performance in 2031.
phase one consultation project investments between Coomera and Helensvale.
the coastal area between Southport Intra-Regional Transport Corridor between These tests involved:
Council undertook a six-week consultation tests of ten individual new transport links. and Burleigh Heads, rather than those Bus priority-focused strategy option Coomera and Helensvale
increasing the price and reduction in
program between 1 September 2011 and This tested the benefits of individual corridors with long sections of ‘dead the Pacific Motorway upgraded to extend
The bus priority-focused option made several the supply of parking in major activity
14 October 2011 to gather community and corridor upgrades such as extensions to running’ such as the areas west of the six lanes south of Worongary to Tugun.
assumptions: centres, to review the effects on public
stakeholder responses to Council’s discussion light rail, bus lanes and new or widened Pacific Motorway between Nerang and transport demand
paper ‘Our Transport Future: connecting major roads Mudgeeraba or in Coomera and Upper increased coverage and access to high- The preferred transport strategy for the
people and places’. frequency public transport across the Gold Coast increasing the cost of car travel to simulate
four ‘medium’ investment scenarios to Coomera (with the exception of the Gold
urbanised area the effects of increases in the price of oil,
understand the cumulative benefits of a Coast – Brisbane rail line). After reviewing the joint study work
The discussion paper encouraged residents or the results of carbon pricing, to review
and stakeholders to consider a 20-year vision moderate investment approach. These bus lanes along Southport-Burleigh Road undertaken with the Department of Transport
Formulating and testing transport the effects on public transport demand
for the city. It posed a series of propositions to scenarios embodied various combinations east-west bus lanes between Nerang and Main Roads, a preferred strategy was
strategy options increasing public transport service levels
residents which asked if they agreed that the of projects including extensions of light and Southport, Nerang and Broadbeach, identified and developed. The evaluation of
rail, the introduction of bus lanes and The findings of the above investment scenario the strategy options comprised a multi-criteria and reducing fares
Gold Coast should transition from its current Robina and Miami, Varsity and Burleigh
road upgrades testing revealed two public transport network assessment at two levels: re-allocating some of the population
car dependence to a city with a sustainable Heads, and Helensvale and Biggera Waters
options of: growth between 2011 and 2031 from
transport network. Over 180 submissions three ‘high’ investment scenarios to a four-lane arterial road provided in the network level – to determine the best
were received from the community and determine the potential ‘best case’ 1. concentrating investments in the most newly-developed areas into corridors
Intra-Regional Transport Corridor between strategic fit and network philosophy
stakeholder groups. transport system performance under an contestable areas, or proposed for light rail, to test changes
Coomera and Carrara link level – to understand the best
idealised infrastructure-rich investment in land development resulting from the
Respondents overwhelmingly reported that a 2. diversifying the expenditure across the city. Gold Coast railway not extended beyond performing upgrade option for each improved accessibility offered by light rail.
plan. The three scenarios centred on
connected, sustainable Gold Coast City in the its current Varsity station terminus key link.
variations to an extensive network of On this basis, three transport strategy options The tests confirmed that public transport
future should have: no extension of the Gold Coast light rail The network level multi-criteria assessment,
new public transport infrastructure and were developed for testing, including: patronage would increase further with these
a reliable and frequent public transport road upgrades. beyond Broadbeach in the south or the which considered a range of performance policy interventions or pricing changes.
light rail focus Gold Coast Health and Knowledge Precinct measures for each option, revealed a
system (100 per cent) Key lessons from the investment scenario Building a good-quality public and active
bus priority focus in the north. blended strategy with a focus on light rail transport network will provide travel choice,
a choice of transport modes for everyday testing process:
balanced strategy. as the preferred overall strategy. This was reduce reliance on fossil fuels and supply
use and more flexible public transport
targeted investment in public transport primarily because a network founded upon transport network capacity that can adapt to
options for people on the fringe of the city
could lead to a near three-fold increase Light rail-focused strategy option a comprehensive light rail system suited the external factors and accommodate the future
(99 per cent)
in public transport mode share by 2031, The light rail-focused option made several character of trips made on the Gold Coast. transport task.
safe travel options serving schools and equating to a four-fold increase in assumptions:
education facilities (99 per cent) patronage compared with 2011
a network of high standard cycling and testing of light rail extension options
vehicle-kilometres travelled will increase at
walking paths (98 per cent) from Griffith University Health and
a lower rate than trip growth if there is a
Knowledge Precinct to Parkwood,
vibrant community and cultural hubs shift in infrastructure funding to public and
Harbour Town and Helensvale
that meet local needs and enliven activity active transport facilities
(97 per cent) light rail extension from Broadbeach to the
identification of the two areas where
airport and Coolangatta
streets that are more friendly to all modes public transport is forecast to carry the
of transport (94 per cent) most passengers are along the coastline light rail extension from Miami to Bond
and to/from Brisbane University and Robina
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