STAR Southern Transport Alternative Routes

07/09/2025

The relentless day in and day out GCB media articles about the scrapping of light rail stage 4 and the scaremongering by the opposition aimed at dividing the community is out of control. Truth it seems, ranks low on their agendas.
However, facts don’t lie.
The previous state government in 2023 released a report commissioned by TMR (Design Development Report) that clearly states that once the M1 upgrade between Varsity Lakes and Tugun is completed “WILL SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCE TRAFFIC ON THE GOLD HIGHWAY AND EASE CONGESTION”. (Clause 2.5.2)

This completely contradicts the misinformation the Gold Coast Bulletin and the opposition are promoting.
This confirms that the current government made the correct decision in scrapping Light Rail Stage 4.

https://www.statedevelopment.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0034/99907/design-development-report.pdf

03/09/2025

There is NO Bus Depot planned at Burleigh Heads. The Burleigh Bowls Club and Memorial Park will be protected as promised. There will be a bus layover area opposite Stocklands shopping centre along West Burleigh Road. Don’t be misled by the media or the opposition. Listen to the radio interview with Hermann Vorster MP. Make up your own mind.

https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-galey-emily-jade-on-1029-h-95746424/episode/hermann-vorster-on-light-rail-291587920/?keyid=Galey%20%26%20Emily%20Jade%20on%201029%20Hot%20Tomato&keyid=Hermann%20Vorster%20on%20Light%20Rail%20%26%20future%20of%20heavy%20rail&sc=podcast_widgan

12/07/2025

Awaiting in Anticipation of the outcome of the Review on Light Rail Stage 4

09/04/2025

PALM BEACH TOWN HALL - A RESOUNDING SUCCESS IN COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
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The community consultation on light rail stage 4 kicked off with a face-to-face discussion with Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie MP, Hermann Vorster MP and Laura Ge**er MP. Residents eagerly lined up for the microphone, voicing their concerns one by one. Issues ranged from route and mode to environmental impact, cost, resumptions, parking, access, and patronage—the list was extensive. Palm Beach and surrounding areas united in their stance, with an overwhelming 90% plus opposing Light Rail 4 continuation along the proposed Gold Coast Highway route. Improved bus connections emerged as the preferred solution, while light rail was firmly rejected.
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How times have changed. A shift in government brought a new level of engagement. Unlike the previous town hall meeting, where the then-Transport Minister Mark Bailey failed to attend, this time the stage was fully occupied. Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie MP who is also the Minister for State Development, Infrastructure & Planning, along with Hermann Vorster MP and Laura Ge**er MP, addressed questions directly. This is something new for our community as we were treated with such contempt and distain by the previous government. Remember that?
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The community's message was loud and clear: NO LIGHT RAIL DOWN THE GOLD COAST HIGHWAY – a stance deemed NON-NEGOTIABLE. While the meeting was a success, complacency is not an option. Continued pressure is essential to ensure the community's voice remains at the forefront.
We look forward to the results of the ongoing review and the government’s proposed solution for addressing traffic gridlock. It is essential that the chosen transport infrastructure not only protects our pristine environment but also benefits the broader community, not just tourists or the interests of developers.

24/03/2025

Gold Coast Bulletin.....Please avoid using the term “anti-tram.” It is dismissive and has been used in the past, notably by former transport minister Mark Bailey, to label those raising concerns about light rail stage 4 as “anti-tram,” thereby disregarding their questions and perspectives.
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For clarity, those often labelled as “anti-tram” (a term hopefully AWM will no longer use due to its misrepresentation) hold a variety of views. Some support light rail but oppose the “Gold Coast Highway route” (notably, the only route option presented during community consultation held 2021). Others feel they were not provided with adequate information and would have preferred the opportunity to consider alternative routes. Some support light rail down the Gold Coast Highway. There are also those who are entirely opposed to light rail, as well as individuals who feel their concerns were ignored, leaving them disenfranchised by the previous consultation process.
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AWM, the current community consultation is NOT as you put it a biased consultation being flipped by the current government, but has been driven by the community itself. Prior to the last state election, discussions were held between community advocates, the now Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie MP and Hermann Vorster MP. During these talks, the community strongly advocated for a commitment to review LR4 and conduct a legitimate consultation process. What we see today is the beginning of those commitments being fulfilled. Hopefully going forward, we will also see journalism by Ann Wason Moore focusing on presenting facts and telling the full story about light rail stage 4, rather than trying to influence and divide community.
We encourage all community members to go online and have your say. https://www.statedevelopment.qld.gov.au/infrastructure/projects-and-programs/gold-coast-light-rail-stage-4

23/03/2025

A GREAT DAY FOR THE GOLD COAST
Community consultation on Light Rail Stage 4 is now open. This Is a big deal. The newly elected state government will carry out a “legitimate” consultation with ALL options on the table, routes and modes, unlike the previous governments consultation that was narrowed, and deliberately structured to arrive at a predetermined conclusion. In other words, it was rigged.
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STAR, along with other community members in June 2024, prior to the state election, sat down with the now Jarrod Bleijie MP and Hermann Vorster MP (see photo) to advocate on behalf of the community for a “review on LR4” and to hold a proper, legitimate community consultation. A commitment was made by them to do just that. And that is exactly what they have delivered. Please take this unprecedented opportunity to have "your" legitimate say on Light Rail Stage 4. https://www.statedevelopment.qld.gov.au/infrastructure/projects-and-programs/gold-coast-light-rail-stage-4

18/02/2025

18/09/2024

What a difference a week can make!
It has been a major win for community and wildlife along our southern coastline. STAR is apolitical therefore will share updates regardless of what political party or group is behind it.
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Firstly, candidate for Burleigh Hermann Vorster – LNP for Burleigh announced yesterday should the LNP be elected at the upcoming state election, he has committed to constructing a “Wildlife Bridge” connecting Burleigh Ridge Park and Burleigh Head National Park. The community, STAR, Gecko Environment Council, various groups and advocates have for years been screaming out for this bridge, so this news is very well received indeed. This bridge can be built independently of any light rail or any future proposed updated transport infrastructure.
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Also announced yesterday by Sam O'Connor MP (shadow environmental minster) is a commitment to hiring 150 additional Queensland National Parks rangers. This is not only great news for all Qld National Parks but Friends of Burleigh Head National Park volunteers who work tirelessly to rid Burleigh Headland of noxious weeds, promoting native regeneration. Any additional resources can only add value to the already iconic Burleigh Head National Park and the enjoyment of an estimated 1 million plus visitors per year.
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The speed limit has finally been reduced from 60kph to 50kpm between Burleigh Heads and Tallebudgera bridge. Friends of Burleigh Head National Park started lobbying TMR and its speed management committee back in 2021 to have the speed limit reduced. This has finally been achieved thanks to the efforts of Friends of Burleigh Head National Park and assistance provided by Michael Hart MP and Hermann Vorster – LNP for Burleigh. TMR have also done a great job with the new flashing red and green koala signs. Let’s keep them flashing Green when we drive through this historical koala crossing zone.

19/06/2024

STAR’s mission has been to advocate for a proper, legitimate “community consultation” with all routes and all modes on the table in regards to light rail stage 4, which is one of the most controversial infrastructure projects on the southern Gold Coast. What the community received in 2021 was a SHAM consultation, where the community had no voice, as the mode and route was already locked in, already selected by the current State government. Today we were invited to a meeting with Jarrod Bleijie MP and Hermann Vorster – LNP for Burleigh to discuss not only light rail stage 4, but also city planning issues.
Bearing in mind STAR is apolitical, we support LNPs stance on a transparent community consultation, and going back to the drawing board, back to the table, to investigate ALL routes and modes and to renegotiate the Terms of Reference on the detailed business case for Light Rail Stage 4, should the LNP be elected in the upcoming state election.

Community attendees:
Nikki Archer - Community Advocate
Karen Rowles
Ace Community Alliance John Hicks
Lancia Jordana
Jacqueline Worrall
Rob Richards