Gold Coast Bulletin : Feud puts brakes on rapid plan

An article by Geoff Chambers in the Gold Coast Bulletin Saturday 5 April 2008

MAYOR Ron Clarke and Transport Minister John Mickel have not spoken for months as their feud threatens to derail the rapid transit system.

The pair's relationship is at an all-time low after their crisis meeting was postponed.

The pair's war of words continued yesterday as they remained at loggerheads over the future of the $600 million Gold Coast rapid transit system.

Cr Clarke last night refused to rule out axing the city's $100 million contribution to the system.

Cr Clarke said the State Government was engaged in cloak and dagger activities, hiding crucial elements of the final TransLink report.

"I can't see how they can tell council they are waiting for our decision when they are the ones who have been stalling at every step," said Cr Clarke.

"We want to see the business case for the rapid transit system and only when we see it will we decide whether it is money best spent for Gold Coasters."

Cr Clarke has copped criticism from Mr Mickel for leading an anti-rapid transit system push.

Cr Clarke said he had not received any personal correspondence from Mr Mickel about the project.

"He communicates through other channels but I've had no phone call to my office," he said.

"They can put whatever sugar coating they like on this but there are some very legitimate concerns and complaints about the consultation process and they need to be urgently addressed by the minister."

Mr Mickel yesterday said his hands were tied until the council committed its long-term support.

"I will meet with them. I need to know what the council is thinking and not just the Mayor's thoughts," said Mr Mickel.

"The transport issue on the Gold Coast needs urgent attention. I'm not in favour of either rapid bus or light rail, though there is a compelling argument for the buses option."

A Transport spokesman said Mr Mickel would have to schedule the meeting.

"The minister has a busy week but he does want to sit down to hear council's view. He is away on Monday and has meetings on Wednesday so that leaves him little scope to organise a meeting," he said.

The meeting will be held at Mr Mickel's office in Brisbane.

Combined Gold Coast Chambers of Commerce president John Preston, who has been in close consultation with TransLink, said the system was far from perfect and required more public consultation.

"To strengthen effective consultation on the existing proposal, the chamber believes that it has become necessary to table its expectations of what this proposal should deliver in the short and long term," said Mr Preston.

Mr Preston said he wanted Mr Mickel to expand the brief, allowing additional engagement with council.