Major transport solutions needed before Olympics

The Club’s Head of Public Policy Rebecca Michael said significant road, rail and bus upgrades would need to be prioritised to accommodate large crowds.

“Queenslanders desperately need better public transport frequency, affordability and accessibility, regardless of the Olympics, but with huge volumes of spectators, officials and athletes to be moving between venues, it’s more important than ever to get a head start,” Dr Michael said.

“We need to focus on improving public transport to and from the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and Ipswich regions, where Olympic venues will be located.

“This includes fast tracking the Beerburrum to Nambour rail duplication, Gold Coast rail line upgrades from Kuraby to Beenleigh and Gold Coast Airport links while also progressing the Ipswich to Springfield Mass Transport Corridor Study.”

Dr Michael said more needed to be done to encourage people back onto public transport to help ease road congestion and justify these transport upgrades for the long term ahead of the Games.

“Passenger numbers are still down due to COVID-19 changing the way people live and work and that creates a roadblock to delivering the major infrastructure projects needed to support the Olympics,” she said.

“The State Government should be enticing people back to the trains, trams, ferries and buses by reviewing fares and ensuring public transport gives value for money and meets commuters’ travel needs.

“What we don’t want, is what we’ve seen in past Olympic host cities, where infrastructure costs are unsustainable and didn’t offer long-term benefit to the community long after the medal ceremonies.”