Planning implications of light rail expansion
General
As a long term local of Mermaid Beach on the Gold Coast, Director Boyd Sargeant has seen a lot of change in the area over the last 3 decades. “The start of construction for the next stage of the light rail is an exciting and transformational phase of development, with planning challenges,” he said.
“The light rail will bring increased densities requiring new infrastructure. While managing this, we also need to maintain the character and amenity of the area. The local character is important to our community and the reason why we live here.”
There is a strong relationship between the level of urban density and the provision and operation of light rail infrastructure. Sustainable urban planning must be aligned with sustainable transport planning to achieve good outcomes.
Transport planning decisions affect land use development and, vice versa, land use impacts transport activity.
Transit stops along a light rail line require clustered development to make it feasible.
Density is an issue that stirs great controversy and heated emotions in communities. Some advocate increased density as a solution to transportation woes and as an essential element of vibrant, full-service communities. Others see it as a threat to the quality of community life with few compensating rewards.
We know that where jobs, housing, shopping, and recreation opportunities are widely separated, a lot of people spend a lot of time in cars. Whereas higher densities supply more potential riders for transit. This, in turn, can support more frequent transit service and a greater variety of routes. So, compact development means more transportation options, fewer kilometres driven, and ultimately less time stuck in traffic.
The idea of ‘density’ often also causes angst with local communities and local government. This is because there is a perception that more dense development means ‘bad’ development. The reality is that when done well, more dense development can result in economic, environmental and social benefits.
“This is the challenge planning has to address – to get the balance of development and character right,” Boyd Sargeant said.
Sargeant Planning’s expert consultants can help you understand the implications of height and density changes in your area.
Find out more about construction of the new light rail between Broadbeach and Burleigh Heads.
