New research backs calls for rail link to Gold Coast Airport

A new research paper showing the vital link between airports and local transport infrastructure has prompted fresh calls for a rail connection between the Gold Coast and its airport in Coolangatta.

Southern Cross University researcher Professor Kerry Brown said the paper, which she presented with SCU doctoral student Mirjam Wiedemann at the recent Air Transport Research Society Conference in Portugal last month, had important implications for the Gold Coast, where the State Government recently announced a rail link to the Gold Coast Airport would not be completed until 2031.

“Our work gathered existing academic research on airports and investigated experiences with airport development internationally, and the clear message is that unless an airport is linked to the local transport infrastructure, both the airport and the region will not benefit from the business activity created by the airport,” said Professor Brown.

“We found that if a large airport city is built as a stand-alone entity, it cannot demonstrate being a driver of regional economic growth as much as an airport metropolis that integrates a city with the airport and the surrounding region.

“This has direct implications for the Gold Coast because it clearly demonstrates that ignoring the urgent need for more public transport – specifically a rail connection – to the Gold Coast Airport would be a significant mistake.

“Ideally there should be light rail connecting the airport and local environs to the northern Gold Coast, and a heavy rail connection from Brisbane Airport to the Gold Coast Airport.”

Long term plans for the final extension of the rail line from Varsity Lakes to Coolangatta were recently announced in the State Government South East Queensland Infrastructure Plan and Program, while construction on a light rail connection from Southport to Broadbeach began this month.

Professor Kerry Brown said the research paper entitled ‘Analysing the optimal infrastructure for economic development in an airport metropolis region’ was the beginning of a broader research project.

“This paper defined the distinctions between different airport models and their impact on vibrancy and economic development in a region,” said Professor Brown.

“Airport models can range from the fully integrated airport, to the so called ‘traditional’ airport - which is simply a piece of infrastructure, to the new ‘airport city’ model which is often the result of a greenfield site development.

“The research demonstrated the ‘airport metropolis’ model, integrated through multiple transport connections offers the best option for promoting development for the region.

“Future research is planned to help verify assumptions about the way airports and their infrastructure influence the location of businesses, and further analyse the way design impacts on the economic development of a region.”

Photo: Professor Kerry Brown says transport links to the Gold Coast Airport should be improved.(high resolution image available on request)