Golden Four
Drive - Active
Transport
Improvements
Community Consultation
Report
16/02/16
1
Table of Contents
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Introduction ................................................................................................................................ 3
1.1
Project background ........................................................................................................... 3
1.2
Active Transport Options Analysis for Golden Four Drive .................................................. 3
1.3
Consultation objectives ..................................................................................................... 4
Consultation Approach .............................................................................................................. 4
2.1
Targeted Groups ............................................................................................................... 4
2.2
Participation Level ............................................................................................................. 4
2.3
Consultation period ........................................................................................................... 5
2.4
Reporting of numerical results ........................................................................................... 5
2.5
Authenticity of responses .................................................................................................. 5
Consultation Tools ..................................................................................................................... 6
3.1
Online survey .................................................................................................................... 6
3.2
Face to face community information session ..................................................................... 6
3.3
Marketing program ............................................................................................................ 6
Consultation Response ............................................................................................................. 7
4.1
Online landing page .......................................................................................................... 7
4.2
Online survey .................................................................................................................... 7
4.3
Face to face community information session ..................................................................... 8
4.4
Written submissions received ............................................................................................ 8
Summary of results and feedback ............................................................................................ 8
5.1
Online survey .................................................................................................................... 8
5.2
Face to face community information session ....................................................................11
5.3
Written submissions .........................................................................................................11
6.
Consultation evaluation ............................................................................................................11
7.
Response to Community Feedback .........................................................................................11
8.
7.1
Preferred option ...............................................................................................................11
7.2
Other issues and concerns...............................................................................................12
Conclusion.................................................................................................................................13
Appendix A – Online survey ............................................................................................................14
Appendix B – Letter to residents ....................................................................................................17
Appendix C – Consultation marketing ............................................................................................18
Appendix D – Consultation collateral .............................................................................................21
Appendix E – Written submissions received .................................................................................25
Appendix F – Verbatim comments received (online survey, information session) .....................30
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1. Introduction
City of Gold Coast is proposing improvements to walking and cycling facilities along Golden Four
Drive in Tugun, between Toolona Street and Gibson Street.
The aim of the project is to identify the most appropriate improvements for active transport within the
corridor while taking into consideration its role in the broader transport system. Both north-south and
east-west connections to and from existing pedestrian and cycling infrastructure have been identified
to ensure a legible and connected active transport route.
1.1
Project background
Golden Four Drive runs adjacent to the Gold Coast Highway from Tugun to Bilinga with speed limits
ranging from 40 to 60 kilometres per hour. Identified as an active transport corridor by Council,
Golden Four Drive is a key coastal cycle-pedestrian route, forms part of the Darren Smith Memorial
Cycle Route and also provides public transport services and infrastructure, supporting the 700, 701,
760,761 (to Johnston Street), 767 (Tugun Village and Toolona Street only), 768 (Tugun Village and
Toolona Street then George Street to Lang Street) and TX1 (Theme Park) bus routes.
At present, Golden Four Drive provides inconsistent and substandard bicycle facilities and low quality
pedestrian infrastructure. A series of resurfacing projects for this link are scheduled in coming
financial years, presenting the opportunity to upgrade this designated active transport corridor and
realise its potential within the network.
1.2
Active Transport Options Analysis for Golden Four Drive
The following three options to improve active transport along Golden Four Drive were developed for
discussion with the community:
Option 1 Re-connect (on road)

Eastern footpath upgraded to 2.5 metres where possible, verge retained at 4.3 metres
(including bus shelters)




Parallel parking or bus stops along the eastern verge at 2.5 metres
On-road cycle lanes at 1.5 metres between Toolona Street and Gibson Street
Traffic lanes at 3.2 metres
Formalise western road edge and verge to include either parallel parking or bus stops/shelters

Parking not provided on the eastern verge where northbound bus stops and shelters required.
Option 2 Re-connect (on road) with rearranged bus services and infrastructure



Eastern footpath upgraded to 2.5 metres, verge retained at 4.3 metres (bus shelters removed)
Parallel on-street parking along the eastern verge at 2.5 metres and traffic lanes at 3.2 metres
On-road cycle lanes at 1.5 metres between Toolona Street and Gibson Street

Formalise western road edge and verge to include parallel on-street parking or bus
stops/shelter for northbound services
Southbound bus stops and shelters would be relocated to Gold Coast Highway.

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Option 3 Redefine: Western shared path and removal of bus services


Eastern footpath upgraded to 2.5 metres, verge retained at 4.3 metres (bus shelters removed)
Parallel on-street parking along the eastern verge at 2.5 metres (bus stops removed)

On-road cycle lanes at 1.5 metres between Toolona Street and Gibson Street


Traffic lanes at 3.2 metres
Formalise western road edge and verge to include a 0.5 metre buffer (minimum) and 3 metres
wide separated shared path
All bus stops and shelters would be relocated to Gold Coast Highway.

1.3
Consultation objectives
The consultation objectives were to:

Alert the community to the consultation and opportunity to have their say

Obtain community feedback on the proposed options to improve active transport along Golden
Four Drive
Gain an understanding of community issues and key concerns regarding the proposed active
transport improvements.

2. Consultation Approach
2.1
Targeted Groups
Consultation was targeted towards local residents who would be directly affected by the proposed
active transport improvements and known local community interest groups.
Local residents consisted of both businesses and private residences along Golden Four Drive
between and including Wyberba Street to the north and Musgrave Street to the south. Consultation
was also directed towards residents in connecting streets between this section of Golden Four Drive
and the beach, for example Tooloona Street, Graham Street and Pacific Parade.
Community groups approached were:

Friends of Currumbin

Tugun Progress Association


Neighbourhood Watch – Tugun, Tugun West, Bilinga, Tugun Central
Surf Life Saving Clubs – Tugun, Bilinga, North Kirra, Kirra.
2.2
Participation Level
The approach adopted aligns with standards established by the International Association for Public
Participation (IAP2) Spectrum of Community Engagement ‘Consult’ level as documented in Figure 1
below.
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2.3
Consultation period
Consultation on the Golden Four Drive Active Transport Improvements occurred during April and May
2014. The online survey was open from Wednesday 16 April 2014 until Friday 23 May 2014. Written
submissions and feedback could also be provided during this period. A community information
session was held on Tuesday 29 April, 2014.
2.4
Reporting of numerical results
Percentages expressed in this report have been rounded to the nearest whole percentage point.
2.5
Authenticity of responses
Where quotes from respondents are included for illustrative purposes no attempt to edit or censor
these comments has been made. Individual opinions expressed in this report, including any spelling,
grammatical or factual errors are those of the respondent. Some minor formatting changes have been
made for document presentation purposes. Identifying details have been removed to protect
individual privacy.
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3. Consultation Tools
3.1
Online survey
A 6 question survey was provided on the City of Gold Coast’s public online community engagement
landing page for the project (www.gchaveyoursay.com.au/activetransport-g4drive) from 16 April 2014
to Friday 23 May 2014.
The questions were both quantitative and qualitative, with space provided for free text and comments.
Along with demographic details of the respondents, the online survey sought to obtain:



Specific comments on each of the three options developed to improve active transport
facilities along Golden Four Drive (qualitative)
An opportunity for the community to cast a vote for their preferred option for active transport
improvements along Golden Four Drive (quantitative)
General comments about the proposed active transport improvements for Golden Four Drive
(qualitative)
A copy of the online survey is provided in Appendix A.
3.2
Face to face community information session
A community information session was held at Tugun Bowls Club, Kaleena Street, Tugun on
Tuesday 29 April from 4.30pm to 6.30pm. The session was informal and consisted of a staffed
display presenting the three options developed by Council for improving active transport facilities
along Golden Four Drive. Members of the community were given the opportunity to discuss the
options with staff and provide comments via post-it notes applied to the various posters on
display.
3.3
Marketing program
The communications and marketing plan aimed to:

Communicate the consultation to local residents within and in proximity to the project area
through cost effective means

Communicate the purpose of the Golden Four Drive Active Transport Improvements project
and the options being considered by Council
Ensure the community had equitable access to information and opportunity to provide
feedback.

Implementation of the communications and marketing plan achieved the following:

Promoted the consultation program to members of the community through a range of
communication channels including:
o Gold Coast City’s website
o Facebook



Mailed out letters from Councillor Chris Robbins to over 1450 local residents
Produced and made available online communication materials:
Offered stakeholders and the community alternative participation methods including the online
survey, written submission and community information session
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

Provided concise communication material written in plain English along with graphics and
sketches for ease of understanding
Gathered specific information regarding proposed options along with general comments
regarding active transport issues along Golden Four Drive, Tugun
3.3.1
Communication overview
A combination of mail outs and online media were used to target residents and businesses in the
study area during the consultation period from April to May 2014.
Just over 1450 letters were mailed to both businesses and private residences within the study area
advising of the consultation period, community information session, online survey and email address
for written submissions. Letters were sent to properties along Golden Four drive between (and
including) Wyberba Street to the north and Musgrave Street to the south, along with those in
connecting streets between this section of Golden Four Drive and the beach, for example Tooloona
Street, Graham Street and Pacific Parade. A copy of the letter to residents is provided in Appendix
B.
The consultation approach and collateral for download was advertised on Gold Coast City’s online
community engagement landing page for the project (www.gchaveyoursay.com.au/activetransportg4drive). Advice that the consultation period had been extended from the 7th May to 23rd May was
advertised via Facebook. Screen prints of the landing page and Facebook posts and comments are
provided in Appendix C.
3.3.2
Consultation collateral
The following documents were available from www.gchaveyoursay.com.au/activetransport-g4drive for
public download:


Active Transport Summary of proposed options – Golden Four Drive, Tugun
Aerial map of study area

Improvement options 1, 2 and 3
SlideShare provided for an interactive presentation of the Active Transport Summary and was
available via www.gchaveyoursay.com.au/activetransport-g4drive or directly from SlideShare
www.slideshare.com. Consultation collateral is provided in Appendix D.
4. Consultation Response
4.1
Online landing page
850 people were made aware of the project through viewing Council’s community engagement
landing page www.gchaveyoursay.com.au/activetransport-g4drive. 88 people downloaded a
document in order to learn more about the project. 26 people registered to be notified of future
consultation programs.
4.2
Online survey
A total of 56 respondents completed one or more survey questions. Analysis of the results is
provided in Section 5.1. Responses to the survey were relatively consistent from 16 April until 11 May
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2014 with an average of two responses per day. However, only two additional responses were
received from 12 May to 23 May 2014.
4.3
Face to face community information session
The format of the community information session was an informal staffed display and attendees were
free to come and go without completing an attendance form. Based on staff observations,
approximately 60 to 80 community members attended the session.
4.4
Written submissions received
11 written submissions were received via email at division14@goldcoast.qld.gov.au. One additional
email submission was received via the Mayoral Chief of Staff office. Written submissions are
provided in Appendix E.
5. Summary of results and feedback
5.1
Online survey
5.1.1
Demographics
There were more male respondents to the online survey than female – 58% and 42% respectively.
The vast majority of the 56 survey participants were located in Gold Coast City, with a small number
surveyed from Brisbane. Not surprisingly, the most common suburbs for survey respondents were
Tugun with 24 responses and Bilinga with a total of 15.
Location of survey respondents, percentage
7%
Tugun
5%
Bilinga
7%
43%
11%
Currumbin/Varsity Lakes/Palm
Beach
Coolangatta/Tweed Heads
27%
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5.1.2
Comments – Active Transport Options
Option 1 Re-connect (on road)
Survey respondents who provided comments regarding this option were almost evenly split between
those who were unsupportive of Option 1, those who were supportive, and respondents who were
neutral with regards to their preference.
The most common reason cited by respondents for supporting Option 1 was that it will result in buses
remaining on Golden Four Drive, which was considered to be a safer and more accessible option for
bus patrons. A number of the respondents who indicated their support for Option 1 also suggested
possible improvements to parking and safety provisions.
Respondents who were unsupportive of this option raised safety concerns regarding conflicts
between cyclists, pedestrians and vehicles.
Some respondents suggested money would be better spent constructing Oceanway path while others
specifically opposed any construction of path along the beach front.
Option 2 Re-connect (on road) with rearranged bus services and infrastructure
Of the respondents who provided detailed commentary regarding this option, approximately 75%
were unsupportive of the proposed improvements. Most of these respondents were unsupportive due
to apprehension regarding the relocation of buses to the Gold Coast Highway in terms of safety and
diminished accessibility for bus patrons. A smaller number of these respondents were unsupportive
due to a lack of perceived benefits from the proposed improvements. Some suggested funds would
be better spent completing the missing Oceanway link while others specifically opposed any
construction of path along the beach front.
In contrast, most of the remaining 25% of respondents indicated their support for Option 2 because
they agreed with the relocation of bus services on to the Gold Coast Highway.
Option 3 Redefine: Western shared path and removal of bus services
More than two thirds of the respondents who provided detailed commentary regarding Option 3 did
not support the proposed improvements. Common concerns related to the relocation of buses to the
Gold Coast Highway, preference for spending funds on constructing the missing Oceanway link and
general safety issues concerning conflicts between buses, cars, cyclists and pedestrians.
In contrast, the remaining third of the responses were supportive of relocating the bus services and
considered this option would improve safety for all road users.
A number of respondents noted their opposition towards any option involving construction of path on
the beach front.
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5.1.3
Community supported option
In addition to providing free text commentary regarding the three active transport options, survey
participants were given the opportunity to vote for their preferred option. Option 1 received the most
support from the community with the highest percentage of votes (23 votes from 36 respondents).
Percentage of votes per option
Option 1
Option 2
Option 3
0%
5.1.4
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
General Commentary – Active Transport Improvements
More than half of the respondents who provided general comments regarding active transport
improvements reiterated their preferred option (see section 5.1.3) and suggested further
improvements to complement the design such as wider cycle lanes and reconfiguration of parking.
Approximately one third of respondents noted that none of the options resolved all the issues and
suggested alternatives, the most common being transformation of Golden Four Drive into a one way
green boulevard or completing the missing Oceanway link instead.
The remaining respondents were either generally supportive of any improvements to Golden Four
Drive (without expressing a preference for any particular option) or they did not support any action
being taken to improve active transport facilities along the corridor at all.
A number of respondents expressly opposed construction of any path along the beach front.
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5.2
Face to face community information session
The community information session was well attended with 123 comments provided from 60 to 80
participants via post-it-notes placed on the information display.
Relatively few people expressed a clear preference with regards to any particular option presented.
Instead, the majority of comments provided at the information session consisted of general feedback
on key themes including road safety, construction of the missing Oceanway link (either for or against),
improving parking configuration and ensuring bus services remain on Golden Four Drive.
5.3
Written submissions
Various issues were raised in the written submissions, with a focus on safety, construction of the
Oceanway link (both for and against) and the need to reduce conflicts between cyclists, pedestrians
and buses using Golden Four Drive.
6. Consultation evaluation
Overall, the consultation was successful in gathering both robust qualitative and, to a lesser extent,
quantitative feedback from local residents regarding proposed active transport improvements along
Golden Four Drive, Tugun.
The consultation collateral used to support the online survey and community information session
successfully communicated key features of the three options developed by Council using concept
design sketches, plain English descriptions, and both aerial and site photography.
Overall, the feedback gathered indicates a strong level of support for the proposal to improve active
transport facilities along Golden Four Drive in Tugun, with particular support expressed for Option 1.
Although there was general support for the proposal to improve active transport along the corridor, the
community did raise the following key issues and concerns:

Completion of the missing Oceanway link along the beach front reserve from its current
termination at Tooloona Street south to the connection at Matter Street/Bilinga Surf Life Saving
Club – respondents either supported construction of the path or were strongly opposed.

The need to address safety concerns around potential conflicts between cyclists, pedestrians,
buses and other vehicles
Provision of adequate numbers of and appropriately located on-street car parks.


Diminished safety and accessibility for bus users relating to the proposal to relocate bus
services to the Gold Coast Highway as part of Option 3.
7. Response to Community Feedback
7.1
Preferred option
Council notes that Option 1 received the most support based on community feedback. As discussed
below, community support for this option aligns with the project team’s recommendation to select
Option 1 as the preferred option.
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Options Analysis
As part of a separate technical analysis, the project team assessed all proposed options with
reference to the following criteria:

Alignment with the relevant themes identified in the Gold Coast City Transport Strategy 2031,
including:
o Theme 18: Managing the road network to match transport function and user priority
o Theme 19: Making the most of existing infrastructure and promoting use of public and
active transport
o Theme 20: Improve legibility of the road network to encourage motorists to take preferred
traffic routes and avoid unnecessary trips through activated areas

Feasibility in terms of construction costs, user appeal, safety, and minimising disruption to
existing facilities and services.
Options analysis against the above criteria revealed that Option 1 ‘Reconnect On-Road’ provides the
maximum benefit to the widest range of users possible within the constraints of the corridor. In
particular, Option 1 was assessed by the project team as the preferred option because it provides:






7.2
A continuous and legible on-road route combined with enhanced off road pathway
infrastructure for pedestrians and less confident bicycle riders
Minimal disruption to bus users by retaining services along Golden Four Drive (although some
bus infrastructure will need to be repositioned to allow for bicycle lanes)
Minimal loss of car parks
Lower construction costs in comparison to Options 2 and 3
Improved safety with raised crossing treatments to give priority to pedestrians on side streets
and increased pedestrian crossing points to provide access to northbound bus stops
Increased user appeal with improved facilities along cyclist and pedestrian desire lines and
provision of shade trees and landscaping
Other issues and concerns
With reference to general issues and concerns raised by the community (see section 6 of this report),
Council’s response is as follows:



Construction of the Oceanway from Tugun to Bilinga is not within the scope of this project.
Comments received regarding this issue have been noted, however cannot be addressed in
detail by the project team.
Safety concerns regarding potential conflicts between cyclists, pedestrians and buses have
been addressed in the concept developed for Option 1 through the provision of dedicated road
space for experienced cyclists, enhanced off road pathway for pedestrians and less confident
cyclists, improved connections to bus stops and raised pedestrian crossing treatments on side
streets. Safety issues around conflicts with various users will be further considered and
refined through the detailed design phase of the project.
The loss of car parks will be minimised through the decision to progress with Option 1 which
requires minimal removal of car parks.
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
Option 1 does not include relocation of bus services.
8. Conclusion
City of Gold Coast has developed a number of options to improve walking and cycling facilities along
Golden Four Drive between Toolona Street and Gibson Street. Consultation on the proposed
improvements was undertaken during April and May 2014 and was targeted towards local residents,
businesses and community interest groups. Mail outs and online media were used to advise the
community of the proposed improvements along Golden Four Drive. Community members provided
feedback through an online survey, face to face community information session, email and social
media.
The comments and feedback received during the consultation period indicate that Option 1 is the
option most supported by the community for improving walking and cycling infrastructure along
Golden Four Drive. Options analysis undertaken separately by the project team also identified Option
1 ‘Re-Connect On Road’ as the preferred option considering it provides the maximum benefit to the
widest range of users possible within the constraints of the corridor.
Council will undertake preliminary design and aim to commence detailed design of Option 1 in the
2014 – 15 financial year. Construction of the proposed improvements will take place as funding
becomes available and in conjunction with planned renewal of Golden Four Drive.
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Appendix A – Online survey
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Appendix B – Letter to residents
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Appendix C – Consultation marketing
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Appendix D – Consultation collateral
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Appendix E – Written submissions received
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Appendix F – Verbatim comments received (online survey, information
session)
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Comments – Online Survey
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Council of the City of Gold Coast
PO Box 5042 GCMC Qld 9729
P 1300 GOLDCOAST
E mail@goldcoast.qld.gov.au
W cityofgoldcoast.com.au
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