Development and works in a light rail environment

Development near the light rail

Development in a light rail environment can compromise the safety and structural integrity of a light rail corridor, light rail transport infrastructure or light rail transport infrastructure works.

Development with the potential to adversely impact on the light rail corridor must be referred to the State Assessment and Referral Agency (SARA) for assessment in accordance with the requirements of the Planning Regulation 2017.

Referred applications will have to demonstrate compliance with the relevant state codes within the State Development Assessment Provisions (SDAP). This will generally consist of demonstrating compliance with SDAP State code 4: Development in a light rail environment.

A development in a light rail environment may also be required to demonstrate compliance with other SDAP State codes, including State code 1: Development in a state-controlled road environment. Additional approvals may also be needed, including for construction works for an approved development application – see below: 'Coordination with light rail and a state-controlled road environment'. Any required alterations or additions to public utilities as a result of the development would also require separate approvals to be obtained from the public utility provider in consultation with TMR.

Development considerations

The state’s interests regarding development in a light rail environment is to protect light rail, future light rail and other infrastructure in a light rail corridor, from adverse impacts of development and to protect the safety of the community.

The state’s approval of a development within a light rail environment may be subject to conditions, including the provision of additional monitoring and reporting to ensure that works do not adversely impact on the infrastructure or the operation of services. This may include the provision of documentation certified by a Registered Professional Engineer Queensland:

• pre and post development dilapidation survey of light rail infrastructure
• vibration and movement and monitoring plan
• groundwater monitoring plan
• construction management plan.

It is highly encouraged that applicants have a prelodgement meeting with SARA prior to lodging a development application to identify issues or additional information required to undertake development in a light rail environment.

The Guide to development in a transport environment: Light Rail provides additional information regarding the state’s requirements for undertaking development in a light rail environment.

If development is also in a state-controlled road environment, the State Development Assessment Provisions supporting guideline: Development in a state-controlled road environment details TMR's requirements regarding development, works or activities in proximity to and on a state-controlled road.

The department's consent

Where development is located completely or partially over a light rail corridor, the Planning Act 2016 states that a development application must be accompanied by the owner's consent.

Other approvals in a light rail environment

Works on light rail infrastructure

In accordance with the Transport (Rail Safety) Act 2010, works on or about rail infrastructure (including the monitoring, modification and repair of the rail infrastructure) must be undertaken by a person accredited for the railway operations or a person carrying out the railway operations on behalf of the person who is accredited.

GoldLinQ is the accredited rail infrastructure manager (or 'light rail manager') for Gold Coast Light Rail and is responsible for all works undertaken on the light rail corridor.

Applicants must obtain GoldLinQ’s permission to access the light rail corridor to undertake works.

Works near the light rail infrastructure

Section 362 of the Transport Infrastructure Act 1994 establishes that a person must not interfere with light rail transport infrastructure or operations without the consent of the light rail manager (GoldLinQ).

If works or activities will be undertaken near light rail infrastructure a Work Request Form is required and a Worksite Safety Assessment, Safe Work Method Statement and / or Construction Management Plan may be required as part of the authorisation process.

Applications for a Work Request Form and additional information regarding the authorisation process and 'hazard zone' can be obtained from http://ridetheg.com.au/working-near-light-rail/.

Public utility plant on light rail land

A public utility provider must obtain written approval from the light rail manager (GoldLinQ) and the Department of Transport and Main Roads prior to undertaking any public utility plant works on a light rail corridor in accordance with section 366 of the Transport Infrastructure Act 1994. This includes the building, replacing, removing, altering, repairing or maintenance of a public utility plant. Any utility works intended to be constructed by the developer would require further approval from TMR.

Applications for approval from the light rail manager (GoldLinQ) should be made to [email protected] and applications for approval from the Department of Transport and Main Roads should be made to [email protected].

Coordination with light rail and a state-controlled road environment

Development in a light rail environment may also require works or activities on a state-controlled road – for example, many parts of Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 3 (GCLR3) include both a light rail environment and state-controlled road environment.

TMR regulates and approves any works and activities that may interfere with the operation of a state-controlled road under the Transport Infrastructure Act 1994. This includes:

• the requirement to obtain a road corridor permit to locate a structure or thing or undertake activity in a state-controlled road corridor
• the regulation, including approvals, for road works within a state-controlled road
• The provision of a public utility plant on a state-controlled road and written approval requirements
• The provision of a new or modified vehicular access to a state-controlled roads (road access works).

The approval process takes time. Individuals and organisations undertaking works in a light rail and state-controlled road environment should ensure that sufficient time is allowed to coordinate and assess all applications, including with the light rail manager (GoldLinQ), the Department of Transport and Main Roads and with public utility providers.