As the population of Varsity Lakes continues to boom, the need for the development of a sustainable, economic transport system becomes increasingly evident.
With three major traffic generators located in the region, including Bond University and other educational facilities, businesses and residents, it is essential that proper planning is in place to ensure that the area’s current and future transport needs are met.
Bond will join Varsity Lakes developers Delfin Lend Lease and the State Government's Trans-Link to research an `innovative transport infrastructure' in the area.
The plans include links to light rail or bus rapid transit services.
Head of Bond University’s School of Sustainable Development, Professor George Earl, will be leading this research over the next two months.
Professor Earl said the study would enable the development of a "timely and efficient transport policy" for the region.
"The study will look at the mode and volume of travel to and from Varsity Lakes both during the working week and at other times," he said.
Delfin predicts upon final completion the Varsity Lakes area will comprise over 3,000 houses, 343 hectares of land and 15,000 square metres of commercial space in Varsity Central. It will be home to more than 7,800 residents and 4,500 employees.
This continual growth in population is bound to put a strain on the current transport system within the area, prompting a need to implement more efficient road systems and better public transport to allow for easy travelling to and from the Varsity Lakes area.
Some work is already underway to address the future transport needs of the area, with the State Government recently announcing they will be extending the railway system in Robina to Varsity Lakes. This will cost approximately $123 million and is due for completion in 2009.
Over the next month, Bond University staff and students, along with businesses and the general community located in the Varsity Lakes area are invited to participate in an online survey.
Participants who complete the survey before the closing date of May 31 will have the chance to win a $500 gift voucher from Mike’s Bikes.