Request for Tenders will open for Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 2 following positive funding discussions between Queensland transport minister Jackie Trad and federal infrastructure minister Warren Truss.
Stage 2 of Gold Coast Light Rail is proposed to link the existing line to the Helensvale heavy rail station, on Queensland Rail’s Gold Coast line.
The proposed extension would connect to the existing light rail line at the Gold Coast University Hospital station. It would run adjacent to the Smith Street Motorway, then adjacent to the Gold Coast heavy rail line to Helensvale.
Trad, also the deputy premier of Queensland, said the state has had very positive discussions with the Turnbull Government.
“These discussions demonstrate there is now genuine willingness to progress this vital infrastructure project which could create up to 1000 jobs during construction,” she said.
“Following these discussions the Queensland Government now has the confidence to move Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 2 to the next stage of the procurement process, which is the formal Request for Tender.”
It’s now up to the GoldLinQ consortium, which delivered the existing Gold Coast Light Rail line, to finish the expressions of interest process, which is now closed, so a Request for Tender can be formalised.
Trad said six national and international consortia had expressed interest.
GoldLinQ is to release a shortlist of bidders when it releases the Request for Tender documentation. The Request for Tender process is expected to close in late December.
“Although we don’t yet have an agreement with the Turnbull Government, I believe we are very close to securing a contribution that would allow this project to be built in time for the Commonwealth Games [in 2018],” Trad continued.
“We already have strong support for the project from the City of Gold Coast, who have committed $55 million in cash and $3.5 million in-kind support towards Stage 2, and promising signals from the Commonwealth which enable us to take this next step.”
Truss said since receiving the business case for the extension, the Commonwealth has been in a good position to discuss options with Queensland.
“I am confident that armed with the relevant information we can now move to reach a positive outcome quickly,” Truss said.
“The Australian Government is already investing more than $13 billion to build the modern transport infrastructure Queensland needs for the 21st century and we are committed to ensuring projects deliver the long-term gains the community expects.”
Gold Coast mayor Tom Tate said the announcement to seek tenders shows the determination of the state government to see the project come to fruition.
“I applaud the state and reiterate council’s $55 million commitment to stage two – let’s all get on board this legacy project for our city,” Tate said.
“Our city is on the eve of significant growth and prosperity. By linking light rail with heavy rail will allow Brisbane’s 1.2 million residents easy access to our city via public transport-importantly, it will take vehicles off the M1 in both directions.”