Passenger Rail

Gold Coast mayor impressed with light rail business case

Tram stopped at Southport South on the Gold Coast Light Rail. Photo: Creative Commons / David Ansen

The extension of the Gold Coast’s G:link light rail network seems imminent, with local reports a business case overwhelmingly supports the project.

The Gold Coast Bulletin this week reported the business case prepared by Building Queensland for Stage 3A of the Gold Coast Light Rail substantially supports its construction.

Quoted by the paper, Gold Coast mayor Tom Tate said he would move quickly to secure funding from all three levels of government.

“I’m delighted that the business case is now at a stage where federal and state funding can be formally considered, and locked in,” Tate was quoted.

“Council remains committed to the same funding model we provided to stages 1 and 2. I’m keen to get before Full Council early this calendar year to seek the agreement of colleagues to deliver this vital stage of our public transport spine.”

Tate’s comments come after transport and main roads minister Mark Bailey recently signalled the business case for Stage 3A “stacked up”.

“I’m pleased to say we agree the numbers stack up to move ahead with the 6.7-kilometre Stage 3A alignment between Broadbeach South light rail station and Burleigh Heads,” Bailey said.

“There are still steps we need to take at the tail end of getting ready for Stage 3A,” he said. “Any decision around future Queensland Government funding for Stage 3A will depend on that evaluation and the ability to secure funding from both the Federal Government and City of Gold Coast.”

Stage 3A of G:link would extend from the existing southern terminus at Broadbeach, to Burleigh Heads further down the coast. The majority of the new railway would be built along the median strip of the Gold Coast Highway.