The Queensland Government has cancelled the planned extension of Gold Coast Light Rail.
Stage 4 of the light rail was a proposed 13-kilometre direct route from Burleigh Heads to Coolangatta via the Gold Coast Airport.
However, the project will not proceed due to “overwhelming local community opposition”, the Crisafulli Government said.
Instead, plans will be drawn up for a rapid bus service, with the Department of Transport and Main Roads to undertake a multi-modal transport study for the region.
The decision follows community consultation, with over 5,600 submissions made.
The government said members of the public expressed concerns over time and cost blowouts, with the project potentially costing up to $9.85 billion.
It claimed the local community supports bus services as a “cost-effective and flexible solution”.
Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning, Jarrod Bleijie, said: “The Crisafulli Government made a clear commitment to listen to the Southern Gold Coast local community at the election and today that commitment has been delivered.
“This is about ensuring transport infrastructure projects are delivered in partnership with local communities to protect what they value most in their community and their lifestyle.”
Australasian Railway Association (ARA) Chief Executive Officer Caroline Wilkie said the extension’s cancellation will hold the Gold Coast back from realising the full potential of future growth opportunities.
“It is disappointing to see the cancellation of Gold Coast Light Rail Stage Four given the significant economic, community and sustainability benefits this project would deliver,” she said.
“The certainty of ‘tracks in the ground’ would have delivered increased economic growth opportunities for the region and supported long term development along the corridor.”
Wilkie said buses won’t deliver the benefits light rail has to offer and will not be able to keep up with growing demand for transport services in the region.
“Today’s decision represents a future of congestion, car dependence and increased emissions, limiting the growth of one of Australia’s key international tourism destinations.”
With 14 stations, the dual track light rail extension would have completed the 40-kilometre light rail link from Helensvale to Coolangatta.
It would have serviced cultural and urban attractions including the Burleigh Head National Park, Palm Beach Village Centre, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, Southern Cross University, Gold Coast Airport and Coolangatta shopping and business precinct.
A new stabling facility and satellite depot, as well as eight new trams compatible with current operations, had also been planned.
A 2023 preliminary review of public transport options for the route confirmed a bus rapid transit option was forecast to near capacity by 2041 and, unlike light rail, would not be able to accommodate surge demand associated with major events.
Wilkie said the ARA’s report, The Renaissance of Light Rail¸ found extending the light rail on the Gold Coast would catalyse urban renewal and land value uplift, improve reliability and accessibility, reduce travel times for users and improve the community amenity.
“The existing Gold Coast Light Rail services have already delivered more than 100 million passenger journeys, showing people will vote with their feet when reliable, accessible and convenient public transport options are available,” she added.
“Queensland should not miss this opportunity to extend the benefits light rail has already delivered the state.”
