Gold Coast Light Rail Receives Green Light

Gold Coast light rail Stage 3A is underway with GoldlinQ appointed to conduct an industry briefing and Expressions-of-Interest (EOI) process for construction of the 6.4-kilometre southern extension.

Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure Alan Tudge said the Australian Government had made an additional funding commitment of $157 million towards the project, bringing the total Australian Government to $269 million.

“By extending the existing light rail system from Broadbeach South Station to Burleigh Heads, this will increase the productivity of transport corridors along the southern Gold Coast,” Mr Tudge said.

Federal Member for McPherson Karen Andrews said the Stage 3A upgrade would reduce congestion on the Gold Coast Highway and the M1Pacific Motorway, allowing it to be used more for inter-regional transport.

“Reducing congestion, improving local public transport and making our city more connected will make the Gold Coast an even better place to live,” Ms Andrews said.

Federal Member for Moncrieff Angie Bell said improving the city’s accessibility would improve access to jobs and services within the Gold Coast.

“With the ability to travel between Broadbeach South Station and Burleigh Heads in 17 minutes, alongside improved pedestrian and cycling facilities, this will make getting around the Gold Coast easier for everybody, especially for those who don’t drive,” Ms Bell said.

The Queensland Government and City of Gold Coast last year released a reference design for Stage 3A with the 6.4km extension to be built in the centre of the Gold Coast Highway with eight stations between Broadbeach South light rail station and Burleigh Heads.

GoldlinQ Chairman John Witheriff said the competitive tender process for design and construction would start with interest being sought from leading national and international companies.

“A shortlist of selected contractors will be determined early next year with a detailed tender process to follow, allowing a construction partner to be appointed and major works to start in the second half of 2020,” Mr Witheriff said.

“Lessons learnt from Stage 1 were implemented in the delivery of Stage 2 and our focus is on ensuring value for money, an innovative construction approach and minimising community impacts.

“We are partnering with government to deliver this project and will work closely with industry throughout the process.”

Construction is expected to take about three years and will deliver more than 760 jobs with light rail services to Burleigh expected to be operational in 2023.

Construction contractors interested in participating in the Expressions of Interest process for Gold Coast light rail Stage 3A should visit www.goldlinq.com.au