The Queensland Government has made a significant decision to cancel the much-anticipated extension of the Gold Coast Light Rail. This decision, announced recently, halts Stage 4 of the project, which was set to establish a 13-kilometer direct route from Burleigh Heads to Coolangatta, passing through the Gold Coast Airport. The cancellation comes in response to what the Crisafulli Government describes as “overwhelming local community opposition.”
Instead of the light rail extension, the government plans to develop a rapid bus service. The Department of Transport and Main Roads is tasked with conducting a multi-modal transport study to explore viable options for the region. This decision follows extensive community consultation, during which over 5,600 submissions were received, highlighting concerns about potential time and cost overruns. The project was estimated to cost up to $9.85 billion, a figure that alarmed many residents.
Community Concerns and Government Response
The government asserts that the local community favors bus services, viewing them as a more “cost-effective and flexible solution.” Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning, Jarrod Bleijie, emphasized the government’s commitment to listening to the Southern Gold Coast community. He stated, “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.”
Bleijie added that the decision aims to ensure transport infrastructure projects align with the values and lifestyle priorities of local communities. This approach underscores the government’s intention to foster partnerships with communities in developing infrastructure projects.
Industry Reactions and Potential Impacts
However, the decision has not been without its critics. Caroline Wilkie, Chief Executive Officer of the Australasian Railway Association (ARA), expressed disappointment over the cancellation. She argued that the extension would have unlocked significant economic, community, and sustainability benefits for the Gold Coast.
“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,” Wilkie stated.
Wilkie further highlighted that the certainty of “tracks in the ground” would have spurred economic growth and supported long-term development along the corridor. She warned that relying on buses might not meet the growing demand for transport services in the region, potentially leading to increased congestion and emissions.
Historical Context and Future Considerations
The Gold Coast Light Rail has been a transformative project for the region, with the existing network already facilitating over 100 million passenger journeys. The proposed extension would have completed a 40-kilometer link from Helensvale to Coolangatta, servicing key cultural and urban attractions such as Burleigh Head National Park, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, and the Gold Coast Airport.
In a 2023 preliminary review, it was noted that a bus rapid transit option might reach capacity by 2041 and would struggle to handle surge demands during major events, unlike a light rail system. The ARA’s report, The Renaissance of Light Rail, suggested that extending the light rail could catalyze urban renewal, enhance land value, and improve accessibility and reliability.
“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,” Wilkie added.
As the debate continues, the Queensland Government’s decision represents a pivotal moment for the region’s transport infrastructure. While the focus shifts to developing a rapid bus service, questions remain about whether this alternative will adequately meet the future needs of one of Australia’s key international tourism destinations.
Moving forward, the outcomes of the Department of Transport and Main Roads’ study will be crucial in shaping the future of public transport on the Gold Coast. The community and stakeholders alike will be watching closely to see how these plans unfold and whether they can deliver on the promise of efficient, sustainable, and community-aligned transport solutions.
