Budget funding update shows heavy rail planning to the border has been stalled

A transport funding update has cast new light on long-held ambitions to extend the Gold Coast’s heavy rail line to the airport. FULL DETAILS

The heavy rail extension from Varsity Lakes to the border has been removed from future State Government funding, according to a transport update.

The latest Queensland Transport and Roads Investment Program (QTRIP) shows the train extension south does not feature in the new State Government’s current budgeting.

Given the state government has hit the pause button on light rail Stage 4 amid consultation, it means residents cannot expect a public transport connection with the Gold Coast Airport in the short term.

Previous reports showed almost $1.2 million was allocated for 2024-25 to heavy rail corridor planning with $894,000 spent. Other smaller amounts were set down through to 2026-27.

Gaven MP and Opposition frontbencher Meaghan Scanlon said she was concerned the LNP Government had “completely cut any reference of the heavy rail corridor to the airport from their Budget Papers”.

Gold Coast transport map showing future light rail and heavy rail to the border.

“Previous Budget papers by Labor governments had showed continued investment to prioritise that corridor planning to make sure that in the future we can connect Gold Coasters on trains to the airport,” she said.

“But the LNP has completely removed it as a line item from the Budget papers, which shows me they have no interest in the heavy rail extension.”

Opposition transport Minister Bart Mellish said Premier David Crisafulli has “derailed trams and trains to the border”.

“Planning work to deliver rail from Varsity Lakes to the border has been cut from the budget, Light Rail Stage 4 is all but shelved, and only delays, secrecy and excuses remain,” he said.

“If David Crisafulli lived on the Gold Coast, he would know how much the city loves light rail.”

Mr Mellish said light rail was supported by Southport MP Rob Molhoek, Bonney MP Sam O’Connor, Surfers Paradise MP John Paul Langbroek and Burleigh MP Hermann Vorster backed it when a city councillor.

“And (Currumbin MP) Laura Gerber would benefit from it because she wouldn’t have to drive. Everyone except the LNP can see how important Light Rail Stage 4 is to the future of the Gold Coast,” he said.

Gaven MP Meaghan Scanlon — concerned about lack of transport funding. (Photo: Josh Woning)

Transport and Main Roads Minister Brent Mickelberg refuted Labor’s comments, saying the last government had not allocated any real funding to the heavy rail extension.

“The former Labor Government’s pitiful token amount for corridor extension planning was nowhere near enough to progress a project that would cost billions, and Labor knew it,” he said.

“This was just another farce by Labor to make it look like it was doing something when in fact it was virtually doing nothing – allocating just $50,000 in 2024/25.

“We are getting on with the job of delivering real, tangible improvements for the Gold Coast, including awarding the contract for the $5.7 billion Logan to Gold Coast faster rail project, which will deliver meaningful benefits for the tens of thousands of people who commute between the Gold Coast and Brisbane every day.

“We’re also delivering on our election commitment by ensuring residents are consulted on Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 4, following the disdain shown to the community by the former Labor Government.”

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Originally published as Budget funding update shows heavy rail planning to the border has been stalled