Federal government to inject $130m into Gold Coast light rail

The Morrison Government will inject almost $130 million to get the stalled latest stage of the Gold Coast light rail on track as part of next week’s federal Budget.

The Morrison Government will inject almost $130 million to get the stalled latest stage of the Gold Coast light rail on track as part of next week’s federal Budget.

The $126 million funding lifeline for the third stage of the Coast’s popular people mover, from Broadbeach to Burleigh Heads, will be announced by Federal Urban Infrastructure Minister Paul Fletcher at a media conference today.

It follows delays in the State Government signing the contract for the 6.7km third stage, despite the project already being announced and builder John Holland announced as the major contractor.

Prime Minister of Australia, Scott Morrison, at the Gold Coast light rail. Picture: Jerad Williams

Transport Minister Mark Bailey last month confirmed the delay, saying it would ‘impact the project’s timelines and initial final budget’.

Coast Mayor Tom Tate vowed that ratepayers would not cough up ‘a single cent’ more to pay for the project.

The light rail extension is expected to take three years to build and was originally scheduled to be completed in 2023.