Gold Coast light rail stage 3A: Pressure builds on State Government to commit to Burleigh tram route

PRESSURE is building on the State Government to fast-track funding for the third stage of the light rail. Business and political leaders say an early Christmas gift of funding could see trams arriving early.

PRESSURE is building on the State Government to fast-track funding for the third stage of the light rail.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison and business leaders yesterday urged the Palaszczuk Government to throw money at the project before Christmas, meaning work could start earlier on the 6.4km line from Broadbeach to Burleigh.

Prime Minister of Australia, Scott Morrison with a tram yesterday Picture: Jerad Williams

On the Coast yesterday to announce the Federal Government would commit $112 million to stage three, Mr Morrison said: “This is the largest single investment of a Commonwealth government light rail project anywhere in the country. The Queensland government is still responsible for infrastructure in Queensland, that is actually their day job and what they need to be involved in and supportive of.

“So we (federal government) are here, we have turned up, the invitation is there for them to show up too for stage three.”

LIGHT RAIL STAGE 3A ROUTE REVEALED

The Federal Government committed $112m to the tram extension.

The State Government and Gold Coast City Council are developing a $10 million business case for the extension. It is expected to be completed early next month.

Transport Minister Mark Bailey last night refused to bow to pressure and make a funding announcement.

The Minister confirmed the State Government would commit its portion of funding as soon as the business case was complete.

“When we started out building light rail, the Federal Labor government was in for 38 per cent of the cost,” he said.

WHAT LOCALS THINK OF TRAM EXTENSION

Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Mark Bailey (AAP Image/Darren England)

WESTERN LIGHT RAIL LINKS REVEALED

“That slipped to 23 per cent for stage two under Malcolm Turnbull and now, with the $112 million pledged by Scott Morrison to a total stage three project cost currently estimated at $670 million, the federal contribution is smaller again at 16 per cent.

“Stage 3A of the light rail is crucial for the Gold Coast’s transport and economic future.

“We’re serious about it … that’s why we’ve already put $5 million towards the business case.

“This project will create jobs and save public transport travel times.”

The trams will travel an extra 6.4km once the extension is completed.

WHAT BURLEIGH LOCALS THINK OF TRAMS

If funding is committed this year, work can begin in 2019 with passengers riding the system by late 2022 or early 2023.

This stage is considered a more difficult build than the Griffith University to Helensvale stage 2 because of work to be done under the Gold Coast Highway.

Gold Coast light rail business advisory group chairman Steve Harrison said a rapid announcement would be welcomed by the community.

“We are keen to engage with the State as soon as the business case is finalised so we can see a funding commitment become a reality.

“I understand the business case’s completion is imminent and we would be keen to see the state confirm its funding commitment. It would be fantastic to see it happen by Christmas.

“It would give everyone certainty.”

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The tram will run through Mermaid Beach on its way to Burleigh

The Gold Coast City Council will fund $66 million-$72 million of the project while the State Government will bear the remaining cost.

Mayor Tom Tate said he was pleased the three tiers of government were on board.

“I would say when the state gets the news they can negotiate what figure they come up with, but from the city of the Gold Coast we have kept funding at the same percentage point we did during stage one and two which is 11 per cent,” he said.

“It is up to the State Government to talk with the Federal government about what is a fair deal.”