Light rail, Greenheart and Lyric Theatre funding tops Mayor Tom Tate’s wishlist for new government

Extending the Gold Coast light rail has topped Mayor Tom Tate’s wishlist for the new state government as he reveals why he’s confident the border extension will be approved.

Extending the Gold Coast light rail has topped Mayor Tom Tate’s wishlist for the new state government, arguing the numbers stack up.

Mr Tate, in a near-2000 word opinion piece, has unveiled his priories he wants to see the David Crisafulli-led government back in the next four years, including housing and infrastructure.

Mr Tate said he welcomed the government’s election promise to “review” Stage 4’s route between Burleigh Heads and the border but said it was critical the tram’s coastal route was completed by 2032.

The Environment and Tourism Minister Andrew Powell met with Mayor of the Gold Coast Tom Tate this week to discuss tourism. Picture: Nigel Hallett

“I am very confident that review will show that the best value for money option is the currently proposed alignment via the Gold Coast Highway where the cost will be lower and where more people live and work,” he said.

“Statistics tell a compelling story and 83 million paying passengers on light rail over the past decade is an undeniable tick of approval for this modern transport mode.

“Light rail projects are being built in every continent on the planet and it is vital that people don’t have to change mode at Burleigh Heads just as it is vital that elderly and disabled people are able to use a public transport mode that supports their needs.”

Construction of Stage 3 is on target to be completed in late 2025, with city leaders hoping Stage 4 will pick up straight from it.

Artist impression of Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 4 between Tugun and Coolangatta, including Gold Coast Airport and the NSW border. Picture: Department of Transport and Main Roads.

A detailed business case is due to be completed mid-year.

Mr Tate said he wanted to partner with the state government to deliver the expansion of the Home of the Arts (HOTA) and the Greenheart parklands at Robina.

He argued a greater investment in the arts would deliver greater tourist numbers.

“As for HOTA it is time for the state government to help us finalise the precinct with an 1800-seat Lyric theatre,” he said.

“State and federal governments have provided funding in capital and regional cities across Australia for arts and culture but to date, HOTA is entirely ratepayer funded.

The planned Lyric theatre at HOTA on the Gold Coast.

“The Greenheart project is underway with the Robina Parklands but we need assistance to accelerate the project and ensure the local sports fields, festival space, walking and cycling trails etc are delivered.”

“The Lyric Theatre will be a cultural asset for local residents but with top class theatre throughout the year will also entice tourists to stay longer and attract day tripper and overnight visitors.”

Greenheart will be a sprawling 241-hectare space between Robina and Merrimac, featuring vast open spaces, beautiful natural and cultural landscapes, an event quarter, recreational and educational precincts, and large scale sports facilities. Photo: Supplied,

Mr Tate said he hoped the new government would continue to develop a planned boutique stadium, which is expected to be built at Southport’s Carey Park if funded.

“The city is missing out on major sporting events and concerts because we don’t have this infrastructure,” he said.

“We are currently in a process working with the private sector and government to identify the appropriate site and funding model and there is significant private sector interest.

“The outgoing Labor government had been working with council on this project and I will look to maintain momentum with the incoming government.”