Trams: State Government ‘very keen’ for Gold Coast light rail Stage 3A to go ahead

Support for the Gold Coast’s Broadbeach to Burleigh extension remains strong despite the ongoing debate over its future, a powerful state leader says.

A GOLD Coast MP has questioned the State Government on why it has not used the $167 million left over from the 2018 Commonwealth Games to help extend the light rail from Broadbeach to Burleigh.

Surfers Paradise MP John-Paul Langbroek fronted Tourism Minister Kate Jones in Estimates hearings in parliament yesterday, saying the $167 million would “leave a true Commonwealth Games legacy”.

GIVE GOLD COAST A CITY DEAL FOR LIGHT RAIL

Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 3A

Ms Jones said Mr Langbroek’s question had been answered at last year’s Estimates hearing.

Last August, the Government said that “any revenue returned from the Games would be expended appropriately in the interests of Queenslanders”.

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Construction of the 6.6km Stage 3A was meant to begin later this year, but it was derailed because of a funding impasse between the state and federal governments. A business case has already been done.

MAYOR CALLS FOR ‘CITY DEAL’ FOR TRAM

Kate Jones under questioning yesterday. (Photo AAP/Megan Slade)

The state and federal governments have been at war over who should pay to extend the Gold Coast tram line. Prime Minister Scott Morrison has pledged $112 million, but the Palaszczuk Government says it is $157 million short of the Commonwealth’s stage 1 commitment.

Ms Jones said the State Government was “very keen” for the light rail to be extended.

“We are very keen to see the third stage go ahead,” she said.

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“The only partner in this crucial — and I agree with you entirely that it is crucial — development for the Gold Coast that each and every time whittles down their contribution is the Morrison Government, the conservative government of Australia.”