Federal election 2025: Gold Coast business leaders call for greater infrastructure from new government

Gold Coast business leaders say whoever forms the next federal government cannot ignore the surging city any more and must invest in infrastructure. WHAT THEY WANT

Gold Coast business leaders say whoever forms the next federal government cannot ignore the surging city any more and must invest in infrastructure.

Neither Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, nor Opposition Leader Peter Dutton’s campaigns came to the city during the five-week battle, while no major funding announcements were made for much-needed key infrastructure projects.

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.

Business leaders, frustrated by the lack of attention the Gold Coast and its key issues received during the campaign, say the next government cannot take the city for granted.

Top of the list for the city business lobby is securing funding and support for the much-debated light rail extension from Burleigh Heads to the border via Gold Coast Airport.

Gold Coast Central Chamber of Commerce president Laura Younger said the city was a key engine room for the economy and needed to be given greater notice by both major parties.

“They need to give the Gold Coast more attention, we are a growing city,” she said.

“They need to look at the infrastructure, putting in Stage 4 of the light rail and supporting other key projects.

ELECTION:

* BULLETIN’S VIEW

* FULL CANDIDATE PROFILES

* POLL RESULT IN SOUTHERN GOLD COAST SEAT

Laura Younger Picture, Portia Large.

“(Creating more) housing goes without saying.

“They are not giving enough attention to the Gold Coast and we are being taken for granted.”

Only a handful of hyper-local projects received any funding from the LNP during the campaign, with no major infrastructure given a commitment from either side.

Labor made no funding announcements at all during the campaign.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Picture: Jason Edwards / NewsWire

A group of 10 heavyweight business leaders recently wrote to Premier David Crisafulli urging the state government to continue building the tramline.

The letter, penned by Gold Coast Light Rail Business Advisory chairman Stephen Harrison, was countersigned by figures from across the tourism, education, and health industry.

“So it is essential that the planning and preparations for the project commence shortly after the conclusion of the community consultation process currently being undertaken,” he wrote.

“As you’ve said previously, doing nothing is not an option, as congestion already badly affects the southern part of the city. As a result, we are calling on you to make a clear commitment to the city and to Light Rail Stage Four before the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.”

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton. (Photo by Dan Peled/Getty Images)

Mr Albanese has previously expressed support for the tram extension, which is a state-led project which receives federal backing.

Mr Harrison confirmed he and his fellow business leaders remained a united front on the project and would write to either Mr Albanese or Mr Dutton once the winner is known, to press the case.

“The highest priority for the Gold Coast business community is the extension of the light rail to the border and the airport because it will help ease congestion for the southern end of the city,” he said.

“A similar letter will be sent to the incoming prime minister to convey that the business community is united behind light rail Stage 4 being the top priority.”

Mr Harrison said it was critical that other infrastructure projects received backing.

“It is important that the Coomera Connector funding is extended so it can be completed up to the Logan Motorway interchange.

“Any further assistance in terms of boosting housing supply on the Gold Coast will be critical as we have a lack of affordable housing currently.”

The Gold Coast is Australia’s sixth largest city and on track to hit a million residents within two decades.