Communities to be connected to light rail says Trad as next light rail link heads south

THE final ink is yet to be put on the contract for light rail stage two but political leaders are already turning their attention to future tram stages.

Light Rail

THE final ink is yet to be put on the contract for light rail stage two but the political leaders are already turning their attention to future tram stages.

With the Federal Government giving in-principle support to the tram-to-train connection, thought is already being given to how further connections could link in with the existing first stage, which runs from Griffith University to Broadbeach.

Deputy Premier and Transport Minister Jackie Trad said future links were under consideration and that linking up the Gold Coast was important.

LIGHT RAIL’S UPS AND DOWNS

“The light rail is a great legacy item and we know a city like this needs a dedicated public transport system and we are proud of the legacy that it will leave,” she said.

“We know there are still communities to be connected up and that’s a long-term plan.”

No route has been confirmed for the rail’s third stage but the Bulletin understands it will most likely move south as part of a long-term plan to connect rail with Gold Coast Airport.

EARLIER: GOVT RELEASES STAGE 2 PROPOSAL

LIGHT RAIL’S FIRST YEAR A SUCCESS

City Planning boss councillor Cameron Caldwell said the council’s expectation for the third stage would be to extend the existing first stage from Broadbeach to Burleigh Heads.

“At a departmental level the state has been keen to see the next stage go to Burleigh and ultimately we want it to go all the way to the airport,” he said.

“Just about everyone wants the trail to go up the city’s spine and ideally we want it to be at the airport.”

The Gold Coast Bulletin understands the Burleigh link would travel along the Gold Coast highway through Mermaid Beach, Miami and Nobby Beach before arriving in central Burleigh Heads.

A link to Robina from Burleigh is also under investigation.