Gold Coast Light Rail 3A: Tram funding deal fast-tracks Burleigh development plans
Plans to redevelop a site in the heart of Burleigh Heads will be revived and fast-tracked after a deal was struck to extend the light rail.
Gold Coast
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PLANS to redevelop a major site in the heart of Burleigh Heads to create a multi-storey carpark will be fast-tracked after the light rail’s stage 3A got the green light.
The Gold Coast Bulletin yesterday revealed a deal had been struck between the state and federal governments for Canberra to put an extra $157 million into the project.
Political leaders, including Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormick, Mayor Tom Tate and State Transport Minister Mark Bailey yesterday popped the cork on champagne to celebrate the end of the funding impasse.
Preliminary works would begin in early 2020, with tenders to go out at the same time.
Major construction will begin late next year with the first passengers to board in 2023.
The Mayor said he would fast-track a proposal he made at the 2016 election to build a multi-storey carpark in central Burleigh Heads on the site of an existing council carpark to service the light rail.
“Absolutely we are going to pull (the Burleigh carpark proposal) out and make it a higher priority because I want the carpark to be done before the light rail is finished,” he said.
“This will mean people will be in the habit of going there and parking before the trams arrive.”
Cr Tate announced the Burleigh carpark as part of a “three-point” parking plan he announced as part of his re-election bid.
The Federal Government cash injection for the extension to Burleigh means it will contribute $269 million to the $709 million project, the same funding percentage it committed for Stage 1. The State Government will tip in $351 million and council $89 million.
Construction of the project will create 760 jobs.
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Mr Bailey confirmed two properties would be resumed to make way for the tram extension, including the Caltex at Burleigh Heads.
“Fortunately with this project there are only two land parcels in questions so there will be no hold ups,” he said.
“The project is very close to its final form, we will now have industry briefings before Christmas,” he said.
“Most of the land is publicly owned.”
A 15-storey tower had been planned for the Caltex site but this project is not expected to go ahead.
Yesterday’s announcement was welcomed by the business and tourism industries as a major win for the city.
“This investment in Gold Coast light rail is a fabulous outcome that will help to bust congestion along this magnificent piece of coastline and ensure easy access for both residents and visitors alike,” Tourism & Transport Forum boss Margy Osmond said.
Gold Coast Central Chamber of Commerce deputy president Laura Younger said the tram extension was “vital for the economic health of the Gold Coast in the short-term future and now is the time for action instead of talking”.
Cr Tate said his attention would now turn to drawing up plans for Stage 3B, which is expected to run from Burleigh Heads to Gold Coast Airport.
“I am going to go and sharpen my pencil and work out a strategy for Stage 3B,” he said.
The final route of Stage 3B is yet to be determined, with political leaders split over where it should go.
The route to the Airport via Palm Beach is considered the most likely option but some councillors and State MPs want to see the trams go west to Varsity Lakes along a spur line the State Government has planned.
State Government-led consultation found 86 per cent of Coast residents wanted Stage 3A, while 91 per cent supported Stage 3B.
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