Gold Coast light rail stage 3A: $112m funding committed to Broadbeach to Burleigh tram extension

PRIME Minister Scott Morrison has fast-tracked more than $112 million for the Gold Coast Light rail’s third stage. The PM will this morning announce the funds and reveal when the first trams will arrive in Burleigh Heads and where light rail will go next.

PRIME Minister Scott Morrison has fast-tracked more than $112 million for the Gold Coast Light rail’s third stage, putting pressure on the State Government to stump up its own funding by Christmas.

The new PM arrived on the Glitter Strip this morning to confirm the Federal Government’s contribution to the light rail’s stage 3A, which will run from Broadbeach to Burleigh.

The light rail’s Stage 3A will terminate at Burleigh Heads.

The long-awaited funds, first revealed in an explosive budget leak in September, come just weeks before the results of a $10 million business case study on the $660 million, 6.4km extension.

Mr Morrison was previously coy about whether the government would fund the project but last night confirmed to the Gold Coast Bulletin the funds were ready to be used.

Extending the light rail from Broadbeach and Burleigh Heads is vital to supporting a growing city like the Gold Coast,” he told the Bulletin.

LIGHT RAIL STAGE 3A ROUTE REVEALED

Prime Minister Scott Morrison. Picture Dylan Robinson

“Our funding is locked in and ready to go from day one.

“Now it’s time for the Queensland Government to make their contribution — let’s get on with it.”

The Gold Coast City Council’s commitment is expected to be between $66m and $72 million while the State Government will bear the remainder of the cost.

WHAT LOCALS THINK OF TRAM EXTENSION

PM Scott Morrison says funding is “locked in and ready to go”.

Both have indicated support for funding it once the business case is completed.

Stage 3A will include eight new stations, upgraded pedestrian and cycling facilities and an upgraded bus interchange at Burleigh Heads.

It is expected to create 2400 jobs during construction and up to 39 per year once operational.

Mr Morrison said the tram system would help support population growth and bust congestion on the Gold Coast as well as boost tourism, local businesses and motorists.

WESTERN LIGHT RAIL LINKS REVEALED

The State Government and Council’s business case is being prepared.

While on the Coast, Mr Morrison will this morning hold a barbecue breakfast at Broadbeach Surf Club with local senior.

The tram extension will be complete, and operational by 2023 and will only take travellers 16 minutes to travel between the existing Broadbeach South Station and North Burleigh Heads.

The tram will travel south from Broadbeach.

Mr Morrison, making his second visit to the city since taking the nation’s top job in August, said the project would bring many opportunities for urban revitalisation at the Burleigh Heads and Nobby Beach precincts.

Though no funding has been committed, Mr Morrison confirmed a future Stage 3B would complete the entire corridor, connecting Coolangatta Airport with the earlier stages.

The State Government and Council are moving quickly to complete the business case.

WHAT BURLEIGH LOCALS THINK OF TRAMS

The PM says the trams will bring ‘urban revitalisation to Burleigh and Nobby Beach.

This study analyses the route and will determine exact costings and station locations.

State Transport Minister Mark Bailey last night told the Bulletin the business case for the tram was in its final stages before being completed early next month.

“The business case is advancing and is on track at the moment,” he said.

The case for Stage 3A was bolstered last week when new patronage figures revealed the trams were more popular than ever with locals.

Construction could begin as early as next year with trams running by 2023.

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An average of nearly 1 million trips a month are being taken on the trams according to Department of Transport and Main Roads figures.

In the July-September quarter, passengers took an average of 70,575 more trips per month than in the January to March quarter, bringing the total to 949,687 trips a month.