Gold Coast light rail stage 3A: Treasurer Jackie Trad regrets not funding Broadbeach to Burleigh tram in budget

The Gold Coast light rail’s future remains in doubt with a funding dispute continuing to delay the $700 million project. Now one of the key players has revealed their biggest regret over the tram extension.

STATE Treasurer Jackie Trad has admitted failing to fund the Gold Coast light rail Stage 3A is her biggest regret from last week’s budget.

Eyebrows across the political sphere were raised after the Broadbeach to Burleigh tram link did not receive any money in the big-spending budget, which focused on infrastructure delivery and job creation.

An artist’s impression of how Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 3A would look in Burleigh.

Ms Trad, who last week defended the lack of funding for the project, said she had regrets about not including it.

“I would have loved to see the light rail continued,” she told a CEDA lunch at the Brisbane Convention Centre today.

Ms Trad used the occasion to call on the Federal Government to increase the amount of funding it was committing to the project.

Queensland Treasurer Jackie Trad and Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk speaking at the CEDA lunch at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre. Picture: Annette Dew.

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A business case has been completed for the link from Broadbeach to Burleigh Heads. However, the federal and state governments cannot agree on a funding split.

The Morrison Government last year committed $112 million to the extension, about 16 per cent of the $709 million total cost. State Government and Gold Coast City Council argue it is not enough.

The project remains on hold.

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The State Government wants the Feds to tip in an extra $157 million to meet its percentage commitment for Stage 1.

Mayor Tom Tate last week called for a compromise of an extra $45 million. “While I’m disappointed light rail was not included, I’m confident the conversation between the state and federal governments will continue,” he said.