Gold Coast light rail stage two uncertain if Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk calls an early election

A STATE election would endanger plans to complete the second stage of Gold Coast light rail before the 2018 Games with the government yet to sign off on the project’s construction phase.

A G:link tram crosses the Sundale bridge from Southport to Surfers Paradise early in the morning. Picture: JERAD WILLIAMS

AN early state election would endanger plans to complete the second stage of Gold Coast light rail before the 2018 Commonwealth Games, with the Government yet to sign off on the project’s construction phase which is due to start next month.

Operator, GoldLinQ, is in the final throes of completing the procurement process approved by the State late last year, with three preferred tenderers angling to build the $400-500 million project.

The loss to Labor of Cairns MP Rob Pyne this week has left it without a majority in parliament sparking speculation of a leadership coup and an early election.

Minister Stirling Hinchliffe.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk on Tuesday threatened to call a snap election, warning MPs that any moves to frustrate her agenda would see them heading to the polls.

If an election is called and parliament dissolved, the Government will be unable to enter any major contracts that would bind a new government.

The Gold Coast City Council has committed $55.1 million to the project and the Federal Government has promised $95 million but they rely on the State Government running and funding the process.

A G:link tram crosses the Sundale Bridge. Picture: Jerad Williams

Transport Minister Stirling Hinchliffe did not directly answer questions on whether a caretaker mode would impact the project which, he said, was “on track and on schedule”.

“The evaluation process is well advanced and a preferred proponent will be announced shortly, allowing major construction to commence,” he said in a statement.

“The delivery of stage two is possible thanks to strong lobbying by the Palaszczuk Government to secure federal funding support.

A G:link tram crosses the Sundale Bridge. Picture: Mike Batterham

“All three levels of government support this key infrastructure project and there are no roadblocks to the project going ahead.”

Mr Hinchliffe would not say whether a further formal decision of government was required to advance the project but GoldLinQ’s stage two website makes it clear the contracts are yet to be signed.

“Assuming approval to proceed with Stage 2 is obtained, it is envisaged that contracts will be finalised with design and construction commencing in early 2016,” it read yesterday.

GoldLinQ CEO Phil Mumford could not answer questions on what an election would mean for the project’s progress.

“The appointment of a preferred contractor is on schedule to occur soon,” he said.