NSW state government looks at extending light rail from Coolangatta to Tweed Heads

THE New South Wales state government is eyeing off taking the Gold Coast tram system into Tweed Heads. but there is just one thing stopping them from making the dream a reality.

THE New South Wales government says it is eager to see the Gold Coast tram line extended all the way to the Tweed.

NSW Transport Minister Andrew Constance yesterday said his government would seriously examine the possibility when the existing line is extended to Coolangatta.

BIG STEP FORWARD AS TWEED TALKS TRAMS

The Gold Coast’s tram network could be extended across the border. Photo: Steve Holland

“We will investigate transport needs across the region including the potential of extending the Gold Coast light rail system into the Tweed,” Mr Constance said.

WHERE THE LIGHT RAIL IS GOING NEXT

But Queensland Deputy Premier and Transport Minister Jackie Trad warned her southern counterparts must be able to show Queensland the money.

“This is a project that has huge benefits for the whole region and if NSW want to be a part of it they have to come to the table with funding,” Ms Trad said.

The cross-border plan was revealed by the Bulletin in February. (AAP Image/Dave Hunt)

In February, the Bulletin revealed a multimillion-dollar study was looking at extending the Gold Coast light rail network south into the Tweed.

STATE ANNOUNCES $5M SUPPORT FOR LIGHT RAIL STAGE 3

The NSW extension is one of several future plans in the works for the tram system.

While the Broadbeach-Burleigh link will be the next cab off the rank, Stage 3B will take the light rail to the border.

The cross-border option would be considered after 2022, along with western routes which would see trams travel to Robina and Nerang.