Gold Coast light rail: LNP Opposition Leader David Crisafulli backs trams to Harbour Town

State Opposition leader David Crisafulli has thrown his support behind the extension of the Gold Coast light rail, saying the project is “essential” and “just makes sense”. FIND OUT MORE.

State Opposition leader David Crisafulli has thrown his support behind extending the light rail north to Harbour Town Shopping Centre, saying the project is “essential” and “just makes sense”.

The LNP leader, who has vowed to review the southern extension from Burleigh Heads to the border if elected in October, has supported the spur line which is also backed by local councillors and Harbour Town owner Lewis Land.

Speaking at a Northern Gold Coast Chamber of Commerce lunch at Southport Sharks, Mr Crisafulli said it was a project he hoped to see eventuate.

State Member for Bonney Sam O'Connor and State Opposition leader David Crisafulli arrive for Gold Coast North Chamber of Commerce lunch at Southport Sharks AFL club. Picture Glenn Hampson

“The spur to Harbour Town is essential and, (Bonney MP) Sam O’Connor is here and if I didn’t say that he’d jump up and down because he’s been talking about it for a long time,” he said.

“It makes sense, it’ll get more people onto it.”

A tramline running from the existing Gold Coast University Hospital station north to Harbour Town has long been in the plans, with initial tracks laid for it in 2013 during the construction of Stage 1.

The proposed route for a Harbour Town connection was a 3km spur line with several stops, including at Southport Sharks and further north at Central Street.

It has long been backed by Mr O’Connor who used his maiden speech in 2018 to describe light rail as “transformative for the Gold Coast” and urging it to “truly become the spine of our transport system”.

Bonney MP Sam O'Connor outside what would be the start of spur line for light rail to future link to Harbour Town at Biggera Waters.

New Arundel councillor Joe Wilkinson welcomed Mr Crisafulli’s support for the project, saying further extensions of the tramline would boost the economy.

“I am a big supporter of the light rail, that’s not hidden and to get it to Harbour Town would be an absolute win for our community,” he said.

“We need to open up modes of transport at the best of times and this would not only benefit locals with accessibility to the centre but our economy as a whole so they can involve themselves more in that space.”

However, don’t expect to see a northern tramline until the 2030s, with city and political leaders focused on construction of Stage 3 – between Broadbeach and Burleigh – and planning for Stage 4, which will run from Burleigh Heads to the border via Gold Coast Airport.

Funding is yet to be secured for the Coolangatta route but planning is well underway, with the detailed business case due to be delivered in mid-2025.

Artist impression of Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 4 between Tugun and Coolangatta, including Gold Coast Airport and the NSW border. Picture: Department of Transport and Main Roads.

That project, if backed by the council, state and federal governments, will be delivered by the 2032 Olympics, meaning other routes won’t be looked at until after that time.

The LNP has previously vowed to completely review the project if elected in October, including considering alternative routes and options.

The move has drawn criticism from city leaders, including Mayor Tom Tate and transport experts that it will potentially prevent the public transport link from being completed before the 2032 Olympics.

“Don’t play politics with the future – you can make decisions on data, not about what to do to get into power,” Mr Tate said in June.

Mr Crisafulli yesterday said he was open to improving transport in the city’s south.

“There is no doubt having connectivity through to the airport is essential … We need to go forth and have a look at the options carefully so that when we deliver infrastructure that it compliments, rather than erode, people’s lifestyle.