Gold Coast light rail stage 4: Tom Tate and business leaders back tram extension as tourism plans welcomed

Gold Coast political and business leaders have welcomed the new LNP government but issued a strong message about the future of the light rail extension to the border. FIND OUT MORE

Gold Coast political and business leaders have welcomed the incoming LNP administration’s plan to supercharge the city’s tourism industry but have warned the light rail extension to the border is key.

New Premier David Crisafulli was sworn in as Premier on Monday morning and has immediately set about his 100-day review of the 2032 Olympics, among a raft of other changes.

New Premier of Queensland David Crisafulli and Governor Dr Jeannette Young. Picture: NewsWire / John Gass

Mayor Tom Tate said that, while he was optimistic about the Crisafulli government and believed Gold Coasters wanted change, the LNP needed to keep the light rail extension on track for the 2032 Olympic Games.

He said the state government’s promised “review” of the Burleigh to the border stretch of the tram would confirm the plan to take the light rail through Palm Beach to the airport.

Mr Tate said after the business case and the detailed design are completed “from there we will know the actual budget”.

“From that report it will show the best route, the best return for money and the construction costs,” he said.

Mayor Tom Tate. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images for Football Australia)

“So let’s get that done and let’s see how all three tiers of government can help fund it.”

Mr Tate was backed by Gold Coast Central Chamber of Commerce president Laura Younger who said the project was critical to the city’s future prosperity.

“We are 100 per cent in favour of getting it built through to the airport because it is a must-build,” she said.

“It would be quite foolish to stop at Burleigh”.

The LNP has long supported the light rail and presided over the completion of Stage 1, while consistent funding it at a federal level, vowed before the election “put the brakes” on Stage 4 and review the route.

Business and tourism leaders have consistently backed the project, including Gold Coast Airport bosses who have already done planning for a station at their expanded terminal.

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.

Mr Tate and Experience Gold Coast boss John Warn have both welcomed Mr Crisafulli’s promise to put tourism front-and-centre for the city’s economy, including considering a plan to build a cableway in the hinterland.

Mr Tate said he hoped he could have a close working relationship with the new Premier and Tourism Minister.

“We talked about broadening the economy, now I’m talking about broadening the tourism economy,” he said.

Mr Tate said he had “stirred” up conversations about the potential skyrail in the Gold Coast Hinterland.

Both Mr Tate and Mr Crisafulli are on board for a light rail

“We want to make sure the Indigenous and first nations people are behind it and that the EIS is done,” he said.

“We can adjust the route to get the easiest option and once we get that, we will approach the premier with the proposal.”

Mr Warn said eco-tourism was critical for the city’s economy.

“As the fastest growing regional city in Australia, we know the Gold Coast is a powerhouse in Queensland, and that nature-based tourism is an important part of our destination’s tourism offering,” he said.

Experience Gold Coast CEO John Warn. Picture Glenn Hampson

“As a key part of Experience Gold Coast’s strategic plan also, we welcome the new premier’s commitment to developing eco-tourism.

“The term ‘green behind the gold’ has never been more apt than here on the Gold Coast, particularly with the City of Gold Coast’s renewed focus on nature-based tourism.

“Our Hinterland and natural attractions lay right on our doorstep and present a tremendous opportunity for invigorated products and experiences, and we look forward to working together to explore those opportunities and to support future growth in tourism more generally, events, education and arts and culture.”