Updated designs on how Gold Coast’s new train stations will look

Updated designs along with onsite works show the Gold Coast’s three new railway stations are progressing, as the State Government defends criticism of a slow start to the rail projects.

Updated designs along with onsite works show the Gold Coast’s three new railway stations are progressing, as the state government defends criticism of a slow start to the rail projects.

Mudgeeraba MP and Opposition frontbencher Ros Bates after this month’s budget accused Labor of abandoning the Coast west of the M1.

Ms Bates said the long-touted Merrimac train station, first announced in 2017 and re-announced every year since, had not broken ground.

Coomera MP Michael Crandon targeted the government on no funding for the Ormeau Exit 45 upgrade, a key M1 road project in the city’s north.

But Transport Minister Mark Bailey has countered both attacks, providing updated pictures on site works on major projects in the electorates of the MPs.

What the new Hope Island railway station on the northern Gold Coast will look like.

“The Palaszczuk Labor government delivers a record $2.3 billion for the Gold Coast in this year’s budget and once again all the LNP can do is whinge and whine,” Mr Bailey said.

“Their response to the budget has been astounding. Praising the failed Newman government’s budgets that left 14,000 Queenslanders without a job and calling on the Palaszczuk government to stop designing and planning projects, to stop developing business cases.

“You can’t build and fund major infrastructure without doing the planning first and it’s reckless to think otherwise.”

Mr Bailey said the state had done the planning and proceeding with the “big build”.

“And there is no greater evidence of this than right across the Gold Coast,” he said.

“M1 upgrades, Gold Coast light rail, and let’s not forget the three new fully accessible rail stations on the Gold Coast at Pimpama, Merrimac and Hope Island – projects that Ros Bates and the LNP never proposed.

Works on site at the new Pimpama railway station on the northern Gold Coast.

“At Pimpama, our contractor ADCO is progressing excavation and earthworks and as well as piling for the new station platform. Construction of the new Pimpama station access road is progressing with drainage and utility relocation works continuing.

“At Hope Island, contractor AGJV is undertaking geotechnical and site investigations to inform the preliminary design.

“At Merrimac the design and construct offer has been received and is currently in the evaluation phase.

“Hope Island and Merrimac stations are expected to be operational in time for the opening of Cross River Rail.”

Site work for the new Hope Island railway station on the northern Gold Coast.

Ms Bates also targeted Labor on cost blowouts, estimating the three stations originally costed at $120 million were “now edging closer to a $500 million project”.

Mr Bailey, in response, said: “The initial allocation of $120 million has now been topped up as intended now that we are reaching the pre heavy construction stage.

“Unfortunately with record inflation left by the Morrison Government, the construction costs are at an all-time high.

“The Palaszczuk Labor Government will keep its word and election commitment to Gold Coast residents to build these new train stations, not cut them as the LNP seems to favour.”

Pimpama railway station being built on the northern Gold Coast.

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