Almost $14 million being spent on Stage Four of light rail despite LNP wanting review
A big chunk of ratepayer money is being spent on stage four of light rail to the airport - despite the project’s future being in limbo. Read the full story
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About $14 million of ratepayer money is being spent on light rail stage four to Gold Coast Airport despite the project’s future being in limbo until the State election, it can be revealed.
Gold Coast City Council in its draft annual report 2024-25 highlights “light rail Stage Four in kind works” of $13.8 million.
The City wants a fast, green light on the tram airport extension to continue after the build to Burleigh. But the LNP - tipped to win the October poll - is putting on the brakes.
Opposition leader David Crisafulli, on Sunday, again declined to commit to building Stage Four saying the LNP in Government would undertake a review.
Premier Steven Miles remains “100 per cent committed” with Labor guided by business case in terms of building before the 2032 Olympics.
The City’s draft annual report shows the initial budget for Stage Four on top of council’s commitment to $35 million on Stage Three.
The Bulletin asked for a breakdown of the Stage Four spend which shows $5 million was for “early works”
These would include feasibility design for service location for future services including water, sewer mains and power cables relocation.
A business case development - a joint project with Main Roads - will cost $5 million.
About $3.75 million will cover city-led business case development works including environmental and engineering studies, transport and land use modelling.
Acting Mayor Donna Gates said the City remains “absolutely committed” to completing a generational transport project.
“Since 2009, various state and federal governments have funded stages of this project. Similarly, council has contributed and it is now time to complete Stage Four, as soon as Stage Three is finished.
“Since its launch a decade ago, light rail has carried around 84 million passengers - well above initial expectations.”
Ms Gates has backed Mayor Tom Tate, urging all levels of government to progress light rail.
“Building large-scale transport projects like light rail never get cheaper than today’s costs so I strongly encourage all levels of government to continue to support this project,” she said.
“I look forward to the finalised business case which is being jointly funded by council and the State Government.”
A Bulletin report in April revealed the cost of Stage Four would be more than $3 billion and at least $4 billion with an official upper estimate – considered by experts to be at the extreme upper end – at $7.6 billion.
The Opposition vowed to put a “brake” on it and completely review it if elected, sparking speculation it will not be delivered as an Olympics legacy item.
A business leader at a private briefing for the Bulletin’s Future Gold Coast campaign said there was no “plan B” transport option to cope with Olympic crowds.
New transport committee chair Darren Taylor was quick to back Mr Tate who in his first address to councillors in April after the March poll put Stage Four trams as a priority in the next council term.
“Light rail Stage Four to improve transport efficiency and connectivity across the city — we can look forward to the east-west connections as well. Public transport is essential, because it serves people who cannot afford it the most,” he said.
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Originally published as Almost $14 million being spent on Stage Four of light rail despite LNP wanting review
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