Gold Coast light rail stage 4: Fears Stage 4 from Burleigh to border will be delayed in spending cuts
A review of more than $120bn of infrastructure won’t stop the Gold Coast light rail extension, with the city’s Senator revealing why the federal government will back the project.
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The Gold Coast’s Cabinet Minister Murray Watt insists the federal government still backs the tram extension to the border despite fears it will be delayed in a major infrastructure review.
The Albanese Labor Government on Monday unveiled a review into more than $120bn of national infrastructure projects.
His federal government is looking at clamping down on inflation and reigning in spending.
The independent review will run for 90 days and look at the federal government’s infrastructure pipeline, the Infrastructure Investment Program.
City leaders, including Mayor Tom Tate and Central Chamber of Commerce boss Martin Hall have both urged the government to keep the Burleigh-to-the-border extension on the fast-track.
They insist it must be completed and operational ahead of the 2032 Olympic Games.
Senator Watt said he was in close touch with Cabinet colleagues about the project.
He said on Tuesday the federal government remained committed to light rail to the border, despite the infrastructure review.
“Light rail on the Gold Coast started under Anthony Albanese as Infrastructure Minister, and his government continues to support it, contributing nearly $400m for stage 3 which is now under construction,” he said of the stage now being built to Burleigh.
“As the Gold Coast keeps growing we need to look at transport solutions that make getting around quicker and easier for locals and visitors alike.
“The Albanese Government will work cooperatively with the Queensland Government as it identifies what transport projects it is proposing in conjunction with the Olympic Games, as we already have on Olympic venue funding.”
He took aim at the former Scott Morrison federal government which had a combative relationship with the state over the project
“Unlike the former Federal Government who picked fights with everyone, we have formed positive relationships with the state and territory governments. We are keen to continue working with the Palaszczuk Government on projects that benefit Gold Coasters, and how best they can be delivered,” he said.
A spokesman for Deputy Premier and Acting Transport Minister Steven Miles said the state was focused on completing the business case for Stage 4
“The Palaszczuk Government has committed $3.7m in partnership with Gold Coast City Council to undertake a preliminary business case for Gold Coast light rail Stage 4, this is expected to be completed later this year,” he said.
“The findings of the preliminary business case will guide the future stages of the project, including whether to proceed to a detailed business case and funding”
Federal Infrastructure and Transport Minister Catherine King said there was no specific number of projects which would be delayed or potentially axed.
To be built and ready for the 2032 Games, funding must be locked in by the end of 2024, with construction beginning in 2026 or 2027. The 14km stretch must be built by 2030, allowing two years for testing and bedding down of issues before the Games.
‘Catastrophic’: Fears light rail stage 4 will be delayed in spending cuts
Civic leaders have warned the federal government that funding cuts or delays to the Gold Coast light rail would be “catastrophic” for the city.
The caution comes in the wake of the Albanese Government on Monday announcing a review into more than $120bn of infrastructure projects.
The federal government is looking for ways to clamp down on inflation and reign in spending.
The independent review will run for 90 days and will look at the federal government’s infrastructure pipeline, the Infrastructure Investment Program
Labor says it will focus on projects that are “genuinely nation-building, economically sustainable and resilient to our changing climate”.
While Infrastructure and Transport Minister Catherine King insisted there was no specific number of projects which would be delayed or potentially axed, it has sparked fears the Gold Coast’s multi-billion dollar tram extension to the airport could be hit by delays.
Mayor Tom Tate called on the federal government to stick with its decision after last year’s federal election to put the Stage 4 Burleigh to border rail link on the fast track.
“I urge the Albanese Government to ensure light rail Stage 4 stays on their infrastructure priority list,” he said.
“It will ensure we have the network fully functioning in time for the 2032 Summer Olympics and Paralympics.
“Maintaining our lifestyle means improving our public transport options for families, singles, retirees, students and visitors. Light rail is our major public transport spine.
“While the federal government’s list may be clogged, the Gold Coast should not miss out and have its roads clogged, particularly when we are one of – if not the – fastest growing region in Australia.
“So let’s stay on board and on track to deliver light rail to the airport before the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.”
A $10m business case on the project is expected to be completed in coming months ahead of being funded by all levels of government.
To be built and ready for the 2032 Games, funding must be locked in by the end of 2024, with construction beginning in 2026 or 2027.
The 14km stretch must be built by 2030, allowing two years for testing and bedding down of issues before the Games.
Gold Coast Central Chamber of Commerce president Martin Hall warned any delay to the light rail would be “catastrophic”.
“We have been working towards a fixed horizon of the Olympics and having the light rail and Coomera Connector completed,” he said.
“To have either of those delayed would be catastrophic for the Gold Coast.
“Given people are already being forced to live further away because of the housing situation, it would defy any reasonable thinking to see any key projects like this delayed, especially if we want to be taken seriously as a growing city which will have the Olympics on its doorstep.”
The review is expected to find many projects in the pipeline are “not sufficiently funded” to ever be delivered on time or on budget.
Nothing under construction will be impacted.
Ms King blamed the former Coalition government for “massive cost overruns” in infrastructure projects across the country.
“They were interested in the announcement or the electoral outcome rather than delivering outcomes.” he said.
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Originally published as Gold Coast light rail stage 4: Fears Stage 4 from Burleigh to border will be delayed in spending cuts
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