Queensland state budget 2025: What Gold Coasters most want to see from LNP government

Mayor Tom Tate says there is “only one” item he wishes to see in Tuesday’s state budget – and it could determine the future of transport on the Gold Coast. WHAT GOLD COASTERS WANT

Mayor Tom Tate says there is “only one” item he wishes to see in Tuesday’s state budget – and it could determine the future of transport on the Gold Coast.

Community groups and business leaders are urging the Crisafulli Government to boost items including the Coomera Connector, heavy rail, Coomera Hospital and a promised police beat at Burleigh.

However Mr Tate, who is concerned the Government will permanently push the pause button on light rail Stage Four to the border, said there is one item he will be looking for.

“That’s the $15 million to match our $15 million commitment to complete the light rail detailed business case,” Mr Tate said.

“If that’s been removed, then I know that they’ve turned their backs on Stage Four.

“That’s really the litmus test and if it is not there then we know there is no intention to do anything on Stage Four in this term of government.”

Projected route of stage four of the light rail.

Mr Tate’s comments were echoed by Gold Coast Central Chamber of Commerce president Laura Younger, who said transport investment was critical as the growing city battled traffic gridlock.

“I particularly want to see light rail Stage 4 funding, even if it is just the commitment to complete the business case, because that would show some willingness,” she said.

“It would be crazy not to see it through. Greater transport connectivity and support for build-to-rent developments and housing too.”

But the Community Alliance (CA), which represents more than a dozen local advocacy groups and is opposed to light rail Stage Four, said it wants to see funding for east-west bus routes, the Coomera Connector and heavy rail.

New faster buses proposed as part of a rapid transit plan for east west bus links on the Gold Coast.

“Use modern, comfortable, Zero Emission Buses (ZEBs) or Brisbane Metro style vehicles running high frequency at 10-minute intervals to service the network,” CA leader John Hicks said.

“And extend heavy rail from Varsity Lakes to Gold Coast Airport, with efficient interchange hubs serviced by ZEBs at the new stations.”

The Alliance opposes the proposed Springbrook cableway but wants funding for a Hinterland Environmental Tourism Information and Interpretative Centre.

Save Our Spit is urging the Government to finalise The Spit Master Plan and ongoing funding for the Gold Coast Waterways Authority.

Gaven MP Meaghan Scanlon said the Crisafulli Government’s first budget would be a test of whether their Gold Coast-based MPs took their seats for granted.

“Now is not the time to go-slow in Gold Coast investment, especially in transport, which has never been so important for the city,” she said.

Gaven MP Meaghan Scanlon — believes Crisafulli Government first budget will be a true test of their commitment to the Gold Coast. Picture: Glenn Campbell.

“Light Rail Stage 4 and heavy rail to the border must be full steam ahead and the LNP’s budget must reflect that.”

The Opposition frontbencher also backed investment in high frequency east-west transport from Broadbeach to Nerang and investment to expand the ‘On Demand’ bus service.

“We have already seen David Crisafulli hit pause to construction on the Coomera Hospital,” she said.

“This budget must feature significant investment and provide certainty around construction time frames because the Gold Coast can’t afford delays.”

A 404-bed hospital at Coomera, started by the former Labor government, was originally costed at $1.3bn with the build due to be finished in September 2027.

However an independent report commissioned by the Crisafulli government found costs had blown out to $2.2bn, it was at least six months overdue and needed to be at least 600 beds, prompting a return to the drawing board.

Ms Scanlon said she was also concerned about the status of promised LNP funding for a Burleigh police beat.

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Originally published as Queensland state budget 2025: What Gold Coasters most want to see from LNP government