Queensland Cancels Gold Coast LRT Stage 4 Project

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Introduction

The Government of Queensland has cancelled the Gold Coast LRT extension (Stage 4) project due to local community opposition. The decision follows public consultation that revealed a preference for enhanced bus services and broader regional transport planning. The potential cost of the project reached AUD 9.85 billion (USD 6.4 billion).

Main Content

Project Cancellation

The Queensland government has decided to halt the Gold Coast LRT extension (Stage 4) project. This decision comes after a review of community feedback and a strategic shift towards improving bus services and regional transport planning. The project was cancelled due to significant community opposition revealed in over 5,600 submissions.

Community Consultation and Concerns

The public consultation process indicated a strong preference for cost-effective and flexible transport solutions. These solutions should also respect the natural environment and preserve local landmarks, including Burleigh Head National Park and Tallebudgera Creek. Nearly two-thirds of the respondents expressed negative views regarding the project. Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie stated the aim was to ensure that infrastructure projects are delivered in partnership with local communities.

Cost Overruns

A key concern highlighted by the consultation was the potential for substantial cost and time overruns. The projected cost for the project could have reached AUD 9.85 billion (USD 6.4 billion). This figure exceeds Labor’s original estimate of AUD 2.7 billion (USD 1.75 billion) and the later revised estimate of AUD 7.6 billion (approximately USD 5 billion).

Gold Coast Light Rail System Overview

The Gold Coast Light Rail (GCLR) system is being developed in stages. Stage 3 is currently in progress and involves a 6.7 km extension scheduled for completion in 2026. Upon completion, the tram network will span 27 km, running from Helensvale to Burleigh Heads, connecting communities to various destinations.

Stage 4 Project Details

Stage 4 of the Gold Coast LRT extension was planned to be a 13 km tram network from Burleigh Heads to Coolangatta via Gold Coast Airport. This stage was designed to connect key coastal communities in the southern Gold Coast. The project included constructing nine new stops between Burleigh Heads and Tugun, with additional stops planned between Tugun and Coolangatta. It also proposed dedicated pedestrian and cycle bridges across Tallebudgera and Currumbin Creeks, an eco-bridge (wildlife crossing) between Burleigh Head National Park and Burleigh Ridge Park, and improved access to the M1 motorway via a connection to 19th Avenue in Palm Beach.

Conclusion

The Government of Queensland has cancelled the Gold Coast LRT extension (Stage 4) project following community consultation. The project was cancelled because of the community’s opposition, concerns about cost, and a shift toward bus services and broader regional transport planning. The potential cost of the project was estimated to be AUD 9.85 billion (USD 6.4 billion).

Company Summary

Gold Coast Light Rail (GCLR): The GCLR system is being delivered in multiple stages, with Stage 3 underway, which will extend the network to 27 km upon completion.

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