Planning for the Gold Coast Light Rail is moving beyond Burleigh and south to the airport.
Community consultation has begun for the 13km stage 4 extension from Burleigh Heads.
A detailed fly-through of the route to Tugun has been released and highlights the increasing number of high-rise developments along the city’s transport corridor.
An “oceanway” pedestrian pathway in Palm Beach, more bridges and a fauna overpass near Tallebudgera Creek are all part of the plans.
Planning on the final stage, from Tugun to the airport at Coolangatta, is also under way with a business case and study expected to be complete by mid-2022.
The Gold Coast Light Rail has spurred a number of development applications.
The Gold Coast City Council has identified the transport corridor as appropriate to help accommodate 15,000 more residents each year to 2041 with diverse housing options.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said major transport infrastructure projects such as the light rail were an important part of the state’s Covid-19 recovery.
“We’re investing in public transport on the Gold Coast to create jobs, stimulate the local economy and take cars off the roads into the future,” Palaszczuk said.
“It’s thanks to my government that we’ve been able to deliver the first two stages of the light rail. We’re working on stage three.”
Last week an agreement was made with GoldlinQ and John Holland to undertake detailed planning and start establishing a site presence along the Broadbeach to Burleigh Heads stage.
Gold Coast mayor Tom Tate said seamless public transport was crucial to the Gold Coast’s future.
“The light rail corridor—from Helensvale all the way to Coolangatta—is seen as our public transport spine. From that, we will link rapid public transport connections both east and west,’’ Tate said.
“Studies are now under way into these east-west connectors which may involve hydro buses, electric buses and even automated transport modes including driverless systems.”
Meanwhile, the Sunshine Coast Council is looking at creating its own mass-transit system, from Maroochydore City Centre to the Sunshine Coast University Hospital, with light rail, heavy rail or bus corridors all on the table.
