Palaszczuk Government takes next step towards federal funding bid for Gold Coast Light Rail stage two

The Palaszczuk Government today announced the opening of the expression of interest process for stage two of Gold Coast Light Rail - a critical step in the timeline to meet the 2018 Commonwealth Games deadline.

Ms Trad said stage two of Gold Coast Light Rail was a project of national significance in the context of the Commonwealth Games but one that can only proceed with Commonwealth funding.

The Palaszczuk Government is moving quickly to finalise a revised business case and detailed financial submission to enable the Commonwealth Government to commit vital project funding.

“Mr Abbott recently opened the door to consider providing additional funds towards the Commonwealth Games following a discussion with the Premier at the recent Council of Australian Governments meeting,” Ms Trad said.

“The Palaszczuk Government is now preparing a business case to enable this project to move from the drawing board to construction in time for the Commonwealth Games – contingent on a Federal funding contribution.”

Ms Trad said opening the expression of interest process and releasing the proposed route for stage two was a critical step to complete the submission for the federal government. 

“Going to market with an expression of interest process will enable us to finalise a revised business case for this key Commonwealth Games infrastructure,” Ms Trad said.

“The Queensland Government looks forward to Mr Abbott's urgent assessment and funding commitment to make stage two possible in time for the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games.”

Ms Trad said GoldLinQ - the operators of stage one of the light rail system approached the state government with a funding and construction proposal to complete stage two between Helensvale and Gold Coast University Hospital in time for the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

“The Premier has written to the Prime Minister to inform him the Queensland Government will now work with GoldLinQ and the Gold Coast City Council to prepare a detailed submission and conduct an expression of interest process for the design and construction of stage two,” Ms Trad said.

“In order to prepare our submission we have today released a new route for stage two. The proposed 7.3 kilometre light rail alignment runs from Gold Coast University Hospital Station to Helensvale heavy rail station and bus interchange.

“A tram journey on the new route would take approximately 11 minutes – more than seven minutes faster than the alternative Olsen Avenue alignment.

“And importantly, it is possible the new route will be able to be delivered for less than half the cost and within a shortened procurement and construction timeframe.

"The Palaszczuk Government is working hard to explore all delivery and financing options available to ensure the project provides the best value for money and can be delivered in time for the Games, but we need the Abbott Government to step up and make a contribution.”

Ms Trad said a contribution from all three levels of government will be required if the project is to be built in time for the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

“The Palaszczuk Government has been supporting this project since the election and lobbying the Abbott Government for funding at every opportunity,” Ms Trad said.

“Pending Federal Government funding support, the Department of Transport and Main Roads has identified savings within its existing budget to allow for a State Government contribution to this project."

In keeping with the Palaszczuk Government’s responsible approach to managing the state’s finances, no new spending is required over the forward estimates.    

“We’ve said all along that it’s a major public transport infrastructure project and will require cooperation and funding from all three levels of government – this is how Stage 1 was delivered and everybody on the Gold Coast knows how successful that project is," Ms Trad said.

“I am pleased the Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate has already committed to contribute to the project.

“Now that the Prime Minister has finally indicated he will consider a funding request, we are doing everything we can to secure federal dollars to get this project over the line.

“With the Games around the corner, we will continue to advocate for this project and deliver a strong submission to ensure the Abbott Government are on board with the light rail extension.

“If the Commonwealth refuses to come on board with a funding contribution of at least the same proportion as stage one, any chance of this project proceeding in time for the Commonwealth Games will be dashed.”

According to Gold Coast Mayor, Cr Tom Tate says the Gold Coast need to seize this opportunity to complete the Light Rail connection to heavy rail as we head into the Commonwealth Games.

“The state and the city are together on this so all we need now is PM Tony Abbott to get on board to fund the missing link in this job generating project.

“Once the tender is complete and the best price is locked in, I am sure the Prime Minister will join the other two levels of government to deliver Stage II in time for the 2018 Commonwealth Games.”

Expressions of interest will be open from Monday, 10 August 2015 for 21 days and close on Friday, 28 August 2015.

To view the proposed route for stage two visit: www.tmr.qld.gov.au/Projects/Name/G/Gold-Coast-Light-Rail-Stage-2.aspx

Deputy Premier’s Office: 0488 996 667