Light rail extension from Broadbeach to Burleigh breaks ground, supporting over 700 good jobs

Major construction is underway on Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 3 (GCLR3), with upgrades to the Southport depot and essential underground services in Broadbeach and Mermaid Beach.

Traffic changes are taking place on the Gold Coast Highway to relocate and upgrade major water main, sewer and gas infrastructure.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the $1.2 billion, jointly funded, stage three extension will take the G:link system a further 6.7 kilometres from Broadbeach to Burleigh heads, with eight new stations.

“This is an exciting milestone for this project which will support around 760 good local jobs,” the Premier said.

“And if any of the previous stages are to go by, 90 per cent of workers came from the Gold Coast and surrounding regions.

"When complete, light rail Stage 3 will connect 27 kilometres of the Gold Coast to reliable and accessible public transport all the way from Helensvale to Burleigh Heads.

“Gold Coast Light Rail is an essential part of our successful delivery of the 2018 Commonwealth Games, and will play an even more important role in the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.”

To keep the community updated, an interactive project page has been launched at www.gclr3.com.au with information and an animation on construction, parking and business programs.

Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 3 is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland governments, and City of Gold Coast.

For more information, visit https://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/projects/gold-coast-light-rail or www.gclr3.com.au. 

Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King:

“This huge and exciting project will continue to transform and enhance public transport options to cater for the future population expansion of the Gold Coast.

“It will also provide tremendous opportunities for local industry and employment while the Gold Coast gears up for eight new light rail stations, which will incorporate bus connections. 

“I’m pleased to see how successful and popular light rail already has been on the Gold Coast, as the community anticipates the expansion and upgrade from Stage 3 construction now underway.” 

Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Emergency Management Senator Murray Watt:

"The start of major work is another significant step towards light rail stage three opening in 2025.

“This is a great example of cooperation between the 3 levels of government, and will help to support the extraordinary population growth being experienced by Australia’s sixth largest city.

"I look forward to the jobs and opportunities it will create for Gold Coasters.”

Quotes attributable to Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey:

“Light rail was started by Labor, and it’s only a Labor Government who will deliver it.

 “Never again will you need to fight for a carpark on Burleigh Hill when you and your surfboard can be dropped off at the surf club.

“This next phase of works will see construction of the road and rail begin down the Gold Coast Highway, as well as station begin to take shape.

“Stage 3 comes at a $1.2 billion investment in better transport services to maintain the Gold Coast’s great lifestyle – preventing gridlock as the region grows.

“Traffic conditions on the Gold Coast Highway will look a little different, so I appreciate the patience of drivers as we deliver this important project.”

Quotes attributable to Gold Coast based Palaszczuk Government Minister Meaghan Scanlon:

“Light rail has continued to go from strength to strength here on the Gold Coast, clocking in more than 65a million trips since it opened.

“Patronage has continued to soar as Gold Coasters return to the tram by the masses.

“Gold Coast Light Rail is the only mode of public transport in Queensland to surpass pre-covid patronage figures, seeing nearly 200,000 trips on the G last week.

"This just goes to show that the Gold Coast love the G and how it is transforming travel through our city.

“The Palaszczuk Labor Government is delivering more than $5 billion in road and rail projects on the Gold Coast over four years, supporting 4,300 jobs.

“I’m proud that almost all of that investment is supporting local workforces and suppliers as we strive to buy local.”

Quotes attributable to City of Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate:

"It’s all aboard to Burleigh. This three-way City Deal partnership is delivering modern, efficient and reliable public transport from Helensvale to Burleigh.

“Another historic day for our city and further proof that light rail is the key to our public transport into 2025 and beyond.”

Quotes attributable to GoldlinQ Chairman John Witheriff:

"GoldlinQ construction contractor, John Holland, will continue works on the underground services infrastructure and at the depot until the end of the year.

"The focus for the next 12 months will be on upgrading major underground services from Broadbeach to Burleigh Heads and preparing the highway for the light rail track to be installed.

"Light rail's popularity with locals and visitors to the Gold Coast, gives us confidence it will continue to be a highly used public transport mode into the future.

“Our contractors are committed to listening and responding to the needs of the businesses and local community as work progresses.

“We also encourage any businesses wanting more information to reach out to the John Holland community team via 1800 312 600 or sign up for email updates www.gclr3.com.au.”

Quotes attributable to John Holland CEO Joe Barr:

"This is an exciting milestone for the project after more than a year of early works.

“We’re thrilled to be entering the next stage of this city-shaping project for the Gold Coast.

“After significant early works, we’re now in a strong position to upgrade and relocate the existing underground infrastructure, before moving into the next critical phases of construction – including road civil works and rail and track installation.

“Since mid 2021, our community team has been busy doorknocking in local communities and providing project updates to businesses and residents along the alignment.“The GCLR3 website includes a range of support materials and programs to encourage people, including our construction workforce, to shop locally and bring foot traffic into businesses along the alignment.

"We'll do everything we can to minimise impacts during construction.

"We'll also continue to actively advertise for and engage with local workers and sub-contractors to be part of this city-changing project."

ENDS

MEDIA CONTACTS

Joe Ogilvie (Minister Bailey) - 0423 184 412

Lyndal Curtis (Minister King) - 0497 847 212

Tali Eley (Senator Watt) - 0448 078 456

Francis Dela Cruz (Minister Scanlon) - 0420 592 078