MATTHEW HEPWORTH
Queensland Premier, Annastacia Palaszczuk has hinted at a third extension of the G:Link light rail network following the near completion of the Stage Two extension.
Ms Palaszczuk said following the overwhelming public support of Stage Two, funding has been allocated for a business case study for Stage Three.
“In recognition of how transformative Gold Coast Light Rail has been, I am very happy to announce that my Government is committing $5 million for the development of a detailed business case for Stage 3A in collaboration with Gold Coast City Council,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
Final track works are being completed on the Stage Two extension, connecting the Gold Coast University Station to the Helensvale Train Station with completion due early next year.
The Stage Three proposal includes a track extension from the existing Broadbeach South Station to a newly developed station in Burleigh Heads.
City of Gold Coast Mayor, Tom Tate said he fully supports the latest proposal.
‘I’m very happy with the funding committed to the business case for Stage 3A and will be continuing to work closely with the Palaszczuk Government as we work to deliver this project,” Mr Tate said.
Works are still in progress for the Stage Two development, including the removal of 84,000 tonnes of rock along the Smith Street Motorway.
The $420 million project was jointly funded by the Federal Government, Queensland Government and City of Gold Coast.
The Queensland Government has committed $5 million towards the business case study, however it has not confirmed who would fund the Stage Three extension if it were approved.
Federal MP, Steven Ciobo was also unclear whether the federal Government would support the stage 3 extension.
“I can say the federal government was involved in stage 1 of the light rail and that was the case for stage 2 as well,” Mr Ciobo said.