Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 3 gears up to begin major construction

The $1.044 billion Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 3 project is moving towards major construction as early works are nearing completion and the major works contract finalised. 

Stage 3, which runs from Broadbeach to Burleigh Heads, is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Government along with the City of Gold Coast. 

According to Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, signing the contract for Stage 3 is a massive milestone for a project ahead of the 2032 Olympic games. 

“This will support hundreds of jobs. 

“We know Gold Coasters love light rail, with the G recently clocking a milestone 60 million trips taken since it opened. 

“We know how successful light rail was during the 2018 Commonwealth Games and this next stage will play a key role in moving people between venues at the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games,” the Premier said. 

John Holland has been carrying out early works on the project and the contractor is now gearing up to begin major construction activities. 

The transformational Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 3 development is anticipated to create 760 jobs for Queenslanders, helping drive the State’s recovery from the pandemic and the floods. 

Early works commenced in mid-2021 and it paved the way for the major works package to begin this year. The early works stage included over 1,000 underground service and environmental investigations as well as initial site mobilisation and detailed design works. 

“The Gold Coast is a major growth region, which is why the Commonwealth continues to invest significantly in infrastructure projects – including $395.6 million for Stage 3 of the Gold Coast Light Rail – that ease congestion and help commuters get home sooner and safer. 

“The Morrison Government continues to put Queenslanders first, with over $3.9 billion committed to the state’s infrastructure pipeline in the 2022-23 Federal Budget alone – an investment that will support 20,500 jobs,” Federal Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts Paul Fletcher MP said. 

Stage 3 map (source: GoldlinQ Gold Coast Light Rail)

Stage 3 of the Gold Coast Light Rail will include: 

• A 6.7-kilometre extension from Broadbeach South to Burleigh Heads 
• Dual track in the centre of the Gold Coast Highway 
• Eight new stations though the Gold Coast’s southern suburbs including Nobby’s Beach, Miami and Burleigh Heads 
• Retain two traffic lanes either side of light rail tracks 
• Procurement of additional light rail vehicles 

“Stage 3 is the next step in delivering the envisioned 42-kilometre light rail connection from Helensvale to Coolangatta. 

“There has been a significant amount of early works already undertaken by John Holland and we will now see construction works increase significantly on site. 

“This next milestone is a big win for Gold Coasters, for local jobs and Queensland’s economy,” Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said. 

Federal Member for Moncrieff Angie Bell said the Government is committed to delivering the required infrastructure for the 2032 Games while providing a significant investment in generational infrastructure that secures the future for the Gold Coast as well. 

The new milestone on the Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 3 development is a welcome announcement that will also signal the creation of employment as well as training opportunities for the South East. 

“With more and more people choosing to make Queensland their home, it’s important that we are delivering the transport infrastructure people want and will use. 

“We know the light rail is a resounding success having completed more than 60 million passenger trips and it is a critical part of meeting the city’s ever increasing transport needs,” Gold Coast-based Minister Meaghan Scanlon said. 

John Holland CEO Joe Barr said the beginning of major construction on Stage 3 will help revitalise the Gold Coast while creating much-needed jobs. 

“We are excited to be involved on this city-shaping light rail project to improve public transport on the Gold Coast,” Mr Barr said. 

The $1.044 billion investment on Stage 3 is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments together with the City of Gold Coast, each contributing $395.6 million, $538.3 million and $91.5 million respectively. 

Source: Queensland Government – Media Statements; Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts; Queensland Government – Department of Transport and Main Roads; GoldlinQ Gold Coast Light Rail