Construction to finally begin on Gold Coast light rail extension

Gold Coast light rail. Image courtesy of G:Link.

Work on Stage 3 of Gold Coast light rail project is finally getting underway, with GoldlinQ and John Holland commencing detailed construction planning for the project.

The estimated $1 billion Stage 3 project will deliver a 6.7 kilometres extension south of the existing Gold Coast tram network, linking Helensvale to Burleigh Heads and providing eight additional stations.

John Holland was selected by GoldlinQ as design and construction partner on the project back in September 2020 following a competitive tender process.

As per the announcement by Queensland Government yesterday, John Holland and GoldlinQ will now begin detailed construction planning for the project to identify and inspect underground services and start establishing a site presence along the 6.7 kilometre corridor.

Queensland’s Department of Transport and Main Roads has also released a detailed fly-through video which gives a clear look at how the new line will transform areas along the route including Mermaid Beach, Nobby Beach and Miami.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the project was fast-tracked as part of Queensland’s COVID-19 Economic Recovery Plan.

“Building new infrastructure is vital to creating jobs on the Gold Coast,” the Premier said.

“We’re working hard to bring forward construction on as many projects as possible to rebuild our economy and create jobs.”

The Stage 3 project is expected to create up to 760 jobs across the life of the project.

“Previous stages of the light rail created significant employment opportunities, with 90 percent of workers on Stage 1 and Stage 2 coming from the Gold Coast and surrounding regions,” Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said.

Over the next six weeks, John Holland’s team will be on the ground engaging directly with the community and businesses to ensure they are informed before and throughout Stage 3 construction.

John Holland Chief Executive Officer Joe Barr said the start of construction would revitalise the city and create jobs at a much-needed time.

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

The looming construction start has sparked concerns of severe economic impacts for businesses in the area similar to what was seen in Surfers Paradise from 2011 to 2013.

Mr Bailey’s solution to this was to urge locals to continue shopping locally.

“The most important way the community can support businesses between Broadbeach and Burleigh Heads and ensure their long-term success is for regular customers and locals to continue shopping locally,” Mr Bailey said.

John Holland will also host a Local Industry Forum in September, presenting to potential local suppliers on upcoming work packages and answering questions.

GoldlinQ Chairman John Witheriff said many local suppliers and workers had already registered their interest and are eager to be part of this important project.

“This project will be built by locals and will contribute significantly to the Gold Coast economy which is vitally important at this time,” he said.

Next month, a new round of community consultation also starts to canvass views on a future 13 kilometre Stage 4 extension of light rail between Burleigh and Coolangatta, via the Gold Coast Airport.

The consultation includes community drop-in sessions for members of the community to ask questions and provide face-to-face feedback.

These sessions will be held between July and September in locations including Palm Beach, Currumbin, Burleigh Heads, Tallebudgera, Elanora and Tugun.