The Australasian Railway Association (ARA) has expressed disappointment at the cancellation of the Gold Coast Light Rail Stage Four project, saying that it will limit regional development and pass on congestion challenges.
ARA CEO, Caroline Wilkie, said that the cancellation would hold the Gold Coast back from realising the full potential of future growth opportunities.
“It is disappointing to see the cancellation of Gold Coast Light Rail Stage Four given the significant economic, community and sustainability benefits this project would deliver,” Wilkie said.
“The certainty of ‘tracks in the ground’ would have delivered increased economic growth opportunities for the region and supported long term development along the corridor.
“Buses simply won’t deliver the benefits light rail has to offer and will not be able to keep up with growing demand for transport services in the region.
“Today’s decision represents a future of congestion, car dependence and increased emissions, limiting the growth of one of Australia’s key international tourism destinations.”
Gold Coast Light Rail Stage Four was set to deliver 13km of dual light rail track from Burleigh Heads to Coolangatta, via the Gold Coast Airport.
It was to include nine stations and would complete the 40km light rail link from Helensvale to Coolangatta.
A 2023 preliminary review of public transport options for the route confirmed a bus rapid transit option was forecast to near capacity by 2041 and, unlike light rail, would not be able to accommodate surge demand associated with major events.
The ARA’s report, The Renaissance of Light Rail¸ found extending the light rail on the Gold Coast would catalyse urban renewal and land value uplift, improve reliability and accessibility, reduce travel times for users and improve the community amenity.
“The existing Gold Coast Light Rail services have already delivered more than 100 million passenger journeys, showing people will vote with their feet when reliable, accessible and convenient public transport options are available,” Wilkie said.
“Queensland should not miss this opportunity to extend the benefits light rail has already delivered the state.”
