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The Queensland Government has unveiled a “metro-style” transport link to Gold Coast Airport in place of the axed stage 4 light rail.
Dubbed the “GC Surfer”, the project will use buses similar to Brisbane Metro to connect Robina to Coolangatta via Varsity Lakes, Burleigh Heads and the Gold Coast Airport at 10-minute frequencies. It comes after the light rail extension was scrapped last year following community opposition.
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“We promised we would deliver generational infrastructure investment across Queensland, including here on the Gold Coast, and that’s exactly what we’re doing,” said Queensland Premier David Crisafulli.
“We’re fast-tracking critical projects to deliver the transport connectivity which will benefit the Gold Coast for generations to come.”
Gold Coast Airport operator Queensland Airports Limited (QAL), which had been “disappointed” with the cancellation of the light rail, has welcomed the decision to proceed with the bus connection.
“We have long advocated for improved public transport infrastructure for the southern Gold Coast, including multi-modal transport options to and from the airport,” a spokesperson said.
“Metro-style buses are a much-needed step in improving connectivity and we look forward to continuing to work with the Department of Transport and Main Roads on the proposed plan.
“Reliable, sustainable and inclusive public transport between the airport and the wider city is essential – not just for our growing passenger numbers, but for the long-term liveability of the Gold Coast.”
The controversial stage 4 light rail was expected to face a number of cost blowouts, with the former Labor government revealing in 2024 that the price tag could have been three times what was originally anticipated.
According to community consultation, two thirds of Gold Coast residents were against the project, including fierce opposition in Palm Beach.
Then-Transport Minister Bart Mellish said at the time that the cost estimates came from a preliminary business case, with a final cost to be established by a detailed business case “as is appropriate for a project of this complexity”.
“It does have an estimated cost of $4.4 billion, with a cost range that is $3.1 billion to $7.6 billion,” he told the Gold Coast Bulletin.
The government will also extend the existing light rail to connect Harbour Town in Biggera Waters to the Gold Coast University Hospital.
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