The Government of Queensland, Australia, has halted the implementation of the Gold Coast LRT extension (Stage 4) project in response to overwhelming opposition from the local community. Following a review of the public consultation, the government announced a strategic shift towards enhancing direct bus services and broader regional transport planning to better meet the community’s needs.
The decision to scrap the project follows extensive community engagement, with over 5,600 submissions revealing a strong preference for cost-effective, flexible transport options that respect the natural environment and safeguard key local landmarks such as Burleigh Head National Park and Tallebudgera Creek. Nearly two-thirds of respondents expressed negative views towards the project.
“This is about ensuring transport infrastructure projects are delivered in partnership with local communities to protect what they value most in their community and their lifestyle,” said Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie.
A key finding from the consultation was the potential for significant time and cost overruns, with the project’s cost potentially reaching AUD 9.85 billion (USD 6.4 billion), far exceeding Labor’s previously reported estimate of AUD 2.7 billion (USD 1.75 billion) and a later revised figure of AUD 7.6 billion (approximately USD 5 billion).
The Gold Coast Light Rail (GCLR) system is being delivered in multiple stages, with Stage 3 currently underway. This consists of a 6.7 km extension due for completion in 2026. Upon completion, Stage 3 will expand the tram network to 27 km, running from Helensvale to Burleigh Heads, thereby connecting communities to jobs, businesses, hospitals, educational institutions, and coastal precincts.
Stage 4 of the Gold Coast LRT extension was proposed as a 13 km tram network from Burleigh Heads to Coolangatta, via Gold Coast Airport, aiming to link key coastal communities in southern Gold Coast. The project included the construction of nine new stops between Burleigh Heads and Tugun, with additional stops considered between Tugun and Coolangatta.
It also proposed dedicated pedestrian and cycle bridges across Tallebudgera and Currumbin Creeks, an eco-bridge (wildlife crossing) between Burleigh Head National Park and Burleigh Ridge Park, and improved access to the M1 motorway via a connection to 19th Avenue in Palm Beach.
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