The Queensland Government’s commitment to developing a business case to extend the Gold Coast light rail is a very welcome step towards connecting the entire region with improved public transport access, the Tourism & Transport Forum said today.

“Today’s announcement by Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk that the government will contribute $5 million to develop a business case to extend the Gold Coast Light Rail from Broadbeach to Burleigh is great news for the visitors and locals,” TTF Chief Executive, Margy Osmond, said.

“The Light Rail has already transformed the Gold Coast, with millions of locals and visitors using the network each year.
“Stages 2 and 3 will provide greater connectivity along the spine of the Gold Coast and will play a critical role in supporting the economic development of the region.

“TTF has long argued that to support the Gold Coast’s booming population and to grow demand for travel, it is vital that the Government also commits to extending the successful light rail network to Coolangatta via the Gold Coast Airport.

“While the funding allocated for a business case to extend the light rail to Burleigh is a good start, TTF encourages the Queensland Government to work with the Federal Government and the Gold Coast City Council to fund, plan and extend the light rail extension to the NSW Border.”