Long-awaited Gold Coast light rail extension taking passengers from Sunday

The long-awaited Gold Coast light rail Stage 3 extension will commence passenger services on Sunday, almost four years after construction started. The 6.7-kilometre expansion will link Broadbeach with Burleigh Heads, adding eight new stops such as Mermaid Beach, Miami, and Christine Avenue. Transport Minister Brent Mickelberg announced the opening, noting that the fare structure will remain at 50 cents across the network.

The $1.55 billion project, initially projected to cost $709 million, faced budget overruns due to industrial impacts. Despite this, Mickelberg emphasized the importance of the extension in reducing congestion and improving connectivity in the growing city, particularly ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games. The permanent 50-cent fares will provide locals with affordable public transport options, supporting local jobs and businesses.

Construction began in July 2022, and services will start at 6 am on Sunday, with the first tram departing from both Burleigh Heads and Broadbeach stations. Small business owners had previously expressed concerns about decreased trade due to the project's delays. Transport Minister Mickelberg acknowledged the frustration locals have experienced, stating he understood their concerns about the project's length.

Burleigh MP Hermann Vorster welcomed the announcement, describing it as a "light at the end of the figurative tunnel" for residents who have endured disruptions. He hoped the services would bring a sense of relief. Meaghan Scanlon, the Gold Coast's only Labor MP, criticized the government for taking credit for a project it had previously opposed, accusing them of consigning the Gold Coast to congestion and rejecting a planned light rail extension to the airport.

Deputy Mayor Mark Hammel expressed excitement over the milestone, emphasizing that the extension would enhance access to the city's beaches, restaurants, and events without leading to high-rise developments along the route.