Stage Four (previously Stage 3B) will extend the Gold Coast light rail network from where the planned Stage Three (previously Stage 3A) ends at Burleigh Heads to Coolangatta via the Gold Coast Airport.
The detailed project scope and route will be determined through the business case development process. Broadly, the scope involves:
- 13 kilometres of dual light rail track
- improved Palm Beach Avenue precinct
- improved connectivity to the M1 via nineteenth avenue
- active transport developments along the line
- improvements to the Palm Beach Avenue precinct
- changes to Tugun Village access for safety and traffic flow improvements, and
- wildlife crossings.
The route will include nine stations between Burleigh Heads and Tugun, with further stations to be investigated between Tugun to Coolangatta.
Once delivered, Stage Four will complete a 40 kilometre light rail link between Helensvale in the north to Coolangatta in the south, via the Gold Coast Airport.
Key Dates
| 2023 | Expected Construction Commencement |
Funding contributions
| Queensland Government | |
| Gold Coast City Council | |
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The Queensland Government and Gold Coast City Council have committed to jointly fund a $10 million preliminary business case for the project on a 50/50 basis. The Queensland Government subsequently noted in 2024 that the state had provided the majority of the funding. Additionally, the Queensland Government has committed $1.4 million to undertake a transport planning study for Tugun to Coolangatta. |
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PROJECT HISTORY
| Aug 2020 | Alongside the announcement of the $5 million business case for Stage Four, the Queensland Government and Gold Coast City Council also announced a jointly funded $2 million east-west transport corridors study. This will look into potential public transport connections on the Broadbeach - Robina and Broadbeach - Nerang corridors. The study will explore options for rapid bus services and whether they can accommodate future spur lines for light rail. |
| Jul 2021 | Alongside the commencement of community consultation, the Queensland Government released further details of the designs for the light rail extending beyond Burleigh including detailed animations, a 3D concept design and artist impressions. |
