Stage four of the Gold Coast light rail project has been scrapped after its cost ballooned to $9.85bn and community opposition was ramped up in lengthy government consultations. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Gold Coast light rail extension canceled after cost surge
Photo: G:Link via Facebook

Government Scraps Gold Coast LRT Extension

Stage 4 of the Gold Coast light rail is officially dead after the Queensland Government scrapped it. Officials blamed “overwhelming local opposition” and escalating construction costs, which had gone from a projected budget of $2.7 billion to $9.85 billion.

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After an extensive review, the state has announced it will switch to enhanced bus services and a more expansive regional-transportation plan. This comes after over 5,600 submissions, which called for cost-effective, environmentally responsible alternatives, were considered.

Community Feedback Drives Policy Shift

Locals expressed serious concerns about environmental impacts on Burleigh Head National Park and Tallebudgera Creek. They also flagged potential parking, congestion and cultural preservation concerns along the bustling Palm Beach corridor.

Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie said the new review was an open process unlike the sham consultation carried out by the former government and confirmed more previously hidden project information had been released.

Rising Costs Prompt Rethink

The projected costs of stage four skyrocketed well past the city’s first estimate of roughly $5 billion, leading to doubts about the project’s financial feasibility. Stage three which is under construction now between Broadbeach and Burleigh is budgeted at $1.55 billion comparatively.

Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said he was disappointed and claimed the $9.85 billion estimate was wrong. He supported further spending on transit connectivity, such as heavy rail links to the airport.

Looking Ahead

Over 100 million trips have been taken on the 20 km network since G-Link services commenced in 2014. Stage four is canceled, although stage three is still on track to be completed next year, further extending the system south.

City officers say they are still keen to encourage further efficient and sustainable connectivity options for the residents and visitors in the southern Gold Coast.

Source: www.businessnewsaustralia.com

Why was the Gold Coast light rail extension stopped?

The extension was scrapped because of escalating costs — it had ballooned to as much as $9.85 billion — and fierce community opposition to promoting more flexible and less expensive transportation choices, including expanded bus service.

What other modes of transport are under consideration?

Better, cheaper connectivity between without disturbing sensitive environmental areas would be offered by the government's proposal to upscale direct bus services, mesh them with regional transport systems.

What is the future of the Gold Coast light rail project in other areas?

Yes. Another part of the network (stage three) from Broadbeach to Burleigh is still being laid and is due for completion in 2015, pushing the project deeper into the south.

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