Gold Coast transport projects proposed by the Crisafulli Government include a light rail extension and a metro-style bus service, forming part of a plan to respond to population growth and rising travel demand in the city.

Gold Coast Light Rail tram with Burleigh destination display
A Gold Coast Light Rail tram with a Burleigh destination display. Photo: State of Queensland / Department of Transport and Main Roads / CC BY 4.0

Premier David Crisafulli said the government was moving ahead with major infrastructure commitments for Queensland, including on the Gold Coast.

“We promised we would deliver generational infrastructure investment across Queensland, including here on the Gold Coast, and that’s exactly what we’re doing.

“We’re fast-tracking critical projects to deliver the transport connectivity which will benefit the Gold Coast for generations to come,” Premier David Crisafulli said.

Gold Coast transport projects under the plan

Under the Gold Coast Transport Plan⁠, the State Government is proposing to extend Gold Coast Light Rail from the Gold Coast Hospital to Harbour Town in Biggera Waters.

The planned route would follow Olsen Avenue and Oxley Drive, with three new stations proposed at Musgrave Avenue, Labrador and Biggera Waters.

The government is also proposing to acquire additional light rail vehicles and construct another depot to support a larger network and more frequent light rail services.

The extension is intended to improve public transport options, ease congestion and provide a transport solution for the northern Gold Coast as its population grows. The project is also expected to support demand during the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Member for Bonney Sam O’Connor said the Harbour Town connection had been discussed for more than a decade.

“Light Rail to Harbour Town has been talked about for more than a decade, so we’re proud to be getting on with the job of delivering it to cut congestion, and connect thousands of people in Biggera Waters, Labrador and Arundel to world class public transport,” Member for Bonney Sam O’Connor said.

Member for Southport Rob Molhoek said the link would reduce congestion and improve accessibility.

“The connection to Harbour Town is a significant step that will reduce congestion and improve accessibility,” Member for Southport Rob Molhoek said.

The GC Surfer bus service for the southern Gold Coast

The Crisafulli Government is also proposing The GC Surfer, a metro-style bus service for the southern Gold Coast.

The service would connect Burleigh Heads with the Gold Coast Airport, using metro-style vehicles to provide a modern, efficient and sustainable transport option. It is planned to operate every ten minutes between Robina, Varsity Lakes, Burleigh Heads, Gold Coast Airport and Coolangatta.

Further corridor upgrades are also proposed to support faster links to Gold Coast Airport.

The proposal follows the State Government’s review of the Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 4 project⁠. The review found strong community support for flexible and cost-effective transport choices that also respect the natural environment and protect local landmarks, including Burleigh Heads National Park and Tallebudgera Creek.

The government says the southern Gold Coast proposal is designed to provide fast and reliable connections while reflecting the area’s specific local needs.

Member for Currumbin Laura Gerber said the review process was based on community feedback.

“We made a commitment to listen to the community and that’s exactly what we did with a genuine review process that heard from thousands of local voices.

“This transport solution ensures the Southern Gold Coast is connected, future-ready and reflects the unique needs of the community whose voices were ignored by the previous Labor Government,” Member for Currumbin Laura Gerber said.

Member for Burleigh Hermann Vorster said the new service would improve transport links while protecting the character of the southern Gold Coast.

“The Crisafulli LNP Government has listened to the Southern Gold Coast by delivering better transport connections to more places while respecting our unique coastal atmosphere and precious natural environment.

“The GC Surfer will connect our suburban centres to our coastal villages and will provide a fantastic new connection to the heavy rail network for everyone.

“This means less congestion, less disruption, and maximum protection of the Southern Gold Coast lifestyle,” Member for Burleigh Hermann Vorster said.

G:link tram at Cypress Avenue on the Gold Coast Light Rail network
Archive photo of a G:link tram at Cypress Avenue on the Gold Coast Light Rail network. Photo: David Ansen / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0

What changes for passengers?

For passengers, the new plan sits within a wider Gold Coast public transport context. TMR says Stage 3 is extending light rail 6.7 km from Broadbeach South to Burleigh Heads, adding eight stations and targeting passenger services in mid-2026. On the southern section, planning for Stage 4 from Burleigh Heads to Coolangatta via Gold Coast Airport was stopped on 1 September 2025 after a Queensland Government review. The department says the government will instead focus before Brisbane 2032 on direct bus service enhancements, minor infrastructure upgrades and broader regional transport planning covering future public transport needs, routes and airport connectivity. (tmr.qld.gov.au⁠)

Planning, procurement and 2032 Games timing

The Gold Coast Light Rail extension to Harbour Town and The GC Surfer are both set to be accelerated as part of the government’s transport plans for the region. Planning work will continue as the projects move toward procurement.

Both projects are planned for delivery by the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Treasurer, Minister for Energy, and Minister for Home Ownership David Janetzki said the transport system and infrastructure were central to a better lifestyle and a more productive economy.

“Central to a better lifestyle and a more productive economy is the transport system and infrastructure that Queenslanders need to make the journey home safer and sooner.

“The new Gold Coast Transport Plan will help future-proof our state’s second-largest city for decades to come.

“After 1,200 days of delay and mayhem under the former Labor government, we’re seizing the generational opportunity presented by the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games to create legacy infrastructure for all Queenslanders,” Treasurer, Minister for Energy, and Minister for Home Ownership David Janetzki said.

Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg said the projects were intended to support commuters, students and tourists while reducing traffic pressure.

“Throughout Labor’s decade of decline, we saw chronic underinvestment into the transport infrastructure on the Gold Coast, and the community sidelined through sham consultation processes.

“These two projects will make it easier for commuters to get to work, students to where they study, and tourists from one end of the Gold Coast to the other – and it’ll get more cars off the road, meaning less time in traffic.

“Best of all, the LNP’s Permanent 50 Cent Fares mean it will be just 50 cents to get from the Gold Coast Airport, all the way to Harbour Town.

“The Crisafulli Government’s Gold Coast Transport Plan delivers public transport solutions that make sense for both the Northern and Southern Gold Coast, and will keep the Coast moving for decades to come,” Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg said.