The Morrison Government will provide a $126.6 million funding boost for the Gold Coast Light Rail, boosting jobs, investment and transport connections across the region.
Federal Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts, the Hon Paul Fletcher MP, said the additional funding for Stage 3 of the project would help to ensure more Gold Coast commuters get home sooner and safer.
"This additional funding brings our total commitment to Stage 3 of the light rail to $395.6 million and demonstrates our Government's continued commitment to helping deliver what is the most significant transport infrastructure project ever carried out on the Gold Coast," Minister Fletcher said.
"This stage of the project is expected to directly support 760 jobs while also improving the speed, reliability and service frequency of the light rail system, and helping to further bust local congestion."
Queensland Minister for Transport and Mains Roads, the Hon Mark Bailey MP, said the Morrison Government and Palaszczuk Government's commitment to expanding the Gold Coast light rail would help to further reduce congestion on the city's roads.
"There is an infrastructure boom supporting the Gold Coast's economic recovery right now thanks to the strong partnership between our governments that is focused on building better roads and rail," Mr Bailey said.
"Major M1 upgrades, upcoming works on the jointly-funded $1.5 billion first stage of the Coomera Connector and the extension of the light rail to Burleigh will transform how Gold Coast locals and tourists travel around the city."
Federal Member for Moncrieff Angie Bell said Stage 3 of the light rail would help locals move around the city more easily, with the extension of the existing system by approximately 6.7 kilometres to the south, from Broadbeach to Burleigh Heads.
"Stage 3 is a critical project that will include eight new light rail stations, upgraded pedestrian and cycling facilities, and an upgraded bus and rail interchange at Burleigh Heads Station," Ms Bell said.
"Extending the previous, jointly funded Stage 1 and Stage 2 projects, which connect to the heavy rail network at Helensvale, this will provide better access to jobs, schools, shopping, services and recreational facilities."
Gold Coast Mayor Cr Tom Tate said: "This is a huge announcement for our city and underscores the benefits of all three tiers of government working together," Mr Tate said.
"Light rail is our city's public transport spine. Having this funding certainty also means we can continue our investigations into the vital east-west connections that will feed off the main light rail corridor. It's a great day for our city."
The Australian Government has committed $395.6 million, the Queensland Government $553.95 million and the City of Gold Coast $91.5 million to fund Gold Coast Light Rail - Stage 3.
