Gold Coast transport projects add rail and bus plans

The Queensland Government has announced a major expansion of the Gold Coast’s public transit network, featuring a light rail extension and a new metro-style bus service. The plan includes extending the light rail from Gold Coast Hospital to Harbour Town and introducing "The GC Surfer" bus service to connect Burleigh Heads with Gold Coast Airport. These projects are designed to address rapid population growth and provide critical infrastructure ahead of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Under the Gold Coast Transport Plan, the Crisafulli Government is fast-tracking a light rail extension that will run from the Gold Coast Hospital to Harbour Town in Biggera Waters. The proposed route follows Olsen Avenue and Oxley Drive, incorporating three new stations at Musgrave Avenue, Labrador, and Biggera Waters. To support the expanded network and increased service frequency, the state plans to acquire additional light rail vehicles and construct a new maintenance depot. This extension aims to alleviate congestion in the northern Gold Coast while providing a high-capacity transit solution for the region's growing population.

For the southern Gold Coast, the government is introducing "The GC Surfer," a metro-style bus service intended to provide a modern and sustainable alternative to traditional rail. Operating every ten minutes, the service will link Robina, Varsity Lakes, Burleigh Heads, Gold Coast Airport, and Coolangatta. This proposal follows a review of the previously planned Light Rail Stage 4, which was halted in September 2025. The new bus-based approach is designed to be more cost-effective and environmentally sensitive, protecting local landmarks like Burleigh Heads National Park while still ensuring fast, reliable airport connectivity.

These infrastructure commitments are part of a broader strategy to prepare Queensland for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. While Light Rail Stage 3 is currently extending the line 6.7 km from Broadbeach South to Burleigh Heads with an expected completion in mid-2026, the new projects will move toward procurement to ensure delivery before the games. Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg highlighted that the projects will benefit commuters, students, and tourists, supported by a permanent 50-cent fare policy. Treasurer David Janetzki emphasized that these investments are essential for future-proofing the state’s second-largest city and enhancing economic productivity.