Get onboard, State told

PRESSURE is building on the Queensland government to fast-track funding for the third stage of the light rail.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison and business leaders yesterday urged the Palaszczuk government to throw money at the project before Christmas, meaning work could start earlier on the 6.4km line from Broadbeach to Burleigh.

Mr Morrison was on the Coast yesterday to announce

that the Federal Government would commit $112 million to stage three.

“This is the largest single investment of a Commonwealth government light rail project anywhere in the country,” he said. “The Queensland govern- ment is still responsible for infrastructure in Queensland, that is their day job and what they need to be involved in and supportive of.

“So we (the Federal government) are here ... the invitation is there for them to show up too for stage three.”

The State government and the Gold Coast City Council are developing a $1-million business case for the extension. It is expected early next month.

Queensland transport minister Mark Bailey last night refused to bow to pressure and make

He confirmed the State government would commit its portion of funding once the business case was complete.

“When we started building the light rail, the Federal Labor government was in for 38 per cent of the cost,” he said.

“That slipped to 23 per cent for stage two under Malcolm Turnbull and now, with the $112 million pledged by Scott Morrison to a total stage three cost estimated at $670 million, the Federal contribution is a funding announcement. smaller again at 16 per cent.

“Stage 3A of the light rail is crucial for the Gold Coast’s transport and economic future.”

If funding is committed this year, work can begin in 2019 with passengers riding the system by late 2022 or early 2023.

This stage is considered more difficult than the Griffith University-to-Helensvale stage because of the work to be done under the Gold Coast Highway.

Gold Coast light rail business advisory group chairman Steve Harrison said a rapid announcement would be by the community.

The Gold Coast City Council will fund between $66 million and $72 million of the project while the State Government will bear the remaining cost.

Mayor Tom Tate said he was pleased the three tiers of government were on board.

“...We have kept funding at the same percentage we did during stage one and two which is 11 per cent,” he said. “It is up to the State Federal governments to talk about what is a fair deal.” welcomed