Time right for G:link’s next stage

WE’RE all aboard to make the Gold Coast light rail’s $600 million third stage from Broadbeach to Burleigh a reality by 2021.

That’s the message from political leaders from all three levels of government who have initiated behind-the-scenes talks to fast track funding for the southern link.

The city’s three senior federal MPs within the Turnbull Government have formed a “unity ticket” in support of it and have already lobbied Urban Infrastructure Minister Paul Fletcher.

Fadden MP Stuart Robert said the project would get a “sympathetic hearing” from Canberra.

“The council and State Government will do their feasibility study and will then need to formally write to us and of course they will get a very sympathetic hearing,” he said.

“We have had discussions with the Infrastructure Minister and we are prepared and waiting for the submission to come in.

“We are feeling pretty upbeat about it because what you have seen between the three levels of government, including myself, Jackie Trad and Tom Tate, to get stage two was a deal done in two weeks.”

The talks come as the Gold Coast Council and State Government continue the $10 million route study which will determine details of the link.

Ms Trad, the Deputy Premier and Treasurer, said crowds for stage two were larger than expected and she was supportive of future extensions.

“I hope to get stage three going (soon), that’s why we committed $5 million to get the business and feasibility case done,” she said.

Stage 3A will run from the Broadbeach South station near Pacific Fair along the Gold Coast Highway to Burleigh Heads. It will terminate near Burleigh Heads-Mowbray Park Surf Life Saving Club and will have seven stations along the route.

An underground multistorey carpark has been mooted for a nearby site to service the transport hub as a park and ride.

Mayor Tom Tate, who has previously committed to lobbying the Federal Government to support the project, said there was a strong case to be built for future extensions.

“There is a bit of homework to be done but both parties have put in $5 million each and that sends a signal we are keen to get the optimum solution and look at the business case for a value uplift,” he said.

GoldLinQ chairman John Witheriff said stage 3A was “inevitable”.

A throng was on hand at the new Helensvale Station yesterday.

For some it was still just a tram ride to get to work.

Stuart Robert expects Stage 3 to be enthusiastically met.

GoldlinQ chairman John Witheriff, Member for Bonney Sam O’Conner, Member for Gaven Meaghan Member for Southport Rob Molhoek and Federal Tourism Minister Steve Ciobo. Pictures: JERAD WILLIAMS