$304.7m boost for Coast rail projects

RAIL

THE Gold Coast’s tram and train line expansions have been given a major funding boost as part of a $1.6bn Queensland roads and rail package.

More than $178.1m has been committed to the duplication of the Brisbaneto-Gold Coast railway line between Kuraby and Beenleigh.

This project, which is yet to begin construction, will allow for more trains to operate on the railway and is a critical element of supporting the multi-billiondollar Cross-River Rail in Brisbane.

Three new railway stations will ultimately be built on the Gold Coast as part of the project at Helensvale North, Pimpama and Merrimac.

As previously announced, the federal government has also committed $126.6m to help get light rail stage 3 back on track.

The Broadbeach-to-Burleigh tram extension stalled on the back of a contract dispute between the state government and its selected builder, Melbourne-based John Holland Group.

The funds will ensure that construction begins on the 6.7km, eight-station project this year, however its ultimate cost has jumped from $709m to more than $1bn.

The state government is expected to commit an extra $200m in its budget, due to be brought down next month.