Queensland Government Cancels Stage 4 of the Gold Coast Light Rail Project

The Queensland Government has confirmed it will not proceed with Stage 4 of the Gold Coast Light Rail (GCLR4) project, following a review that identified overwhelming local opposition.

Instead, the government will prioritise enhanced bus services and commission a multi-modal transport study for the wider region.

The independent review, conducted after extensive consultation, attracted more than 5,600 community submissions. According to the findings, the majority of respondents opposed the proposed 13-kilometre extension from Burleigh Heads to Coolangatta, citing concerns about cost, environmental impacts, and the effect on local landmarks such as Burleigh Head National Park and Tallebudgera Creek.

Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning, Jarrod Bleijie said:

The Crisafulli Government made a clear commitment to listen to the Southern Gold Coast local community at the election and today that commitment has been delivered.

This is about ensuring transport infrastructure projects are delivered in partnership with local communities to protect what they value most in their community and their lifestyle.

The review also examined financial projections. Independent analysis estimated the project could cost up to 9.85 billion AUD, significantly higher than the 2.7 billion AUD figure first reported by the previous Labor Government and above subsequent revised estimates of 7.6 billion AUD.

Community feedback highlighted dissatisfaction with earlier consultation processes, with more than half of respondents stating they had not felt properly consulted. Nearly two-thirds expressed negative sentiment towards the light rail extension, according to the review’s findings.

In response, the Department of Transport and Main Roads will accelerate improvements to bus services across the southern Gold Coast. The government said this would provide a more cost-effective and flexible option while also allowing time to plan for long-term needs.

A new multi-modal transport study will assess broader connectivity requirements, including links to Gold Coast Airport and alternative regional routes. Ongoing community consultation will form a key part of the study.

Australasian Railway Association (ARA) Chief Executive Officer Caroline Wilkie said:

It is disappointing to see the cancellation of Gold Coast Light Rail Stage Four given the significant economic, community and sustainability benefits this project would deliver.

The certainty of 'tracks in the ground' would have delivered increased economic growth opportunities for the region and supported long term development along the corridor.

Buses simply won’t deliver the benefits light rail has to offer and will not be able to keep up with growing demand for transport services in the region.