The Queensland Government has announced two new major transport projects to keep up with surging population and the growing needs of a growing city.

As part of the commitment to deliver a plan for Queensland’s future, the Queensland Government has made the first announcements from its Gold Coast Transport Plan.

The Queensland Government will extend Gold Coast Light Rail to connect Harbour Town in Biggera Waters to the Gold Coast University Hospital.

It will run along Olsen Avenue and Oxley Drive, delivering three new stations (Musgrave Avenue, Labrador and Biggera Waters). To support the delivery of a larger network and more frequent services, additional light rail vehicles will be acquired, and an additional depot will be constructed.

The light rail extension will improve public transport options, reduce congestion and provide a public transport solution to support the northern Gold Coast’s growing population, and the 2032 Games.

In another major boost to the city, the Queensland Government is delivering The GC Surfer, connecting Burleigh Heads to the Gold Coast Airport.

Both the Harbour Town Light Rail extension and The Surfer will be accelerated and will reshape how people move across the Gold Coast.

The GC Surfer will run metro-style vehicles every ten minutes between Robina, Varsity Lakes, Burleigh Heads, Gold Coast Airport, and Coolangatta.

This long-awaited solution for the Southern Gold Coast comes after the Queensland Government’s review of Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 4.

It found strong community support for cost-effective, flexible transport options that respect the natural environment and protect key local landmarks like Burleigh Heads National Park and Tallebudgera Creek.

The metro-style vehicles will deliver a modern, efficient and sustainable transport solution, with further upgrades along the corridor will support faster connections to Gold Coast Airport.

It’s just one of the ways the Queensland Government is delivering a better lifestyle through a stronger economy, after a decade of decline and neglect for the Gold Coast.

The Queensland Government’s solution respects the unique needs of the Southern Gold Coast, providing fast and reliable transport, to keep the community connected and future ready.

The projects are planned to be delivered by the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Premier David Crisafulli said the Government was getting on with the job of delivering generational infrastructure for the Gold Coast.

“We promised we would deliver generational infrastructure investment across Queensland, including here on the Gold Coast, and that’s exactly what we’re doing,” Premier Crisafulli said.

“We’re fast-tracking critical projects to deliver the transport connectivity which will benefit the Gold Coast for generations to come.”

Treasurer, Minister for Energy, and Minister for Home Ownership David Janetzki said the Queensland Government was delivering for Queensland.

“Central to a better lifestyle and a more productive economy is the transport system and infrastructure that Queenslanders need to make the journey home safer and sooner,” Mr Janetzki said.

“The new Gold Coast Transport Plan will help future proof our state’s second-largest city for decades to come.

“We’re seizing the generational opportunity presented by the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games to create legacy infrastructure for all Queenslanders.”

Planning for the projects will now continue, as we move towards a procurement process.

Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg said the Queensland Government’s investment would deliver the transport infrastructure needed to support the Gold Coast’s growing population.

“These two projects will make it easier for commuters to get to work, students to where they study, and tourists from one end of the Gold Coast to the other – and it’ll get more cars off the road, meaning less time in traffic.

“Best of all, the Permanent 50 Cent Fares mean it will be just 50 cents to get from Gold Coast Airport, all the way to Harbour Town.

“The Queensland Government’s Gold Coast Transport Plan delivers public transport solutions that make sense for both the Northern and Southern Gold Coast, and will keep the Coast moving for decades to come.”

Member for Bonney Sam O’Connor said the Queensland Government was delivering for the northern Gold Coast.

“Light rail to Harbour Town has been talked about for more than a decade, so we’re proud to be getting on with the job of delivering it to cut congestion, and connect thousands of people in Biggera Waters, Labrador and Arundel to world class public transport,” Mr O’Connor said.

Member for Currumbin Laura Gerber said the Queensland Government’s plan delivered improved connectivity for the Southern Gold Coast while protecting its unique lifestyle and environment.

“We made a commitment to listen to the community and that’s exactly what we did with a genuine review process that heard from thousands of local voices,” Mrs Gerber said

“This transport solution ensures the Southern Gold Coast is connected, future-ready and reflects the unique needs of the community.”

Member for Burleigh Hermann Vorster said the Queensland Government had listened and was delivering for the southern Gold Coast.

“The Queensland Government has listened to the southern Gold Coast by delivering better transport connections to more places while respecting our unique coastal atmosphere and precious natural environment,” Mr Vorster said.

“The GC Surfer will connect our suburban centres to our coastal villages and will provide a fantastic new connection to the heavy rail network for everyone.

“This means less congestion, less disruption, and maximum protection of the southern Gold Coast lifestyle.”

Member for Southport Rob Molhoek said having been a champion of Gold Coast transport strategy, that includes light rail for the past 20 years, he was pleased to see this next stage going forward.

"The connection to Harbour Town is a significant step that will reduce congestion and improve accessibility," Mr Molhoek said.