Gold Coast Light Rail – Stage 4

Future transport options for the southern Gold Coast

To ensure that future transport options align with the values of local communities and provide the greatest long-term solutions for the area, the Queensland Government conducted a review of the Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 4 proposal (GCLR4).

The review focused on improving connectivity and public transport options for the southern part of the Gold Coast, assessing options to be progressed that serve the needs of the local community.

Findings from the review

The review was undertaken by Department of State Development, Infrastructure and Planning (DSDIP) and assessed the robustness of existing planning work and cost estimate, the priority of the GCLR4, deliverability, alternative routes and modes, and community feedback. The review report includes recommendations, outcomes of consultation, and additional work proposed.

• Read the GCLR4 review report ( 758.9 KB).

To complement this work, DSDIP assessed prior public engagement and undertook new engagement activities to seek community views on public transport availability and options (including mode and route choice) that may be subject to further detailed analysis. Community consultation was conducted 21 March to 2 May 2025.

• Read the public engagement report ( 523.3 KB).

Next steps

In response to the review, the Queensland Government will deliver enhancements to bus services while the Department of Transport and Main Roads undertakes a multi-modal transport study for the Gold Coast region amid ongoing community consultation.

As part of the 2026-27 Budget, two new major transport projects were funded as part of the Gold Coast Transport Plan:

• An extension of the Gold Coast Light Rail to connect Harbour Town in Biggera Waters to the Gold Coast University Hospital
• The GC Surfer – a metro-style service connecting Robina to Coolangatta via Varsity Lakes, Burleigh Heads and the Gold Coast Airport, running every 10 minutes.

Other information

• Terms of reference: Information about the scope of the Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 4 review ( 127.0 KB)
• Burleigh Heads to Coolangatta public transport preliminary evaluation ( 62.7 MB)
• Design development report ( 36.5 MB)