Proposed» Gold Coast Light Rail System [Southport to Broadbeach]

Does the Gold Coast really warrant this especially around Surfers? When I was there the Public Transportation, buses prominately seemed so under utilized. I would agree with some investment but not as far as "Rapid" bus services?

It is light rail and not bus. It will be a far more legible service that will ultimately run from Heavy Rail to Surfers/Broadbeach and then connect with heavy rail at the GC Airport.

Work on Gold Coast light rail to begin
Daniel Hurst | July 6, 2009 - 4:13PM | Brisbanetimes
Surveyors will start preparing the corridor for the Gold Coast's $950 million light-rail project within weeks, Premier Anna Bligh says.

The 13-kilometre rapid transit project will link Griffith University to Broadbeach via Southport and Surfers Paradise by 2014.

The Queensland Government today unveiled a project timetable after signing a joint funding agreement with the Federal Government (which is chipping in $365 million) and Gold Coast City Council ($120 million).

Ms Bligh said initial work could get underway as her government had now approved the business case.

"Residents will see surveyors along the corridor within weeks, with work starting on things like moving electricity lines and water pipes and bridge construction," she said in a statement.

"We will use local workers wherever possible - local builders, civil works contractors, specialist consultants and public utility installers."

The early works are scheduled to take place over the next two years, with operators for the light-rail services to be procured by early 2011.

The rapid transit project is expected be built between early 2011 and late 2013.

"State, federal and local government will build the infrastructure, while the private sector will bring finance and innovation to the delivery of the actual service," Ms Bligh said.

She said the project would create 6300 direct and indirect jobs during construction.

An industry briefing will be be held on July 29.