Early works set to commence on the $1bn Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 3

felix.net 
July 6, 2021 (Australia)

The more than $1 billion Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 3 project in Queensland is progressing well with an agreement signed to get early works started. 

Under this agreement, GoldlinQ and John Holland will be undertaking detailed construction planning as well as identifying and inspecting underground services. The two companies will also begin establishing site presence across the 6.7-kilometre corridor. 

Delivering major infrastructure projects, such as the Gold Coast Light Rail, are being fast tracked towards construction to aid in the State’s COVID-19 Economic Recovery Plan. 

“Building new infrastructure is vital to creating jobs on the Gold Coast. 

“We’re working hard to bring forward construction on as many projects as possible to rebuild our economy and create jobs. 

“Initiatives like light rail feature prominently in our COVID-19 Economic Recovery Plan. 

“We’ll continue to invest in transport on the Gold Coast to take more cars off the road and cater for growth in the future,” Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said. 

Not only will this project deliver vital infrastructure, but it will also create “good quality construction jobs on the Gold Coast”. 

According to Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey, the $1 billion Gold Coast Light Rail project will generate jobs and majority of wages and payments to workers as well as suppliers will be a welcome boost to the local and regional economy. 

“We will ensure that this investment represents value for money for Queenslanders, including through more training to help build our future workforce, and better safety on our construction sites. 

“Building the next stage of light rail presents opportunities over the next few years for local contractors, workers and suppliers on the Gold Coast. 

“Previous stages of the light rail created significant employment opportunities, with 90 percent of workers on Stage 1 and Stage 2 coming from the Gold Coast and surrounding regions,” Minister Bailey said. 

The project team from John Holland will be engaging directly with the community and businesses over the next six weeks to ensure that they stay informed prior to construction and during the delivery of Stage 3 works. 

John Holland will also host a Local Industry Forum in September where they will present upcoming work packages to potential local suppliers and answer questions as well. 

To date, many local suppliers and workers have already registered their interest in getting involved with project delivery and they are “eager to be part of this important project”. 

“This project will be built by locals and will contribute significantly to the Gold Coast economy which is vitally important at this time. 

“We understand the importance of working with the community throughout delivery, and the Stage 3 project team is committed to ongoing communication and minimising impacts to residents, businesses and motorists as much as possible. 

“We will also be working with businesses along the Stage 3 route prior to major construction starting to ensure they are aware of the construction process and project opportunities available,” GoldlinQ Chairman John Witheriff said. 

Source

https://www.felix.net/project-news/early-works-set-to-commence-on-the-1bn-gold-coast-light-rail-stage-3