InfrastructureLindsay SaundersFri 31 Jul 26
Gold Coast Unveils New East-West Metro Links Ahead of Games
Two new metro-style public transport routes for the Gold Coast alongside major road upgrades and a preserved heavy rail corridor have been revealed as part of the state’s long-term transport plan of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The new GC Surfer services will provide east-west connections between Nerang and Broadbeach, and Robina and Miami, linking the city’s heavy rail and light rail networks while connecting major sporting, education and tourism destinations.
To support the Nerang-Broadbeach service, the state will undertake major upgrades to Nerang-Broadbeach Road, including widening sections of the corridor from four to six lanes between Nielsens Road and Gooding Drive.
The project also includes widening the Dunlops Canal Bridge at Broadbeach, extending bus lanes, signalising the Cocos Crescent intersection and building a new transport station and pedestrian overpass at People First Stadium.
Active transport infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists will also be upgraded along the corridor.
The Broadbeach-Nerang route will connect People First Stadium, the Gold Coast Sports and Leisure Centre and the Gold Coast Convention Centre, while the Robina-Miami service will link Robina Town Centre with Bond University.
The announcement builds on previously flagged GC Surfer services between Robina and Coolangatta via Burleigh Heads, as well as the planned extension of the Gold Coast Light Rail to Biggera Waters.
Gold Coast transport projects
The government also confirmed it would preserve the rail corridor between Varsity Lakes and Gold Coast Airport to allow for a future extension of the heavy rail network.
The transport projects form part of a broader infrastructure pipeline that also includes the Logan to Gold Coast Faster Rail project and additional road upgrades, which the government says will support the city’s continued growth beyond the 2032 Games.
Premier David Crisafulli said the projects would deliver the missing east-west links in the Gold Coast’s transport network while providing long-term infrastructure for one of Australia’s fastest-growing regions.
Transport and Main Roads Minister Brent Mickelberg said preserving the rail corridor to the airport would protect future expansion opportunities as demand for public transport continued to increase.
