Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 3A is underway with the appointment of a company to lead the construction tender process.

GoldlinQ will conduct an industry briefing and Expressions-of-Interest (EOI) process for construction of the 6.4-kilometre southern extension.

The Morrison Government last week made an additional funding commitment of $157 million towards the project, bringing the total Commonwealth funding total to $269 million.

Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure Alan Tudge said Stage 3A will be a game changer for the Gold Coast.

“By extending the existing light rail system from Broadbeach South Station to Burleigh Heads it means car coming off the road along the southern Gold Coast,” Mr Tudge said.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey has committed to holding a briefing for the construction industry before Christmas.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said it was a huge win for the Gold Coast, with the project expected to create 760 jobs during construction.

“light rail revolutionised public transport on the coast and it’s been a major job-creating project for Australia’s sixth largest city,” Mr Bailey said.

“Gold Coasters and people from across the world have embraced the G, with more than 42 million trips taken since stage one opened five years ago.

“It’s great to see all levels of government on board, working together to ramp up the next stage of the city’s light rail.”

Federal Member for McPherson Karen Andrews said extending the Light Rail south to Burleigh would provide an additional public transport option to support the urban renewal of the Gold Coast.

“Improving local public transport and making our city more connected will ensure the Gold Coast keeps pace with our projected population growth,” Ms Andrews said.

Federal Member for Moncrieff Angie Bell said improving the city’s accessibility would improve access to jobs and services within the Gold Coast.

“With the ability to travel between Broadbeach South Station and Burleigh Heads in 16-17 minutes, alongside improved pedestrian and cycling facilities, this will make getting around the Gold Coast easier for everybody, especially for those who don’t drive,” Ms Bell said.

The Queensland Government and City of Gold Coast last year released a reference design for Stage 3A with the 6.4km extension to be built in the centre of the Gold Coast Highway with eight stations between Broadbeach South light rail station and Burleigh Heads.

GoldlinQ Chairman John Witheriff said the competitive tender process for design and construction would start with interest being sought from leading national and international companies.

“A shortlist of selected contractors will be determined early next year with a detailed tender process to follow, allowing a construction partner to be appointed and major works to start in the second half of 2020,” Mr Witheriff said.

“Lessons learnt from Stage 1 were implemented in the delivery of Stage 2 and our focus is on ensuring value for money, an innovative construction approach and minimising community impacts.

“We are partnering with government to deliver this project and will work closely with industry throughout the process.”

Construction is expected to take about three years and will deliver more than 760 jobs with light rail services to Burleigh expected to be operational in 2023.

Construction contractors interested in participating in the Expressions of Interest process for Gold Coast light rail Stage 3A should visit www.goldlinq.com.au