Two contracts worth $68 million have been awarded for early works on Queensland’s first light rail system.

Federal Infrastructure and Transport Anthony Albanese and Queensland Transport Minister Rachel Nolan today announced Seymour Whyte Constructions and Baulderstone Pty Ltd have been selected to prepare the Gold Coast Rapid Transit corridor for construction.

“When it comes to public transport infrastructure, the Gillard Labor Government means what it says and does what it promises,” said Mr Albanese.

“In just 18 months we’ve taken this light rail project from the drawing board to the start of construction, with the awarding of these two latest contracts a signal it’s now full steam ahead with delivering this long awaited new piece of infrastructure.

“What’s more, funding for this project was provided as part of our recession-busting, job-creating Economic Stimulus Plan, the very initiative the Federal Coalition voted against early last year and have consistently opposed ever since.

“Indeed if Steve Ciobo, Stuart Robert and their Liberal colleagues had got their way last year, a light rail network on the Gold Coast would still be nothing more than a dream.

“Only the Gillard Labor Government has a plan to move our cities forward, one which recognises the task of renewing and expanding their public transport infrastructure requires a partnership between all the levels of government.”

Ms Nolan said the new two contracts will create about 800 direct and indirect jobs, while the entire Stage One of the project will generate up to 6,300 direct and indirect jobs.

“Before the light rail system can be built, the roads it will travel along will have to be prepared so this early work will include surveying, road widening, intersection upgrades, landscaping, concreting and paving,” said Ms Nolan.

“Services located under the road such as the gas, water and telecommunications also have to be moved to a more accessible location to allow for future repairs and upgrades.”

Southport roadworks will take place in the following areas:

• Queen Street west between Wardoo Street and Nerang Street;


• Nerang Street from Queen Street to Scarborough Street;


• Queen Street east between Scarborough Street and the Gold Coast Highway.

Broadbeach roadworks will take place along the Gold Coast Highway between the intersections of Thornton Street and Australia Avenue.

Ms Nolan said local residents would be kept informed of works, which are expected to take approximately 12 months to complete.

“Residents and businesses will be advised in advance of any work, the nature of the work and the working hours. What’s more, contractors will be required to minimise the impact on the traffic network and demonstrate the highest levels of safety at construction sites,” said Ms Nolan.

“When Stage One of Gold Coast Rapid Transit is complete in 2014, it will be a world class public transport system which will change the way people move around the coast.

“The 13 kilometre dedicated light rail corridor will service the new Gold Coast University Hospital, Griffith University, Southport medical precinct and the fast growing commercial, retail and recreational centres of Southport, Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach.”

The interactive tendering process to select those which will construct and operate the light rail system is progressing well with submissions expected in late November and the successful consortium to be announced by the middle of 2011.