Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 3 Update

A summary of what is coming up next and some of the business support initiatives

Site preparation works and utility relocations underway on Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 3

Works to prepare the Gold Coast Highway for construction of the new light rail are ramping up between Broadbeach and Burleigh Heads.

Construction update

The project team has been working hard to relocate water services in Broadbeach throughout the past few months.

The installation of site offices commenced at 2095 Gold Coast Highway, Miami (Redondo Park), which will be utilised by construction staff and the workforce until completion of the project.

Piling activities started at the light rail depot and will support the foundations of new infrastructure as part of the expansion of the existing stabling facility in Southport. The depot will accommodate five additional light rail vehicles when complete.

What's coming up?

Relocation of gas, water, sewer, electricity and telecommunication services will continue along the project alignment. These works will continue into 2023.

Site preparation works will commence from late October between Dawn Parade, Miami and Brake Street, Burleigh Heads to prepare the Gold Coast Highway for major construction and the installation of new light rail infrastructure. These works are expected to take about six months to complete.

You may notice an increase in construction activity in the area and changed traffic conditions including temporary road and lane closures and changes to parking – please drive safely and follow the direction of signage.

For more information and to view our community notifications, please visit the GCLR3 website.

Please note that the above timing is subject to change.

Image: Watermain excavation at Broadbeach South station

Connecting local customers and businesses

We know that Gold Coasters love their city, and why wouldn’t they with world-class beaches, trendy cafes, and a truly enviable lifestyle.

That’s why the GCLR3 project team is pleased to launch the Love Your Local campaign, delivered by design and construction contractor John Holland, encouraging Gold Coast residents and visitors to stay, shop and dine locally during construction. This campaign is now active, and you can read more about it below or via the website at gclr3.com.au/business.

We're planning a range of activities and initiatives throughout construction, such as community pop-up events, family-friendly school holiday activities, and exclusive shop local promotions. We're also partnering with City of Gold Coast and other local event promoters to provide you with even more reasons to continue visiting your favourite coastal businesses.

Customers and businesses both benefit from Love Your Local, so we encourage you to get on board early and stay informed.

Trade tools

If you're a business operator on the GCLR3 alignment and you haven’t yet signed up for our free suite of social media templates, you're missing out! These have been designed with you in mind– and are ready for your next Facebook or Instagram post.

Social media is a great way to reach your customers – no matter where they are.

Using these templates can help to:

let your customers and followers know that you are open for business
promote your involvement in Love Your Local campaigns with your customers and followers, and
increase your business profile to new customers.

The templates reflect the unique area personalities of Mermaid Beach, Nobby Beach, Miami, and Burleigh Heads.

You can download the social media templates directly from our project website. There's also information on how to personalise the templates by adding your own business images. Visit gclr3.com.au/business and click on the 'Business information resources' tab.

Campaign stickers and posters are also available, tailored for your local business area.

Trader Directory

The digital local Trader Directory is live on the interactive map at gclr3.com.au/map.

It contains information like your direct links to your business's social media and website, and you can add your own description, including any promotions your business may have on offer.

We have a team of dedicated Place Managers ready to help businesses and customers stay connected through construction.

Image: Trader Directory

Partnering for success

TAFE Queensland and the Department of Employment, Small Business and Training (DESBT)

The GCLR3 project team is working with TAFE and DESBT to explore further partnership opportunities and specialised programs to support local business into 2023 and beyond.

TAFE Queensland has been delivering practical and industry-relevant training to provide students with the skills and experience for more than 139 years.

TAFE and DESBT are providing a series of workforce development opportunities to assist small business operators and their staff during the construction phase of Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 3.

More information on the current resources available can be found at: go.tafeqld.edu.au/supportingbusiness

The GCLR3 project team has partnered with Digital Solutions for a special offer:

From October 2022, the GCLR3 project team will pay for the first 100 businesses along the GCLR3 alignment to register for Digital Solutions, via the GCLR3 website.

Digital Solutions is a business advisory program that connects you with expert business advisors.

As an Australian Government initiative, Digital Solutions gives small business owners over $1,000 in consultation time, workshop access, and online resources for only $44.

With a wide range of workshops and webinars on topics that matter to small business owners, you’ll find something that’s right for you.

For more information on this great program, visit goldcoast.qld.gov.au/libraries/Explore/Business

Image: Business Station, Digital Soultions

Popping-up in Mermaid Park

Did you see us in Mermaid Park on Friday 30 September? Our first pop-up park was a success – the team chatted with some engaged community members and several local business owners dropped-in to meet the project team and find out more about GCLR3 construction.

Kids and parents made the most of the last sunny Friday of the school holidays, playing giant games and getting their faces painted. Our prize wheel was a big hit and lots of vouchers to local businesses were given away on the day.

Thank you to those who stopped by – we’re looking forward to our next Pop-Up Park in Burleigh in early December. To find out more and stay up to date, register for updates at gclr3.com.au.

Image: 30 September pop-up park

Changes to parking

Constructing the new light rail requires short and long-term parking closures to ensure work can be undertaken safely while minimising the impact to the community.

Parking closures are required while we relocate utilities, reconstruct road pavements, and build new rail infrastructure. We'll be maintaining two lanes of traffic during construction on both sides of the Gold Coast Highway.

Keep an eye out for the parking signage which will be progressively installed in 2022 and 2023 informing everyone about upcoming parking changes.

For more information, see our parking factsheet at gclr3.com.au.