A light rail line connecting Tweed Heads to Coolangatta Airport is a step closer with strategic planning for the project to be funded under a NSW Liberals & Nationals Government.
Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Andrew Constance said providing $1 million for strategic planning is the next step for the long awaited project, which will improve transport links between the twin towns of Tweed and Coolangatta.
“There are some 30,000 trips made every day between Tweed and Coolangatta and most of these are made by car,” Mr Constance said.
“We know light rail would be game-changing for the area and it should not miss out on it because there is a state border between the towns.”
The next step towards the project follows a recently completed feasibility study.
“The study identified two route options – one from the Airport to North Tweed, the other from the Airport to South Tweed,” Mr Constance said.
“Both routes would link the two centres and potentially further north with Gold Coast City Council planning to extend its light rail line to Burleigh and Coolangatta Airport in the future.”
Member for Tweed Geoff Provest has campaigned for the extension of light rail and said it was vital for the community.
“This project will deliver huge benefits for the Tweed and I look forward to seeing improved cross-border connections,” Mr Provest said.
The NSW Liberals & Nationals Government is already delivering light rail in Sydney and Parramatta and light rail services started operating in Newcastle on Monday.