20/10/2026
There has been a significant development regarding the long-debated proposal to extend heavy rail from Varsity Lakes Station to Gold Coast Airport.
On 16th September 2026, EPetition was lodged seeking clarification on the future of the rail corridor. A response has now been received from Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Brent Mickelberg MP, which included the following statement:
“Regrettably, during the time of the former Labor Government, a significant portion of the corridor was cannibalised for other projects with no replacement land gazetted”.
This acknowledgement is notable, as STAR has consistently maintained, based on available evidence and planning outcomes, that the original heavy rail corridor had been compromised. Concerns were further reinforced during the planning and upgrade of the M1, where no provision was made for a future heavy rail connection. This should now provide many in the community some clarity as to the status of heavy rail. Another issue to be considered is viability, which plays a major role in the future of extending heavy rail.
Irrespective of individual political views or positions on heavy rail, credit should be given to Minister Mickelberg for providing transparency regarding the current status of the corridor. Major infrastructure projects should never be used to divide communities or become political tools for electoral advantage. Open and transparent communication ensures all stakeholders can participate in discussions on an informed and equitable basis, and should remain the foundation of any future transport planning.
In August, the Queensland government released its Gold Coast Transport Plan, which provides further insight into the State’s transport vision for the region.
https://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/gold-coast-transport-plan
