Gold Coast light rail review proposed detour north to major shopping centre

A review into Stage 4 of the Gold Coast light rail that saw the airport extension axed also recommended a detour north, potentially connecting the tram network to a major shopping centre.

The recommended spur line would provide direct access to Harbour Town at Biggera Waters, a major retail centre attracting more than 10 million visitors annually, including a significant number of tourists.

It would also service the new Harbour Shores development, which comprises 6000 residences.

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Light rail to Harbour Town was considered in planning for Stage 2 of the project and is "now back on the agenda for consideration", according to Surfers Paradise MP John-Paul Langbroek.

"It is something that I know minister Sam O'Connor's been advocating," he said.

"Premier David Crisafulli's mentioned that he believes this to be a priority.

"We haven't made a decision about that."

The proposal faces significant hurdles and remains years away from realisation, with the review acknowledging "there is limited additional rail construction sector capacity available in the near term to deliver a project".

"It will benefit a lot of people, this is a strong growth corridor on the north Gold Coast," Harbour Town centre manager Greg Day said.

The review also advocated for a "regional transport planning exercise" to evaluate future transport solutions for Gold Coast residents.

Implementation of the recommendation may not occur until after the 2032 Olympics.

This article was produced with the assistance of 9ExPress.