SEQTA
SEQTA calls for heavy rail to finally connect the southern Gold Coast
The South-East Queensland Transport Association (SEQTA) is calling on the State and Federal Governments to commit to extending heavy rail from Varsity Lakes to Gold Coast Airport, starting with a funded business case and a clear delivery pathway.
SEQTA Founder Imogen Buckley said the connection would benefit residents, airport workers and passengers travelling across South-East Queensland.
“You should be able to catch a train to Gold Coast Airport. It’s a pretty simple expectation,” Ms Buckley said. “This is about the worker getting to an early shift, airport to city travel, the family travelling with luggage and the locals who need a proper alternative to sitting in traffic.”
👀 From campaigns to commitments
Federal LNP Member for McPherson Leon Rebello’s ‘Back the Track’ campaign calls for Commonwealth funding for a detailed business case into the extension.
SEQTA’s call is independent of that campaign and any political party, with the Association urging representatives across the political spectrum to work together on delivery.
“Passengers deserve a railway, regardless of whose logo is on the campaign material. We’re calling on both levels of government to put funding and a timeframe behind this connection.”
🚆 SEQTA is calling for:
- 📋 A funded business case to establish the route, costs and delivery options.
- 📅 A public delivery timeline, with clear milestones and responsibilities.
- 🚌 Connections that work, integrating the extension with local public transport and serving communities along the route.
- 🔒 Continued protection of the rail corridor so future construction remains possible.
“The state government must make a commitment to build critical and high-quality public transport infrastructure to the 2nd busiest airport in Queensland and the 6th busiest airport in Australia, in time for the Olympics,” said Curtis, a member of the SEQTA Taskforce
While the Queensland Government’s Gold Coast Transport Plan includes planning for an airport heavy rail extension, SEQTA says that work must lead to a clear commitment to delivery, by 2035.
ENDS
Sources:
- “Back the Track” — UNAFFILIATED
Media Contact: Imogen Buckley, immy@seqta.org, Founder and Head of PR
Date: Mon, 19th October 2026 ~ 11:20am
Released: From Taskforce @ SEQTA, Management Council @ SEQTA and the Administrative Team.
