A mass transit and light rail link from Tweed Heads to Southern Queensland and the Gold Coast will be a focus of future transport planning for NSW.
Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Andrew Constance, Minister for Roads Maritime and Freight Melinda Pavey and Member for Tweed Geoff Provest announced consideration of the new link would be part of the NSW Government’s Future Transport strategy.
A Tweed Heads Transport Network plan is to be developed through a partnership between key NSW, Queensland and local government agencies.
“We will investigate transport needs across the region including the potential of extending the Gold Coast light rail system into the Tweed”, Mr Constance said.
The proposed extension into NSW will be investigated after the Gold Coast Light Rail project connects the current Broadbeach South Terminus with Coolangatta Airport.
Mrs Pavey said improving transport services to the Tweed will bring more opportunities for locals and businesses.
“It’s part of a wider focus that has seen the Pacific Highway upgraded into the Northern Rivers and beyond”, Mrs Pavey said.
“We are delivering a dual carriageway, world class road, incorporating the latest safe design principles to improve safety and connectivity to coastal centres like Byron Bay and Ballina.”
Mr 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.
