Gold Coast Council Approves Light Rail Funding, Tightens Rental Rules

The Gold Coast City Council voted 9-3 on Monday to release $48 million for the next stage of the light rail extension from Broadbeach to Burleigh Heads.

The decision lands as federal funding talks for the 2032 Olympics intensify and tourism operators push for faster transport links before peak summer bookings.

Work crews have already fenced off sections along Gold Coast Highway near Nobby Beach and the planned station at Miami Road, while planners confirmed the route will pass the existing Southport light rail depot for maintenance upgrades.

Airbnb rules and coastal approvals advance

Separate council papers released Thursday set a 90-night annual cap on unregistered short-term rentals starting 1 January 2027, targeting streets in Surfers Paradise and Main Beach where complaints about noise rose 27 percent last financial year.

The same agenda approved a revised coastal development at The Spit that adds 120 apartments and a new boardwalk section, with construction slated to begin in September after state environmental sign-off.

Robina Stadium and the Coomera Sports Centre both received fresh geotechnical reports this week showing ground works remain on track for the 2032 venues despite recent wet weather delays.

Numbers and next steps

Tourism Queensland figures for June showed visitor nights on the Gold Coast up 12 percent year-on-year, with average daily rates for holiday apartments holding at $285 in Broadbeach.

Ratepayers can submit comments on the rental cap changes until 25 July through the council’s online portal, with a final vote expected in late August.

Light rail construction tenders close 15 August, and the first public information sessions on the Burleigh extension timetable open at the Robina Community Centre on 18 July.