Politics · Other · 1 hr ago
Gold Coast tramline maintenance footage prompts debate over crew size
Footage showed workers clearing debris beside a tramline on the Gold Coast Highway in Queensland, Australia.
The video appeared to show at least eight workers, while the person recording it said there were 12.
Online critics questioned the size of the crew and raised concerns about the use of taxpayer money.
The workers are contractors for GoldLinQ, which was awarded a contract to build and operate the light rail system with government partners.
Some people said the crew could have safety roles, while others argued that more workers could finish the job quickly and keep the tramline operating.
The City of Gold Coast and GoldLinQ had been contacted for comment, but no response was included.
Footage of workers maintaining a Gold Coast tramline has prompted social media debate about crew size.
The video appeared to show at least eight workers along the tramline outside the Silverton Apartments on the Gold Coast Highway.
Some commenters said the number of workers seemed excessive, while others suggested the crew size reflected safety needs or a desire to finish quickly.
The Daily Mail reported that the workers were contractors belonging to GoldLinQ.
The City of Gold Coast and GoldLinQ were contacted for comment.
- Who
- Contractors belonging to GoldLinQ were carrying out the maintenance work.
- What
- Footage of the work prompted debate over the number of workers shown.
- When
- The footage was recorded on Friday. The article was published on 20 October 2026.
- Where
- Along the tramline outside the Silverton Apartments on the Gold Coast Highway, Queensland.
- Why
- The workers were carrying out maintenance, including clearing debris. The sources do not state a more specific reason for the work.
Critics of the crew size
Defenders of the crew size
Crew size
Critics of the crew size
Some commenters said the number of workers appeared excessive.
Defenders of the crew size
Some commenters said workers may have been needed for safety, including as spotters.
Work efficiency
Critics of the crew size
A person recording the footage asked why 12 workers were needed.
Defenders of the crew size
One commenter said a larger workforce could get the work done quickly and limit tramline downtime.
Footage showed workers carrying out maintenance along the tramline outside the Silverton Apartments.
The Daily Mail published its report on the footage and the debate over crew size.
- Workers shown
- At least eight
- Location
- Gold Coast Highway, outside the Silverton Apartments
- Contractor
- GoldLinQ
- Published
- 20 October 2026
- Work shown
- Clearing debris along the tramline
What people are saying
Can someone tell me why you need 12 blokes to whipper snipper a railway?
Three people brush cutting, three people spraying weeds and a spotter for each side, simple to see really
Efficiency mate. Tram lines can't be down for a long time so they double the workforce to get it done.
And if they let the weeds grow you'd whinge about that