Qld govt gives Truss light rail deadline

The Gold Coast light rail line won't be extended before the Commonwealth Games unless it's approved within seven days, the state government says.

The federal government must tick off on the Gold Coast light rail line extension within seven days or the project won't be built in time, the state government warns.

Deputy Premier Jackie Trad says the Turnbull government has indicated it may back the project, but it won't be built in time for the 2018 Commonwealth Games if work doesn't start within one week.

"We need a positive sign from the Commonwealth to engage in the next stage and that means Deputy Prime Minister Warren Truss saying `Yes, we are happy to proceed'. All it takes is a simple yes and we're happy to push the button," she said.