LNP: ‘Call election so we can sort M1’

reiterated its campaign and petition for a second M1.

Mudgeeraba MP Ros Bates said it was time for the Premier to take responsibility for her own failures on the M1.

“We can’t build it because we’re not in government,” Ms Bates said. “So Annastacia Palaszczuk needs to put everybody in Queensland out of their misery and name the election date.”

LNP leader Tim Nicholls said the M1 was reaching capacity and constant traffic delays and backlogs not only frustrated motorists but were a handbrake on jobs.

“Let’s be frank, it is time for a second M1,” Mr Nicholls said.

“Everyone sick and tired of being stuck in traffic on the M1 is encouraged to sign it.

“With only a single dual lane bridge over the Pimpama, Nerang and Coomera rivers, accidents mean the M1 is a parking lot within minutes.

“This would be a truly transformative project for southeast Queensland. It just needs a State Government with the intestinal fortitude to commit and get it done.”

A second M1 could be built on a preserved corridor of 36.5km between StapyltonJacobs Well Rd at Staplyton and Nerang-Broadbeach Rd with at least four traffic lanes.

Long-term, Labor hopes two big M1 upgrades – six laning from Mudgeeraba to Varsity Lakes and planning of the Varsity Lakes to Tugun stretch – will ease congestion.

Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey last week said the LNP had ignored the M1 during its previous term in power.

The LNP’s Albert MP Mark Boothman said the benefits of a second M1 would be immense, including up to 1000 jobs during construction.

“Not only would it ease pressure on the M1 but it would get people home safer and sooner,” he said.