WINDY ROAD TO M1 UPGRADES
Pre-1990s: The Gold Coast was linked to Brisbane by a single four-lane road known as the “goat track”. Further upgrades, interchanges and extensions continued through the late 1980s.
1991: A Transport Department report proposed a “Los Angeles-style” eight-lane freeway between the Gold Coast and Brisbane to replace the four-lane Pacific Highway. It was to be built by 2006 to cater for the population growth.
1992: The Goss Cabinet vows to make a decision on the Pacific Highway, which was taking about 22 million vehicles a year.
1993: The Goss Government commits to spending $1.5 billion on road upgrades across the state, including $21.8 million for an interim solution later dubbed the koala highway. The eastern corridor was proposed to run north from the Gold Coast, east of Logan through Priestdale and Shailer Park.
1995: The Goss Government is narrowly re-elected after a backlash on its plans for the eastern corridor and concerns over koala habitat.
1996: The Goss Government resigns and is replaced by the Borbidge Government which announces plans for a $630 million “super-highway”.
1998: The cost of the upgrade blows out to $750 million. The Borbidge Government is defeated and the Beattie Government vows to continue the upgrade.
2000: The M1 opens. 2000: A Transport Department report reveals the eight-lane M1 would begin to choke by 2011.
2004: The State opposition promises to widen the M1
between Nerang and Bermuda St if elected. Premier Peter Beattie demands the Howard Government to fund half of the $1 billion upgrade. Beattie promises $300 million.
2005: Southeast Queensland mayors lobby for upgrades.
2007: Howard Government pledges $544 million to upgrade the M1. Labor makes a similar pledge.
2015: New report reveals the M1
will choke within 16 years.
February 2016: A fiery crash on the M1 at Nerang halts traffic, sparking renewed calls for upgrades.
April 2016: Bulletin campaign for the M1 to be upgrade immediately.
May 2016: M1 funds absent in Federal Budget.
June 2016: The State Government says no to 50-50 funding deal.
June 2016: Federal Government commits money to M1 upgrade.
June 2016: Gold Coast business leaders join Bulletin campaign demanding agreement on upgrade. June 2016: Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey says the State Government will commit funds to M1 fix. June 2016: Major crash on the M1 at Mudgeeraba stops city’s traffic again.
July 2016: The Turnbull government wins election, just retaining the seat of Forde. Academics attribute the swing to M1 debate.
July 2016: Mr Bailey and Mayor Tom Tate form delegation to meet with PM to discuss M1.
August 2016: Mr Turnbull declines to meet with the delegation. September 2016: Delegation meets with Turnbull ministers.
September 2016: Cr Tate proposes council partially fund the upgrade.
March 2017: The deal is done, announcement of M1 upgrade made between Mudgeeraba and Varsity Lakes
November 2017: Former Victorian premier Jeff Kennett declares the M1 a car park.
November 2017: LNP State opposition announces plan for M2 — a secondary arterial.
November 2017: Labor pledges to widen the M1 as far south as Tugun to six lanes.
November 2017: Premier
Annastacia Palaszczuk re-elected.
February 2018: State Government warns locals to stay off the M1 during the Commonwealth Games.
February 2018: Frustrated federal MP Steven Ciobo calls for a hyperloop bullet train to be built to end the M1 farce.
Today: Turnbull Government to announce funding for M1 upgrades to Tugun and north on the Gateway merge.