SPEED UP M2
THE State Opposition has challenged the Government to put the foot down on the second M1 by committing major money in next month’s budget.
LNP leader Deb Frecklington said it was “obvious” Labor had “stalled” on funding for the road and it was time the Coast was given a “fair go” on infrastructure.
The proposed six-lane highway between Nerang and Stapleton is tipped to take up to 60,000 vehicles each day off the M1.
THE State Opposition has challenged the Government to put the foot down on the second M1 by committing major money in next month’s budget.
LNP leader Deb Frecklington said it was “obvious” Labor had “stalled” on funding for the road and it was time the Coast was given a “fair go” on infrastructure.
She seized upon comments by Macalister MP Melissa McMahon, who called the Coomera Connector a “proposal”.
“There are many studies, including environmental and social impact studies, particularly at the northern end, that have to be completed before a final alignment would be decided,” the Beenleigh-based Labor MP said.
The proposed six-lane highway between Nerang and Stapleton, previously known as the Intra-Regional Transport Corridor (IRTC), is tipped to take up to 60,000 vehicles each day off the M1.
State Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey yesterday said a detailed business study needed to be completed, something he claimed Ms Frecklington was glossing over.
“Even the Federal LNP know this, with this year’s federal budget providing funding for planning only, commencing in 2021-22,” he said.
“It was the Palaszczuk Government that secured the Coomera Connector corridor after Deb Frecklington, Campbell Newman and the LNP cut the connector from its plans during their term of government.
“Ms Frecklington and the LNP’s Gold Coast MPs know there is considerable planning, design and community consultation that is necessary before any shovel hits the ground.
“Deb Frecklington also knows it’ll cost many times more than half a billion to build the Coomera Connector.
“There’s no financial or planning basis to what she’s pledged, because there needs to be a detailed business study completed.”
However, Bonney MP Sam O’Connor, who joined Ms Frecklington at the Parkwood light rail station yesterday to talk about Gold Coast infrastructure, said residents needed certainty about the Coomera Connector.
He said the latest route affected hundreds of residents who had bought luxury homes at Arundel Springs and The Surrounds east of the railway and tram corridor.
“It’s just broken promises. There is all this talk on this. There is nothing firm,” he said.
“We have no idea where it is going. Now it looks like the Government is not committed to building it.
“I’m told they are regazetting a section. It would have gone through the back garages of townhouses at Arundel Springs. If there is nothing in the budget papers it shows they’re not serious.”