Time for second M1 to get out of slow lane

THE Coomera Connector, or second M1, and the building of it is stuck in the slow lane. Whatever way you look at it, on the most recent promise of a start on construction, it’s months behind. The Opposition is right, by the time we get vehicles on this much needed highway, it will have been at least three election cycles from the promise to build it. Transport Minister Mark Bailey in response to Opposition criticism says heavy construction “will ramp up in coming weeks”.

But Mr Bailey is on the money as well. What the Opposition promised at election time for a highway was much less than Labor’s plans.

Where does this leave the taxpayer? In October next year there will be another State election and MPs and candidates from both sides must be grilled on what infrastructure their party will deliver in office – and when it is to be completed. We are told now the 16km first stage of the Coomera Connector – yes, this is only the first stage between Nerang and Coomera – will be built in three construction components.

It will be four lanes, not six. Even so, the costs have blown out. Taxpayers need to know when the whole package will be delivered and what is an accurate budget. They should also be told about the route for the second stage further north.

The reason is this newspaper’s recent reporting on gridlock doubling on hinterland roads leading to the M1.

Some council roads cannot cope with 30,000-plus vehicles a day. This is our city’s future transport hotspot, not so much the light rail on the Coast.

Transport along with crime and housing affordability will be the key poll issues. The Coomera Connector is a flashing warning sign on how both sides of politics fail to deliver on promises.