How we will get to work

MOST residents surveyed in the fast growing northern Gold Coast suburbs support the Coomera Connector, according to a study.

Division 1 candidate Mark Hammel said the survey of up to 100 residents at Ormeau, Pimpama and Jacobs Well backed up feedback he had received during doorknocking.

Asked if they supported the second M1 being built east of the Pacific Motorway between Nerang and Stapylton, about 69 per cent of residents answered “yes”.

Traffic was a key issue, with more than 64 per cent of residents believing it was “extremely important” to get a traffic plan for the area.

Asked what would change the community for the better, residents responded by saying “fixing roads” and “less traffic”.

“As a resident of Division 1 my entire life, I understand and can empathise with the daily struggle residents and businesses are facing,” Mr Hammel told the Bulletin.

“Whether you’re dropping the kids off at school, trying to get to work on time or driving a truck, traffic is without doubt the major issue for the division. It’s costing us time and money and quite frankly many of our roads are dangerous in their current state.

“Many residents I am speaking with in Division 1 often feel as though they are left out of important city planning discussions and decisions, and in all honesty sometimes don’t feel as though they are considered part of the Gold Coast as a result of this.

“When it comes to traffic, Division 1 can’t afford to be forgotten when you take into account the huge future growth expected in our residential areas like Pimpama and Ormeau, and the industrial expansion of the Yatala Enterprise Area.’’

Mr Hammel said a local area plan was needed for Division 1 and an integrated traffic solution to ensure traffic infrastructure was built for the booming suburbs.