Road delay ‘ridiculous’ LNP claims government ‘dithering’ on second M1
THE LNP is accusing the State Government of “dithering” on the congestion-busting Coomera Connector – but Roads Minister Mark Bailey is painting that as hypocritical.
Gold Coast MP Sam O’Connor dubbed the delay on a business case for the congestion buster “absolutely ridiculous”.
It comes after the Bulletin revealed earlier this week residents would not know the full details of the route and business case for the proposed second M1 until next year, following the State poll in October.
Bonney MP Mr Connor is blasting the wait, accusing the State Government of “dithering” on the project.
“It does not take six years to plan a road, it’s just completely ridiculous,” he said.
“It shows they’re absolutely playing politics on this, it should not take that long to put a business case together.”
Asked whether the LNP could provide a timeline for the Connector if in power, he claimed they could start “straight away”.
“The business case is just a delaying tactic from the Government,” he said.
He did not provide a specific timeline for completion.
Transport Minister Mark Bailey hit back at the criticism, and said: “Taking advice from the LNP on the Coomera Connector is like taking advice from an arsonist on rebuilding the house that’s burnt down.
“The LNP blocked the Coomera Connector when they were in government, putting the project back years.
“The project would be three years more advanced if they hadn’t blocked it.
“The LNP’s plan for the Gold Coast while in government was to block the Coomera
Netball courts and the park are expected to open in late 2020. The aquatic centre and other facilities open in 2021.
Connector, cut $600 million in state roads funding and cut thousands of road building jobs.
“The Palaszczuk Labor Government is building a better M1 with more than $2.3 billion in joint funding committed, upgrading key exits, prioritising the Coomera Connector and expanding light rail, to build the infrastructure the city needs and create local jobs.”
Mr O’Connor has asked Mr Bailey in a Question on Notice in State Parliament for a timeline for the business case.
He asked for specifics on when the business case will be completed “and publicly released to give nearby residents in The Surrounds and Arundel Springs an understanding of what this project will look like”.
Community consultation on it concluded six months ago, with new mapping revealing the Coomera Connector will not force property resumptions at Arundel or Helensvale.