NEW NORTHERN NETWORK TO COMBAT CITY GROWTH

A NEW road network will be built in the Gold Coast’s north as local and state planners work to deal with the massive influx of new residents.

The Gold Coast City Council’s 10-year plans involve a new arterial connecting from Pimpama’s Rifle Range Rd to Tillyroen Rd, completing the missing link on the western side of the M1.

Deputy Mayor and area councillor Donna Gates said the proposed road would provide an alternative to the M1 when major crashes occur.

“Some funds have already been set aside for this in the capital works program,” she said. “Council is also investing in building a road network around Ormeau to relieve congestion.”

A report on the proposed network is expected to go before the council in September.”

The council will spend $110 million on road upgrades in the next financial year, which will include progressive upgrades to Stanmore and Old Coach roads south as well as design work on the $50 million Isle of Capri bridge revamp and $10 million extra lane on the Sundale Bridge.

Daniel O’Hare, associate professor of urban planning at Bond University, said greater forward planning of density and public transport in the northern suburbs was essential to preventing gridlock as the population grows.