‘Second M1’ would be closer had LNP not run interference

IF navel gazing was an Olympic sport, there’s little doubt Mark Boothman and the LNP would win gold when it comes to the M1.

The Coomera Connector (or ‘second M1’) would be much more advanced by now if he and the LNP had not blocked it and stopped it being included in the SEQ Regional Plan and Gold Coast City Plan when the LNP were in government.

It is the Palaszczuk Labor Government that has re-commenced work on this critical infrastructure since our election. This work has resulted in the gazettal of two sections over the last 18 months and we have prioritised work to secure the whole corridor which is happening now.

We’re investing $5 million to lock that down so that it can be progressed to the capital investment stage after three years of LNP inaction.

Mr Boothman and the LNP would also perform well in the leg pulling category if that was added to the Olympics.

Their suggestion that 36km of new highway can be funded for $500 million when the total estimated cost is in fact $2.4 billion is ludicrous. Their credibility on the M1 on this issue alone is in tatters.

We need road investment to tackle strong population growth and congestion on the northern Gold Coast, but we need more for public transport as well.

Stage two of the Palaszczuk Government’s popular light rail from Helensvale to the hospital and university via Parkwood has boosted patronage by 27 per cent and is fully integrated with the heavy rail line.

The business case for stage 3A is advancing to extend it south to Burleigh and will include community consultation within the next six months.

State Labor is fully funding Cross River Rail which will unblock the rail system by doubling capacity at its core. This will mean faster and more frequent trains on the Gold Coast Line where three new stations will be built, at Pimpama, Helensvale North and Worongary/Merrimac.

Exit 54 M1 upgrade is done, the $25 million Exit 57 upgrade design is progressing and planning is well under way for other exit upgrades, and the rail line from Helensvale to Coomera duplicated by the Palaszczuk Government is performing well.

Only Labor has a track record to be proud of when it comes to infrastructure investment on the Gold Coast and only Labor has a fully funded forward program.

We are delivering four major fully funded M1 upgrades to add to our long list of Gold Coast infrastructure achievements and we’re prioritising securing the Coomera Connector corridor. MARK BAILEY, TRANSPORT AND MAIN ROADS MINISTER