Federal LNP MP for Forde Bert van Manen confirms his government will commit funds to upgrade notorious M1
AN upgrade to one of the state’s most notorious sections of roads is in the pipeline with a Federal MP this morning confirming his government will provide funds.
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- M1 upgrade: Opposition Leader Bill Shorten pledges $168 million
An M1 upgrade was certain after Federal LNP MP for Forde Bert van Manen confirmed this morning his party would be allocating funding to a much-needed widening of the highway prior to the July 2 election
Speaking at the Logan Chamber of Commerce breakfast in Kingston, Mr van Manen did not reveal details of the expected funding announcement but said funding was “on the way” to fix the traffic trouble spot between the Gold Coast and Logan City.
“The M1 is a Federal Government priority and what I can say is there will be an announcement before the second of July,’’ he said.
Mr van Manen was responding to a question from the floor by Logan City Councillor Lisa Bradley (Div 1) who asked if the LNP would commit to funding an upgrade prior to the July 2 Federal election.
It is believed Mr van Manen is negotiating with the Prime Minister’s Office as to the exact amount which will be released for an upgrade.
He is on the record as saying he was “working hard’’ to secure funding.
The ALP has committed $168 million to fund a 4.5km stretch of the M1 and M3 section between the Eight Mile Plains merge and the Springwood-Rochedale Rd exit. The upgrade would be jointly funded with the State Government ($42 million) and would address southbound traffic only.
It is known Mr van Manen wants his government to commit to a major upgrade encompassing a majority of the highway between Logan and the Gold Coast.
News relating to a commitment from the LNP is a boon for the 140,000 motorists who use the road daily.
A sticking point in negotiations between the LNP Federal Government and the ALP State Government has been the funding split.
The Federal Government want a 50-50 split but the State Government an 80-20 funding split.
