M1 upgrade in doubt as Malcolm Turnbull reiterates refusal to commit to 80-20 funding split

THE upgrade of one of southeast Queensland’s most notorious sections of road is in doubt as the Prime Minister again refuses to budge from his funding pledge.

• M1 upgrade: Federal MP commits to funding
• M1 upgrade: Standoff continues between State and Federal governments over funding
• M1 upgrade: Calls for PM to increase funding to 80 per cent
• M1 upgrade: Delays on M1 costing business about $9000 a week

IT WILL be a “national embarrassment” when the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games rolls around if the M1 has not been upgraded.

That’s the view of Logan Mayor Luke Smith who continues to be frustrated by the standoff between the state and federal governments in relation to the much-needed funding arrangements to upgrade the M1.

Cr Smith feared the traffic gridlock would bring enormous embarrassment to Australia and southeast Queensland if the state and federal governments could not agree on a funding arrangement for an upgrade.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull today announced he would pledge $215 million to an upgrade of the highway at the M1-M3 Gateway Motorway merge between Eight Mile Plains and Springwood, and separate section on the Gold Coast. However, Mr Turnbull refused to budge from his commitment of a 50-50 split with the state government.

Logan Mayor Luke Smith - Picture: Richard Walker

Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey has called for the federal government to provide 80 per cent of the funds, which would be in line with other major projects such as the second Toowoomba Range Crossing and the Bruce Highway upgrade, leading to a tense stand-off.

“I am calling on the Prime Minister to reconsider his offer so work on this vital transport route can start in time to relieve gridlock before the Commonwealth Games in 2018,” Cr Smith said.

“We cannot afford the embarrassment of having thousands of athletes and visitors trapped on the M1 carpark as they try to move around venues and attractions across southeast Queensland.”

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull at this afternoon’s press conference.

But Mr Turnbull, speaking at a short press conference in Loganholme, reiterated his commitment to a 50-50 funding arrangement.

“We’ve offered a 50-50 split — it is a state government road after all — and the state government should come to the party,” he said.

“This is a very substantial commitment ... and I think after the election, we’ll see a very different attitude. I expect a bit of politics between now and July 2.

“This is a very substantial contribution to these very important roads.

“We look forward to the state government partnering in this and getting these important sections expanded, and enabling more of your constituents to get around and do their business and get to work and get to university and so forth.”

Federal LNP MP for Forde Bert van Manen backed the Prime Minister’s stance.

“Thank you for listening because it’s the number one issue up here, the government has listened to what we had to say ... and it will be a tremendous opportunity for business to grow and prosper,” he said.

“I’d like to echo your words in calling for the state government to support this vital project — they have the capacity to do it, they just need the will to do it.”