Gold Coast Traffic: Mayoral candidate Gary Pead calls for ‘billions’ to fix city’s problem roads

A Gold Coast mayoral candidate has called for the city to more than double its spending in order to fix its problem roads, as other candidates also have their say.

THE Gold Coast’s mayoral candidates have come out in favour of fixing the city’s problem roads.

One candidate even claims the $544 million predicted to be spent on road upgrades needs to be bumped up to “billions of dollars”.

Serial candidate and former Labor Party member Gary Pead has said the numbers are far less than what the Coast needs.

“If it were me, I’d be spending billions,” he said.

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Gary Pead has called for “billions” to be spent fixing roads. Picture: Jerad Williams

“And I’d be invoicing the state and federal governments and saying this is what’s got to happen in a modern city.”

However this is not how infrastructure projects are funded, nor would an invoice be likely to be honoured by governments.

The Bulletin yesterday launched a campaign calling on residents to “name and shame” the city’s worst roads and footpaths.

Fellow candidate Mona Hecke criticised the $544 million figure, and said it wasn’t clear how much would be spent on local roads.

Mona Hecke has now criticised the $544 million figure. Picture: Jerad Williams

“Our population has grown by over 100,000 people and more than 50,000 cars,” she said.

“We spent more in dollar terms on local roads nearly a decade ago.

“We know our roads are choking. Every road network is experiencing congestion.

“Every resident is frustrated about traffic.”

Candidate Brett Lambert, who also stood for mayor in 2016, called for the Coast’s problem roads to be a priority “not just now elections are coming up”.

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Brett Lambert wants the roads to remain a priority outside election time. Picture Mike Batterham

“The city’s roads, gutters, footpaths, parks and all public areas should be maintained and safe for our community at all times.”

But small business-owner and candidate Virginia Freebody said any upgrade to the city’s transport networks needed to be scrutinised before going ahead.

“Cost always has to be a concern,” she said.

“When I am Mayor I will be initiating a complete review on all assets, contracts and arrangements to satisfy our ratepayers that everything is above board.”

Virginia Freebody wants to see upgrades be “above board”. Pic Tim Marsden

It comes as RACQ this week announced their annual Red Spot Survey, urging drivers to report congestion areas across the state.

They plan to use the results to lobby governments for funding and improvements.

The Gold Coast topped the list for most congested roads in 2019, with the Varsity Lakes to Elanora stretch of the Pacific Motorway named as the worst by drivers.

YOUR SAY: THE COAST’S WORST ROADS

*Pacific Motorway

*Learning St and Foxwell Rd intersection, Coomera

*Captain Cook Dr, Arundel

*Pine Ridge Rd, Coombabah

*Alexandra Ave, Broadbeach

*Oxenford Overpass

*Reserve Rd, Upper Coomera

*Gaven Arterial Rd, Maudsland

*Frank St, Labrador

*Brisbane Rd, Biggera Waters

*Pappas Way, Carrara

Have a problem road in your area? Email us at [e-mail].