Cameron Caldwell, Letitia Del Fabbro clash over Fadden traffic problems

LNP and Labor rivals have clashed over who is to blame for traffic snarl-ups on the northern Gold Coast, amid claims of roads ‘cracked to pieces’ and ‘full of potholes’.

Fadden by-election candidates Cameron Caldwell and Letitia Del Fabbro have clashed over who is to blame for traffic snarl-ups on the northern Gold Coast highlighted in a Bulletin report.

On Friday this newspaper revealed community leaders in Coomera feared gridlock around Exit 54 of the M1 by the time a new public hospital opened in 2027, with traffic already grinding to a halt at a roundabout outside Dreamworld, and Queensland Treasury projections showing the area’s population would soar by 25 per cent.

Concerns were also expressed about the termination of the Coomera Connector in the area ahead of a future stage to take it to Loganholme, for which a business case is currently being prepared.

Heavy traffic around the roundabout outside Dreamworld in Coomera. Picture: Glenn Hampson.

Amid a review of infrastructure spending by the Albanese government, LNP candidate Mr Caldwell accused Labor of putting the future Coomera Connector stages “on the chopping block”.

“Coomera and surrounding suburbs are growing at an incredibly fast rate and causing delays and headaches for commuters trying to do the school run and get to work,” Mr Caldwell said.

“If elected, I will be a strong local advocate to ensure crucial infrastructure is delivered so people can get home to their families sooner and safer.

“Accessible roadways into major tourism attractions are important to retain a strong local tourism industry, the backbone of the Gold Coast economy.

“I am concerned that Labor has put future stages of the Coomera Connector on the chopping block.”

LNP candidate Cameron Caldwell. Picture: Mike Batterham.

Labor candidate Letitia Del Fabbro. Picture: Glenn Campbell / NCA Newswire

However Labor candidate Ms Del Fabbro said the Albanese government had made the Coomera Connector a priority, and accused Mr Caldwell of serving in a council that allowed a prominent local road to become a “cracked to pieces” and “scattered with potholes”.

“Let’s be clear, (Coomera MP) Michael Crandon and his LNP Government under Campbell Newman made no investments into the M1 and famously blocked the second M1 when they were in power, as was widely reported by the Gold Coast Bulletin at the time,” Ms Del Fabbro said.

“Their Federal LNP colleagues led by Scott Morrison and Peter Dutton continued to hold the project up during their wasted decade in power.

“Meanwhile, when the Palaszczuk Labor Government was elected, it secured the entire corridor for the Coomera Connector and committed the funding.

“... The LNP have taken the Gold Coast for granted, you only have to look at the work of Cameron Caldwell and his LNP colleagues at council.

“Helensvale Road is a complete shambles, cracked to pieces and scattered with potholes.

“If they can’t manage a council road then how can you trust them to look after Fadden?”

Thirteen candidates have nominated for the Fadden by-election which takes place on Saturday July 15.

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