Coomera Connector: Surrounds Helensvale residents slam business plan delay

Residents of a Gold Coast estate worried about the impact on their homes of the Coomera Connector have slammed the state government for dragging its heels on plans for the project.

Gold Coast residents are pleading the state government to hand over “overdue” plans for the Coomera Connector.

Anxiety over the proposed six-lane highway east of the M1 has reached boiling point for the The Surrounds estate community in Helensvale, with residents angry the Department of Transport and Main Roads haven’t released a business case or community feedback from forums last December.

A spokesman from The Surrounds Residents Association told the Bulletin residents attended community drop-in sessions held from November 8 to December 9 in 2019, but they still feel in the dark.

“The department claims that there has been direct consultation with impacted owners but none of the owners at The Surrounds confirmed they were directly consulted by the department,” a resident said.

“It has nearly been six months since the Q&A sessions. Plans are well overdue.

“Many residents attended at several locations but only verbal discussions were held, the Department of Transport did not document any concerns raised.

“We need a business case to see what viable alternatives to the corridor were explored, other pathways for the corridor, cost, and reasoning for the recommended pathway for the corridor.”

Proposed route of the Coomera Connector through Helensvale.

Residents fear a green buffer will be lost, with maps in April showing the 45km Coomera Connector on their doorstep.

The mapping suggests land on Country Club Drive at the back of Helensvale railway station will be needed for the new highway.

Residents said there were no clear plans for issues like noise and child safety, meaning house prices could be affected.

The state government say design and funding for the road should be confirmed in 2022, with construction on the 17 kilometre Nerang to Coomera first stage to start in 2023.

Bonney MP Sam O’Connor said he cannot understand why it was taking so long to finalise the business case.

“It is ridiculous,” he said.

“Five years ago was when it should have started, but as we try to rebuild after this pandemic we need this plan ready to go.

“Many of the people who live closest to where the road will go are frightened of the highway because they have no idea what it will look like.

“We need a second route for local traffic to make sure the M1 does its main job of connecting us to Brisbane.”

The Surrounds estate in Helensvale. Picture: Supplied.

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A Department of Transport and Main Roads spokesperson said more than 2000 people visited the community drop-in sessions, with 700 pieces of feedback received during the consultation period.

“We are listening to the needs of the community,” a statement said.

“The results of this consultation will be available soon.

“A reference design for Stage 1 and a business case is being developed throughout 2020, and further consultation will be undertaken as part of that.

“Building a new road involves considerable investment and the business case process includes comprehensive and detailed investigations.

“Project and environmental approvals are required before construction can begin.”

LNP Leader Deb Frecklington told the Bulletin she has “backed the Second M1 from day one and committed $550 million to get shovels in the ground.”