Gold Coast Election 2020: RACQ names major highway investment, light rail projects on ‘election wishlist’

A Gold Coast MP says work will begin on the Coomera Connector within six months of the state election in October if the opposition win government.

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Coomera LNP MP Michael Crandon has accused Transport Minister Mark Bailey of “being dragged kicking and screaming to the table” after Labor announced $755 million for the Coomera Connector.

Mr Crandon promised the LNP would begin construction within six months if the party wins government in October.

“The Labor commitment is to build their stage one but they haven’t given a timeline, and that’s the big difference (between Labor and the LNP),” Mr Crandon said.

“We will give you stage one within the next term of Parliament.

“(The LNP’s committed) $550 million will build from Shipper Drive in the north to the Gold Coast Highway in the south.

“We will start construction within six months of forming government and it’ll be under construction throughout that term.

“Stage one includes the Coomera River Bridge, (and that) alone is a two-year build.”

An artist's impression of the Coomera Connector approaching Arundel.

Mr Bailey fired back at Mr Crandon, labelling the LNP’s position “embarrassing”.

“They have an appalling record of making sure this road project was stopped when they were in power,” he said.

“It’s been Labor that’s gazetted the corridor, done the consultation, got the business case underway and now put real money on the table to get construction going in the middle of next year.

“Michael Crandon’s efforts to paper over the fact that his government blocked the second M1 when they were in power are more than a little bit embarrassing.

“Construction will start in the middle of next year, that’s been well announced by Sunday.”

The comments came as a peak motoring body said major M1 investment and light rail to the airport should be top priority for Gold Coast election candidates.

The RACQ has revealed their “election wishlist” just over a month from the State election, calling for funding commitments before Queenslanders head to the polls.

Projects named include fast tracking the Coomera Connector, upgrading the M1 and pushing stage four of the light rail network.

Labor last week announced a $755 million M2 funding deal. Picture: Glenn Hampson

RACQ Head of Public Policy Dr Rebecca Michael said an investment in infrastructure and road safety works would solve more than just the state’s financial woes.

“Now more than ever we need a pipeline of projects in the works to stimulate our economy, create jobs (and) improve road safety,” she said.

“We know commuters between the Gold Coast and Brisbane spend up to three weeks a year stuck in traffic.

“Fast tracking the Coomera Connector will help improve that congestion, safety and productivity on the M1.

“(It will also) provide new road, active and public transport options to high growth residential and industrial areas on the northern Gold Coast.”

Dr Michael also called for an extension of the light rail: “Extending the light rail south to Coolangatta and the Gold Coast Airport is also one of our top election priorities, because it’ll help future proof public transport on the coast.”

RACQ has set a goal for a “minimum 30 per cent reduction in fatal and serious injuries” by 2030, pushing more cycling infrastructure and road safety measures.

“Small investments into works like wide centre lines, central and roadside safety barriers and intersection upgrade go a long way to helping make our roads safer for all Queenslanders,” Dr Michael said.

“Queenslanders need to ensure they’re considering where their political vote goes and whether their candidate is willing to commit to improve Queenslanders’ lives and mobility options.”

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