M1 funding fix still in doubt as Labor’s questions go unanswered

UPDATE: A key Coast commitment by LNP leader Tim Nicholls to fund an M2 remains in doubt, say Labor - but a Federal Minister is calling it “pathetic” politics on critical infrastructure.

The key Gold Coast commitment made by LNP leader Tim Nicholls to fund an M2 still remains in doubt, according to Labor.

ALP-based Gold Coast Senator Murray Watt today said the Federal Government was still failing to commit the funding needed to deliver it.

“Five days have now passed since I asked the Federal Minister in charge of answering transport questions, Senator Nigel Scullion, about Mr Nicholls’ claims that the Federal Government had agreed to fund half of his proposed second M1,” Senator Watt said.

Labor Senator Murray Watt continues to ask questions about M2 funding. Picture Kym Smith

“Five days on and not a single word from the Government about whether there really is a deal, or whether this is something Mr Nicholls has made up, to save his lazy local MPs.”

Senator Watt had asked how much had been allocated in the Federal Government’s forward estimates for the proposal and what analysis was undertaken into the cost of building a second motorway.

“These questions were met with blank looks and were taken on notice,” Senator Watt told the Bulletin.

“How can we trust the LNP to deliver on their promise if the Minister representing Transport in the Senate hadn’t even heard of their policy.

“With the State election looking very close, the Gold Coast is likely to determine who forms government after Saturday.

M1 School pick up peak hour Reedy Creek exit onto M1 northbound.

“Conveniently, after six years of silence on the M1, the LNP have emerged with a policy during the election campaign. Perhaps they should have told their Federal counterparts about the policy first before saying they were on board.”

Federal Infrastructure Minister Paul Fletcher has indicated the LNP proposal to develop an M2 did not come as a surprise.

He said the State LNP had proposed a 50-50 split for the $500 million project.

But he has cautioned that it would need its business case assessed by independent Infrastructure Australia because it was seeking over $100 million.

Mr Fletcher tonight told the Bulletin his Turnbull Government supported the “proactive approach” by State LNP to tackle M1 congestion.

“As Murray Watt well knows any proposal seeking more than $100 million of federal funding will need to have its business case assessed by the independent Infrastructure Australia and we look forward to working through this planning process.

“It’s pathetic that Labor is choosing to play politics with vital infrastructure,” Mr Fletcher said.