Meaghan Scanlon drives Coomera Connector spend: Facebook video targets Gold Coast LNP MPs

A Labor MP has spelled out key information about the Coomera Connector, or ‘second M1’, including details about how and when it will be funded. But the ‘facts’ are being disputed.

GAVEN MP Meaghan Scanlon has strongly rejected criticism that Labor has stalled on the funding of Coomera Connector, outlining the funding commitments by the State in the next three years.

Ms Scanlon in a Facebook post has used video footage of herself in a vehicle on the M1 and in front of a planning board to dispute comments by Bonney MP Sam O’Connor and Coomera MP Michael Crandon.

Transport Minister Mark Bailey and Gaven MP Meaghan Scanlon with transport staff on a site tour of M1 upgrades.

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She said the State Budget had delivered on her election commitment for four M1 upgrades and progressing the Coomera Connector between Nerang and Stapleton.

“Unfortunately the Opposition has been spreading some false information about this project. So I want to lay some facts on the table,” she told constituents in her Facebook video.

Ms Scanlon said the Palaszczuk Government had funded $4 million this year to gazette the entire road, and another $4 million in 2019-20 for planning and environment reports along with delivering a business case. A further $2 million is being provided beyond 2020.

“But when you look at the Morrison Government’s contribution it doesn’t actually start for another two years,” she said.

“They’ve allocated $1 million in the 2021-22 financial year and $5 million for the 2022-23 financial year and $4 million in over four years time beyond the forward estimates.”

Gold Coast MP Sam O'Connor shouts beers at Arundel Tavern to talk about Coomera Connector and gets a decent turnout out. Instagram/Facebook: Sam O'Connor.

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Ms Scanlon said Mr O’Connor when arguing that planning money was being pushed out to across five budgets should not be attacking Labor.

“The people that he should be asking of is his previous boss Stuart Robert and the four other Gold Coast MPs who are part of the Morrison Government,” she said.

Transport Minister Mark Bailey took Mr Crandon to task for accusing him of being the king of highway spin. The Coomera MP argued the LNP did not abandon the second M1.

“The major upgrades happening on the M1 and M1 interchanges and those that will follow were locked in by the Palaszczuk Labor Government,” Mr Bailey said.

“We’re doing the necessary planning for the Second M1 after the LNP actively blocked it.

Coomera connector alignment map and aerial map supplied by Queensland Main Roads Picture Queensland Government

“These are inconvenient facts Mr Crandon ignores because he was part of the Newman government that did nothing for the Gold Coast.

“The LNP did however cut, sack and sell when they were last in power and, based on the Opposition Leader’s Budget promises last week, the Gold Coast should expect more of the same from the LNP.”