Revealed: future northern route for the Coomera Connector finds wet ground

The Coomera Connector’s second stage is tipped to be more challenging than the first between Nerang and Coomera, potentially costing an extraordinary sum. FULL DETAILS

The Coomera Connector’s second stage is tipped to more challenging than the first between Nerang and Coomera, and will cost billions of dollars because it passes through wetlands.

Northern-based Gold Coast councillor Mark Hammel is calling on the state government to release more details, predicting the route for the six-lane highway will impact thousands of residents.

Cr Hammel says much of the road will need to be elevated due to wetlands and predicts the cost will push upwards of the $5.4bn bill for Cross River Rail, the State’s biggest transport project.

“The problem that comes along with this is that we know some sections of land out there

don’t have a solid foundation. These are all aspects of the project that will make this road incredibly expensive – we are looking at billions and billions and billions of dollars,” Cr Hammel said.

“Anyone that thinks Cross River Rail was expensive hasn’t seen anything yet — the Coomera

Connector will blow Cross River Rail out of the water.”

A map showing the second stage of the Coomera Connector with the dotted blue line tracking west of the suburbs and the M1.

A report in the Bulletin last month revealed the cost of property resumptions for the Connector’s first stage will soon top more than $100m, with at least 24 properties bought as part of the $2bn build between Nerang and Coomera.

Cr Hammel said he was aware the state government had bought blocks of land further north through Gilberton, Stapylton and Alberton for the project.

“On the topic of resumption of land and purchasing of land, it is vitally important that

owners are given clarity about when these conversations will take place,” he said.

“It would not be fair if landowners are left in the dark, not knowing what the future of their properties are for years on end.

A map showing the second stage of the Coomera Connector, north of Coomera through to Loganholme.

“It is my understanding that the state government has gazetted a route and any landowner

that will be affected is or will be communicated with.”

Transport Department mapping shows the Connector route heading north tracks to the right edge of the northern growth suburbs east of the M1, before crossing west to Loganholme.

“For land purchases, there also needs to be a degree of clarity around whether the entire

property is needed or whether a small section will suffice. This level of detail will determine

whether families choose to stay in the area or move elsewhere,” Cr Hammel said.

Near where the proposed Coomera Connector road will be through Eagleby. (AAP Image/Richard Walker)

“Based on the feedback I am getting from landowners in affected areas, it is obvious that

work is getting done on the route for the next stages, but the level of detail around property

resumptions sizes is not there yet.”

Thousands of residents in nearby suburbs will need to decide whether “to stay or move out” when the highway was completed.

Transport Minister Mark Bailey, in a response, said: “First time local Councillor Mark Hammel’s rookie road ruminating are as factual as the Star Wars character Luke Skywalker played by his namesake.

“There is an obvious need for the Second M1 to be extended north of Coomera and eventually to be connected to the Logan Motorway interchange to take pressure off the M1.

“Extensive planning work is already underway by transport experts about how that should be done. We should let them do their work without wild speculation by a first time councillor misusing his force in a desperate Darth Vader like bid for a headline.”

The Commonwealth and State governments have funded $22 million to continue planning for further stages to secure the 45km transport corridor.

Councillor Mark Hammel – wants more information provided to residents.

A business case is being developed and environmental approvals being prepared.

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