LNP pollies jostle for glory as fix for Exit 54 fix finally pledged — as long as party re-elected

AFTER years of pushing for an upgrade of exit 54, LNP politicians at two levels were jostling for glory in finally announcing the $75 million project yesterday.

Qld Premier Campbell Newman talks to young Ethan Mayne in a shopping trolley as he greets shoppers flanked by transport minister Scott Emerson in a giant Costco store as he continues to campaign in the Queensland state election , in the state electorate of Murrumba at North Lakes , Brisbane .

AFTER years of pushing for an upgrade of Exit 54, LNP politicians at two levels were jostling for glory in finally announcing the $75 million project yesterday.

Acting Prime Minister Warren Truss was joined by Federal MP Bert van Manen, Queensland Treasurer Tim Nicholls and state members Mark Boothman and Michael Crandon to talk about their upgrade of the intersection.

The two multi-lane roundabouts will be replaced with signalled intersections, a new overpass and a loop heading north.

However, the ALP candidate for the seat, Brett McCreadie, said he could not even talk specifically about an upgrade — let alone support it.

“Funding commitments will be announced by the leader’s office,” he said, suggesting the Bulletin call party leader Annastacia Palaszczuk instead.

The LNP has vowed to fix Exit 54 at Coomera if re-elected. Picture: Mike Batterham

“What concerns us most of all is that the funding promises made by the LNP are predicated on asset sales and, as far as I’m concerned, that is no promise at all.”

When pressed for a personal stance on the importance of the project to his electorate, Mr McCreadie said: “It’s a serious issue and it requires a very serious solution and moving private assets into the public sector hands is not a serious solution.”

A spokesman for Ms Palaszczuk, who did not want to be named, could not commit to funding the project either, claiming it could be axed by the LNP after the election anyway.

Mr Truss described the current exit as “a schmozzle”.

“People spend more time going around in circles because they get lost in it, than actually finding their way out,” he said.

“It is a key economic development.”

Coomera MP Mr Crandon, who first mentioned the upgrade in his maiden speech in 2009, said the upgrade would make a huge difference to the residents of his electorate.

“We’re here, it’s all happening,” he said.

“Transport and Main Roads have been doing a lot of work in the background, so it won’t be far away — everyone is aiming for a mid-late 2016 finish.”

Coomera MP Michael Crandon has been speaking on the need for an upgrade of services near Exit 54 since 2009.

Stewart White, director of development for Westfield’s parent company Scentre Group, said the $500 million Coomera Town project could now proceed, with construction to commence as soon as next year.

“It gives us a lot of certainty to move on with our project, which we have been working on for several years now with the State Government and Gold Coast City Council.

“The project will generate 1300 jobs during construction and about 3300 jobs post-construction,” he said.

Mr White said it was too early to name tenants in the new shopping centre, but said there would be entertainment attractions that weren’t currently offered on the northern Gold Coast.

“We don’t want to spoil the surprise just yet,” he said.