Opinion: Cameron Caldwell on the lack of state government funded infrastructure on the northern Gold Coast

IT was lauded as the state budget for all Queenslanders — but it’s not if you’re on the northern Gold Coast, Cameron Caldwell writes. Especially concerning road upgrades.

It is extremely disappointing to see that once again the State budget fails to deliver for the Northern suburbs of the Gold Coast when it comes to major roads.

The State Government under Rob Borbidge in 1998 delivered the M1, which is our critical state connection. The Queensland Labor Government has been the custodian of that road for almost the last 20 years since, and has continuously failed in their duty to grow this corridor.

In a budget where this Government has heralded their record road spending in Redlands, Ipswich, Brisbane and North Queensland, the Gold Coast has been forgotten.

GOLDEN AGE: WHY NORTH GOLD COAST ROADS ARE LACKING

Traffic on the M1 at the Ormeau exit (exit 45) Pic by David Clark

The State Government’s own budget website presents a stark picture when viewing a breakdown of transport and road projects on the Gold Coast.

No roads spending between Robina Town Centre and Yatala Pies!

GOLDEN AGE: NORTH COAST ROADS NEED GREATER SHARE OF DEVELOPER CONTRIBUTIONS

The Northern Gold Coast is one of the fastest growing regions in Australia and business and industry are showing their support, investing in major projects such as the Coomera Town Centre and significant development throughout the Yatala enterprise area.

Latest aerial view of Coomera Town Centre taken on 25/6/18

Council has also shown our commitment in supporting Northern Gold Coast residents and

businesses with almost $30 million in road upgrades surrounding the Coomera Town Centre

including over $3.5m alone towards fixing the known bottleneck Foxwell Road.

In addition, another $20m is allocated for major Council road projects this year, yet all roads lead to the M1.

The facts are that time spent in traffic means less time spent with your family or growing your business and that’s not good enough.

Cr Cameron Caldwell. Picture: Richard Gosling

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The State Government must urgently invest in interchange upgrades at exit 41, 45, 49 and 57. The State must deliver the M2 and explain why there has been no money allocated to the three new Northern Gold Coast train stations that were promised on the eve of the last State Election.

Continued failure to acknowledge the rapid growth of the area by not investing in much needed road and transport infrastructure will lead to gridlock — stifling local business and creating continual pain for residents trying to enjoy our enviable Gold Coast lifestyle.

‘It’s a budget for all Queenslanders’ the State Treasurer has said — unless of course you live on the Northern Gold Coast!

Cameron Caldwell is the Division 3 councillor for Hope Island and surroundings