Calls for state to match Federal Government’s $1B Gold Coast M1 upgrade commitment

THE $2 billion upgrade of the Gold Coast stretch of the M1 came one step closer to becoming a reality. But has cost of the road widening always been split equally between the state and federal governments?

A LEADING Gold Coast business figure says the State Government should take the federal money being offered to fix the M1 because Queensland’s busiest road is only going to get worse.

Gold Coast North Chamber of Commerce president Martin Brady said: “Everyone has been pushing for this for a long time now.

“It is critical because we have seen accident after accident and it is only going to get worse. There’s a deal on the table, we need it done so the work can get started.”

The State Government has so far rejected the Federal Government’s offer to split the $2 billion bill to fix the M1.

However, 13 years ago it was the Labor State Government pushing it federal counterparts for a 50-50 model to upgrade the Pacific Motorway.

In 2005, the Beattie Government implored the Howard Government to half the $200 million needed for upgrades.

Then-Transport Minister Paul Lucas took aim at the federal government when criticising a lack of M1 funding in that year’s federal budget.

“I think residents of the Gold Coast are entitled to be particularly upset with this Federal Budget,” he said.

Paul Lucas

“The Queensland Government cash is on the table for a joint 50-50 funding arrangement, as has happened in the past.”

State Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey this week revealed the State Government has begun developing a business case study to widen the Pacific Motorway from four to six lanes between Varsity Lakes and Tugun.

Underwood road overpass Traffic along the M1 motorway between Brisbane and the Gold Coast. Tuesday April 10, 2018. (AAP image, John Gass)

The Federal Government has put $1 billion on the table — to be included in next month’s budget if the State matches his offer.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull wants to widen the M1 between Varsity and Tugun and at the Gateway merge between Eight Mile Plains and Daisy Hill.

McPherson MP Karen Andrews urged the State to move quickly to develop the business case.

“There is a strong spirit of co-operation and I would encourage the state to come quickly to the table to get the upgrade moving,’ she said.

“Historically the split was always 50-50 and this upgrade will be a continuation of a commitment which was first made back in 2007.

Karen Andrews. Picture by Richard Gosling

“There is no evidence that I am aware of that the upgrades have been anything other than a 50-50 split.”

The Palaszczuk Government committed $206 million to the project last year, an 80-20 funding split.

Opposition Leader Bill Shorten has matched Mr Turnbull’s promise to tip in $1 billion.

The business case announced this week is expected to be completed by December.

The Palaszczuk Government has previously backed an 80-20 funding split stating that Queensland deserved the same funding deal as NSW.

State Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey addresses M1 Funding. Picture Glenn Hampson

Mr Bailey this week met with Federal Infrastructure Minister Paul Fletcher and the pair held informal talks.

Following the “constructive” talks, Mr Bailey said the state would work towards a resolution.

“The first money committed to this project was the Palaszczuk Government, $206 million. The Federal Government has made a good start with their commitment and that is fantastic to see,” he said. “We want a fair deal for the M1 and transport infrastructure and we are pragmatic about how we do this.

“We will work with the federal government and like last time we will work our way through this to make sure we get these upgrades fully funded and underway.”

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