Gold Coast Acting Mayor calls for $1B M1 traffic gridlock funding solution

WORK begins today on the widen of the Gold Coast stretch of the M1 but the State Government has been warned not to risk the $1 billion in funding to finish the job. Now, the Treasurer reveals the state of play.

THE Gold Coast’s Acting Mayor has urged the State Government to “not risk” a $1 billion commitment to upgrade the M1 as a funding impasse continues between the state and federal governments.

With just three weeks until the federal budget, an announced $1 billion in funding to widen the Varsity Lakes-Tugun stretch of the M1 is in doubt, with the state yet to agree on a funding split.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull last week announced the budget commitment on the basis that the State Government match the funding 50-50.

Mr Turnbull’s funding split was also matched by Opposition Leader Bill Shorten.

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

Treasurer and Deputy Premier Jackie Trad said the State Government was “going through” its budget process in response to the proposals from Mr Turnbull and Mr Shorten.

Queensland Deputy Premier Jackie Trad (AAP Image/Glenn Hunt)

However, Acting Mayor Donna Gates said it was essential for the widening of the motorway from four to six lanes to begin as soon as possible.

“As a city we are delivering on growth projections but unless current and future residents can access the M1 and get on to the city’s roads and off them (onto the motorway) effectively and efficiently, then our local roads will get blocked,” he said.

Acting Mayor Donna Gates. Picture: NIGEL HALLETT

“There needs to be a really good look at this and I urge the state to do their bit and not risk losing $1 billion, which would surely be of great benefit.

“I welcome the announcements which have been made but we need the state to focus on making sure our interchanges can cope with the volume of traffic.”

It comes as the first sod will today be turned on the $500 million widening of the M1 between Mudgeeraba and Varsity Lakes.