Gold Coast federal poll: Labor’s shock M1 and rail line announcement as battle in Forde heats up

Federal Labor will today announce major upgrades to stop the congestion on a horror M1 offramp and improve carparking at railway stations on the Gold Coast line.

FEDERAL Labor today will announce major upgrades to stop the congestion on a horror Pacific Motorway offramp and improve carparking at railway stations on the Gold Coast line.

The Bulletin can reveal Opposition leader Bill Shorten’s campaign team will detail the following election promises:

* upgrade M1 Exit 45 at Ormeau, to alleviate queuing onto the M1 and cater for future growth — Labor says the LNP has yet to commit.

* expand Ormeau station carpark (extra 120 carparks) — again no commitment from the LNP.

* relocate Loganlea train station — yet to be matched by LNP.

* expand Beenleigh station carpark (extra 400 carparks) — matches LNP commitment

* expand Coomera station carpark (extra 400 carparks) — matches LNP commitment.

Traffic congestion near Coomera on the Pacific Motorway. Picture: NIGEL HALLETT.

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The announcements highlight the battle in the marginal northern Gold Coast seat of Forde which the LNP’s Bert van Manen holds by a 0.6 per cent margin. Labor needs to win it to secure government. Funding amounts will be made available later today.

Labor candidate for Forde Des Hardman told The Bulletin: “This is great news for the northern Gold Coast.

“I know how frustrating it has been for Gold Coasters who are stuck on the M1, or can’t find a carpark at their local railway station.

Des Hardman, Labor’s candidate for Forde, has lobbied for the funding. Picture Glenn Hampson.

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“I have been out at Coomera and Ormeau stations just this week, talking with commuters about their frustrations of not being able to find a car park.

“That’s why I have personally lobbied Bill Shorten and Anthony Albanese for this funding and I’m really grateful they have come through for us.

“Apart from saving Gold Coasters travel time, these are important safety announcements. It’s simply unsafe to have cars backed up trying to exit the M1 and the new upgrade will reduce that safety risk.”

Gold Coast-based Labor Senator Murray Watt congratulated Mr Hardman, saying it was a “remarkable job” to secure the large funding commitments for the northern Coast.

Labor Senator Murray Watt has congratulated Mr Hardman on lobbying for more funds. Picture Mike Batterham.

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“If this is what he can do as a candidate, I can hardly wait to see what he will achieve if he is elected as the Member for Forde,” Senator Watt said.

“Today’s announcements build on our existing Gold Coast commitments, including widening the M1, upgrading Exits 41 and 49, contributing $112 million for Stage 3A of the light rail and of course, building Cross River Rail, which will allow for Gold Coast-Brisbane train services every five minutes during peak hour.”

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Overcrowding at the car park at Coomera Railway Station.

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“These announcements top what the LNP is offering for transport on the Gold Coast. It’s not surprising when you consider how little they have done for the six years they have been in office.”