Gold Coast M1 traffic gridlock: Plans for M2

THE M2 project must commence immediately should the LNP win government, says the Tourism & Transport Forum Australia (TTF). What do you think?

THE Tourism & Transport Forum Australia (TTF) has welcomed the announcement that a Queensland LNP Government will build a second M1 in order to alleviate the chronic congestion that has become the hallmark of travelling along the current route.

TTF Chief Executive Margy Osmond said that while residents of the Gold Coast and Brisbane would breathe a sigh of relief, work on this vital M2 project must commence immediately should the LNP win government.

“This is a congestion-busting project that will drive economic and jobs growth,” Ms Osmond said.

PRE-DAWN TRADIE RUSH HOUR ON M1

Duplicate plan for the M1 on Gold Coast.

“Ask any local resident and they will tell you the Pacific Highway is an embarrassment to the Gold Coast. It’s simply not good enough for a world-class city.

“The first impression for tens of thousands of tourists coming to the Gold Coast for the Commonwealth Games will be that they are stuck in a car park on the M1 on their way into the city.

“Today’s commitment from the LNP to co-fund with the Federal Government a $500 million four-lane arterial between Nerang and Stapylton is a very welcome first step in providing a long-term solution to this problem.

LNP leader Tim Nicholls with Bonney LNP candidate Sam O'Connor at Southport. Picture: Glenn Hampson

M1 CONGESTION COSTS WORKERS MILLIONS

“While this announcement is supported, it is also important that investment in new roads is complemented by improvements to the public transport network and TTF is also urging the LNP to commit to extending the Gold Coast Light Rail to the Gold Coast Airport to provide a seamless public transport connection from up and down the spine of the Gold Coast.

“It is also time now for the Palaszczuk Government to release their transport plan for the Gold Coast.”

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk is seen leaving a press conference at the 1 William Street building in Brisbane, Friday, November 3, 2017. Premier Palaszczuk held the press conference to accuse the Liberal National Party of a smear campaign by alleging she has a conflict of interest over the controversial Adani melamine. (AAP Image/Darren England)

Ms Osmond said recent research undertaken by TTF had shown that Queensland is the state that loves their cars more than any other in Australia, suggesting the next Queensland Government must continue to invest in vital road infrastructure.

“TTF research undertaken by Nielsen shows that Queenslanders love their cars more than any other Australians, with 64 per cent preferring the car over other modes of transport,” Ms Osmond said.

Traffic heading North and South along the M1 through Helensvale. Taken from pedestrian walkway at 4:30pm. Picture: Jerad Williams

“Furthermore, 80 per cent of Queenslanders also think that they will own their own car in 10 years’ time.”

Locals fed up with M1 gridlock have taken to the Gold Coast Bulletin’s website and Facebook page to share their views, some are behind this plan, while others are not convinced.

M2 supporter Pauline Lloyd said: “At last someone has at least looked at something to help the Gold Coast people locked in there cars for hours each day ...”

Lana Watson wrote: “It needs to happen ... traffic on the M1 has become ridiculous in the last few years.

THE EYE-WATERING COST OF A SECOND M1

Dave Evans added: “Does anyone disagreeing with this actually use the M1 daily? It’s a shambles.”

Nathan Smith suggested “a highway above the M1 like in America”. Although he noted “it’s probably hard to do but can be done”.

But some are calling the M2 plan a “stopgap”, calling on leaders to direct money towards better public transport, widening the M1 in sections where it is still only two lanes and establishing a car pooling system.

Traffic on the M1 at Nerang at 7am as people head off to work. Picture: Glenn Hampson

WHY M1 ‘TRIP HOME IS A HORROR SHOW’

Melissa Lee wrote: “How about finishing the M1 south. It’s a joke along the M1 at Palm Beach. Fix down here first and then talk about a M2.”

Kendell Jones agreed: “How about they finish the one we’ve got. From Robina to the NSW border is still two lanes. What a joke!”

Gold Coaster Karina Waterman believes the M2 proposal is a play for votes.

“Let me get this straight ... Federal LNP are only going to broker a deal if we have State LNP in power?,” she said.

“It’s not about helping QLDers it’s about the LNP trying to bribe us into a vote, a bribe that they won’t deliver anyway (the State doesn’t have $500M for their share and the Turnbull Govt still haven’t delivered the previously promised upgrade yet either- they must think we have no memory).

“Not to mention that the Turnbull Government’s position is shakey at best. It’s not going to happen.”

Traffic heading North along the M1 through Helensvale. Taken from pedestrian walkway at 4:30pm. Picture: Jerad Williams

Adam Black wrote on the Gold Coast Bulletin’s Facebook: “Looks like a lot of higher and new taxes on this election. Bahaha.”

And Ruth Hay said: “Sounds a wonderful idea....... money grows on trees, doesn’t it? Believe it when you see it would fit here I think.”

While Damian Papworth believes the government should be looking “50 years down the track”. “Given how long it’s taking to do anything about the current nightmare, need to factor in you won’t look at it again for another millennium,” he said.

Brian Springfield wrote: “Pie in the sky promise to say the least.”