LNP gets behind second M1 plan for Gold Coast

THE LNP will build the M2, easing congestion on the Pacific Motorway, after brokering a funding deal with the Turnbull Government.

THE LNP will build the M2, easing congestion on the Pacific Motorway, after brokering a funding deal with the Turnbull Government.

The Bulletin can reveal Opposition leader Tim Nicholls will visit the Gold Coast today to announce an election promise to build a second M1 if the LNP wins government after the November 25 poll.

The election pledge, the biggest of the campaign so far for the Coast, follows the Gold Coast Bulletin launching its Going for Gold campaign, with the building of a second M1 the number one item on our wish list.

WHY M1 ‘TRIP HOME IS A HORROR SHOW’

Duplicate plan for the M1 on Gold Coast.

The campaign’s reports found that unless a second highway is built the M1 will reach gridlock in sections within two years, costing up to $400 million in lost wages for 120,000 workers driving to Brisbane,

Mr Nicholls said the LNP would spend $250 million on building the intra regional transport corridor between Nerang-Broadbeach Road and Stapylton-Jacobs Well Road.

The Federal Government would provide the other half of the projected $500m cost.

“Gold Coasters are sick of sitting in traffic day in, day out. Our plan for a second M1 will get people home from work sooner,” he said.

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

THE EYE-WATERING COST OF A SECOND M1

“Labor isn’t interested in fixing the M1, instead they have focused on political brawls with the Federal Government and have dismissed an alternative route out of hand.

“By contrast, we will work constructively with the Federal Government to build this new four-lane arterial.”

The Gold Coast Bulletin understands the LNP brokered a deal after private meetings in recent weeks which saw the Federal Government sign off on funding half of the project.

The Palaszczuk Government has gazetted the 36.5km corridor but is yet to commit to any funding.

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)

HOW I LEAVE LATER AND ARRIVE EARLIER

Opposition Main Roads spokesman Andrew Powell said the LNP had received overwhelming support for an alternative M1 through an online petition and feedback from Gold Coast candidates talking to the community.

“It’s clear the Gold Coast wants the congestion on the M1 fixed,” Mr Powell said.

“Locals want a second M1 to ensure they can get home in the case of an accident or traffic gridlock.”

LNP Deputy Leader and Opposition infrastructure spokesman Deb Frecklington said the $500 million project was a top priority for the SEQ Council of Mayors.

“Constructing the second M1 will support more than 1500 local jobs and the LNP’s Buy Local policy will give local businesses more opportunities,” she said.

Rob Borbidge, who as a former Premier signed off on building the eight-lane M1, believes politicians must be bold and fast track transport infrastructure to save taxpayers money in the longer term.

JEFF KENNETT SLAMS M1

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

PRE-DAWN TRADIE RUSH HOUR ON M1

The former Surfers Paradise MP for the first time has detailed the final weeks of his government where his last business decision before calling an election was to sign off on the upgraded Pacific Motorway.

“The major contracts for the M1 were at the last executive council meeting before the election was called in 1998,” Mr Borbidge said.

“I wanted it to be irreversible. There was a view at the time that six lanes would be sufficient.

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

M1 CONGESTION COSTS WORKERS MILLIONS

We overturned that and said it would be eight. To the credit of the Beattie Government, they didn’t renege on anything.”

Mr Borbidge said his Ministers knew that if they had signed off on a six-lane highway that Cabinet would meet again in five years and have to fund a much more expensive eight-lane project.