Roads Minister Mark Bailey reveals plan to avoid Gold Coast Commonwealth Games M1 chaos

A NEW ‘solution’ to the Gold Coast’s M1 woes has been formulated by State Government ahead of the 2018 Commonwealth Games. But the key aspect of the plan may have you feeling underwhelmed.

A CENTRAL plank of State Government plans to avoid Commonwealth Games M1 transport snarl-ups is to urge motorists not to use it.

Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey yesterday revealed a publicity blitz in the lead-up to next April’s sporting extravaganza will urge motorway users to give themselves plenty of time so they are not rushing, and to drive safer and slower.

Games goers will also be told to try and avoid having to make the commute from Brisbane in the first place by staying on the Gold Coast if possible when attending events, he said.

The solution to M1 gridlock? Don’t use it

“Fundamentally it is about acknowledging the problem is part of the solution — having the discussion about the M1 and making sure people give themselves plenty of time, that people are careful when driving during those Games times.

“We will be saying if you are going to Games, if you can stay on the Gold Coast and be near the venue that’s preferable, make a day of it and enjoy it. Don’t just go to the venue, have a day on the Coast.

“But if you do have to travel from Brisbane on the M1, don’t be in a rush, take it easy, be part of the solution — that is going to contribute also to a good outcome,” Mr Bailey said.

Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey: “We will be saying if you are going to Games, if you can stay on the Gold Coast and be near the venue that’s preferable, make a day of it and enjoy it.” PICTURE: STEWART McLEAN

The public appeal will be part of a multi-pronged approach to avoiding potential gridlock — and a global PR disaster — during the Games.

LNP’s Shadow Main Roads Andrew Powell is panning it.

“This desperately incompetent Labor Government is pleading with people to stay off the roads during the Commonwealth Games to avoid a total transport disaster.

“What’s next, Gold Coasters under house arrest as part of Labor’s Games crowd control strategy? It’s Annastacia Palaszczuk’s job to make sure our roads are ready for the Games, not the general public.

Traffic bottlenecks will be an ongoing issue. Picture: John Gass

“If the people needed any more evidence there will be total transport chaos during the Games they got it today.”

Other initiatives to avoid Games highway chaos are reducing speed limits by 10km per hour down to 100 and 90 in certain sections.

Vehicles with athletes under escort will be able to use the M1 shoulder from Southport’s Smith Street to Hope Island if congestion stops them being on time.

It was given what Mr Bailey called a “dry run” when Prince Andrew visited last week. His motorcade used shoulder lanes to get to Bond University after a pedestrian was killed.

New separate truck lane restrictions are already in place from Springwood to Robina.

Long-term, Labor hopes two big M1 upgrades — six laning from Mudgeeraba to Varsity Lakes and planning of the Varsity Lakes to Tugun stretch — will ease congestion.

Mr Bailey said LNP had ignored the M1 during its previous term in power.