State and federal Government talks to negotiate $1B Gold Coast M1 upgrade deal

PLANS are being hatched for secret talks to negotiate a deal to secure the $2 billion widening of the Gold Coast stretch of the M1. But when will the works begin?

THE state and federal governments are expected to begin talks next week to find a solution to the M1 congestion crisis.

A high-powered State Government source last night said both parties would get together to “sort through the detail”.

Transport Minister Mark Bailey and Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk have so far refused to meet the federal offer for both governments to commit $1 billion each to widen the state’s busiest road at crucial bottlenecks.

Gridlock on the M1 Picture Glenn Hampson

On Tuesday, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull unveiled a plan to upgrade the M1 from four lanes to six between Varisty Lakes and Tugun and from six lanes to eight lanes on the Brisbane stretch between Eight Mile Plains and Daisy Hill.

He also proposed a new northbound off-ramp connecting with Southport-Burleigh Road.

Mr Turnbull said he would guarantee his government’s $1 billion in next month’s federal budget if Premier Palaszczuk agreed to the deal.

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Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull speaks to the media about a funding plan for the M1 Pacific Motorway in Tanah Merah (AAP Image/Glenn Hunt)

However, the State Government believes the funding split should be 80-20 as in line with federal-aligned roads.

Labor has already pledged to spend $200 million on M1 upgrades south of Varisty Lakes.

Federal Labor leader Bill Shorten dodged the issue when pressed whether he thought State Labor should embrace Mr Turnbull’s $1 billion offer while the money was there.

The Gold Coast Bulletin asked Mr Shorten yesterday if he was prepared to match the Turnbull Government’s commitment to upgrade the M1 between Brisbane and the Gold Coast.

State Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey addresses M1 Funding. Picture Glenn Hampson

Mr Shorten was also asked whether he believed the State Government should contribute $1 billion under a 50-50 funding split, or did he stick to the 80-20 demand that has halted the project.

Mr Shorten declined to respond, preferring that the office of Gold Coast-based senator Murray Watt deal with it.

Senator Watt told the Gold Coast Bulletin: “Federal Labor will always support extra investment in the M1, particularly after years and years of neglect of the Gold Coast by the Turnbull Government.

“Indeed, when last in office we invested half a billion dollars upgrading key sections and interchanges along this vital link between Brisbane and the Gold Coast.

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Plenty of trucks on the M1 Picture Glenn Hampson

“This was in addition to funding construction of the light rail and the redevelopment of Carrara Stadium. Accordingly, we welcome this week’s belated announcement.”

State LNP leader Deb Frecklington is committed to funding the M1 in her first budget if elected as Queensland premier.

Federal Trade and Tourism Minister Steve Ciobo believes Gold Coast residents are about to be short-changed by Labor, saying it is fixated on the funding ratio rather than outcomes for the congested highway.

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Australia's Trade Minister Steve Ciobo AFP PHOTO / PETER PARKS

The Moncrieff MP suspected State Labor would offer only 20 per cent of funding, bringing the total budget for the M1 back to $1.25 billion.

“If they match it dollar for dollar, then the total budget package is $2 billion,” Mr Ciobo said yesterday.

“So I say to Mark Bailey and State Labor, don’t sell Gold Coasters short. Don’t try and rip $750,000 of funding out of the M1.

“It’s critical funding. Gold Coasters deserve it. Don’t try and argue the silly 80-20 ratio.”