Transport Minister won’t rule out toll on Coomera Connector motorway

The state government is refusing to rule out slugging Gold Coast motorists with a toll after making a number of changes early this week. Read what happened.

Transport Minister refuses to rule out a toll on the Gold Coast second M1.

Fears are growing motorists will face a bill for using the Gold Coast’s second M1, after swift state government changes that Labor calls a “dodgy cover-up” to introduce more toll roads.

Amendments to the Transport Infrastructure Act, circulated to MPs late on Wednesday, remove the requirement for the Transport Minister to publicly list a number of criteria, including pricing and administrative charges, when declaring a toll road.

Gaven MP Meaghan Scanlon told parliament the amendments were a “dodgy cover-up” to introduce a toll on the second M1. Picture: NewsWire/Tertius Pickard

In its explanation, the LNP said the changes would aim to “reduce administrative burden and expense” during the declaration process. But Labor’s Gaven MP, Meaghan Scanlon, said it was a “cover” to expedite a feared toll on the Coomera Connector.

“These last-minute amendments have been put forward by the Transport Minister effectively to make it easier for the LNP to increase toll roads,” Ms Scanlon told parliament.

“In the middle of so many cost-of-living pressures, why on earth would the LNP think it is sensible to increase tolls? If it was not going to do that, why would it have these last-minute amendments?

“What this looks like is a dodgy cover-up. We have already seen those opposite come out and admit that they are going to be increasing rego for hardworking families, and now they want to slug Gold Coast motorists with toll roads as well.”

The toll road debate was first ignited in February when Department of Transport and Main Roads sources revealed to the Bulletin the newly-elected LNP government was exploring the option of tolls on the multi-billion dollar project.

Transport Minister Brent Mickelberg refused to completely rule-out any toll on the Coomera Connector. Picture: Supplied

Transport and Main Roads Minister Brent Mickelberg has said there are “no plans” to charge motorists for using the new motorway and a toll proposal was “not under consideration” by the state government.

When questioned in parliament, he refused to entirely rule out the possibility of a toll on the Coomera Connector. The first section of the road – from Coomera to Helensvale Rd – is due to open later this year.

The Bulletin asked the Transport Minister on Friday whether he was prepared to rule out a toll on any part of the motorway including on the northern Logan Motorway connection.

He refused to answer the question and said: “This legislation does not change any tolls or fees for any current toll roads. The changes relate to the ability of the Minister for Transport and Main Roads making tolling declarations. In particular, making a declaration to amend only one element of tolling arrangements. For example, tolls only or fees only.”