The LNP’s remarkable U-turn on the M2 is about leaders listening to their MPs

THREE years ago the LNP was in government and canned plans for a second M1 and told council to get rid of their plans. Now it’s election time and they’ve backflipped.

THE LNP backflip which will see the party in government building the M2 occurred because Gold Coast MPs lobbied leader Tim Nicholls — and he listened to them.

Three years ago the LNP’s Jeff Seeney, as Deputy Premier, wrote to Mayor Tom Tate noting 18 changes after the Government’s review of the draft City Plan.

In the April 2014 directive, the council had to remove the IRTC or M2 from a Strategic Framework Map for integrated transport.

Jeff Seeney, as former Deputy Premier, wrote to Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate demanding the IRTC be taken off planning maps. Pic Darren England.

The council in its transport strategy 2031 had listed the IRTC as its third major goal in improving road performance.

Two months later in another letter, Mr Seeney advised Councillor Tate: “As you are aware, the IRTC is not a gazetted future state controlled road and, as such, is not a state interest matter.

WHY THE M1 COMMUTE IS SO BAD

“In order for local government planning schemes to promote confidence in the planning system, they must accurately reflect state interest matters in a clear and transparent manner.

“Until such time as the IRTC has been fully investigated, approved by the Queensland Government for protection, and gazetted accordingly, it will not be considered a relevant State interest.”

The Bulletin on Saturday in an exclusive report revealed the LNP would build the highway at a cost of $500 million after broking a deal with the Federal Government.

Queensland LNP leader Tim Nicholls (centre) along with Mudgeeraba MP Ros Bates (left) and local resident Chris Lebreton from Carrara during a visit to The Kitchens at Robina Town Centre. (AAP Image/Regi Varghese)

Coast MPs yesterday had a consistent line when asked how the LNP had completed a U-turn on funding the highway east of the M1 which could take 60,000 vehicles off the congestion highway.

Albert MP Mark Boothman told the Bulletin: “I think the main thing is the members have been very, very passionate about infrastructure for a long, long time.

“And that was whether it was in the community or in (party) meetings. The thing is it just shows you that Tim (Nicholls) actually listens.

TOURISM BOSSES BACK M1 EXTENSION

Heavy traffic on the M1. Pic Darren England.

“The position was “yes there’s a major problem on the M1 motorway, what’s really important (to the Gold Coast)”. Tim is very consultative, he considers issues and looks at it. He can see why residents are upset. And he’s a doer. “

Coomera LNP MP Michael Crandon, who has to deal with the complaints and frustrations of motorists in his northern electorate, adds that there was a mantra about fixing the M1.

Told about Mr Boothman’s version, he replied: “That’s pretty much it. To convey to the masses all the miniature that went on, it’s pointless. At the end of the day, Tim listened to us down here.

Queensland LNP leader Tim Nicholls, on the Gold Coast with LNP MPs and candidates. (AAP Image/Regi Varghese)

“One of the commitments we made at the start of the campaign was to do something about the M1. We built (in government) the M1, and now we’re going to fix it.”

Gaven MP Sid Cramp said the lobbying began in late 2015 and involved all Coast LNP MPs with Ray Stevens in Mermaid Beach and Jann Stuckey at Currumbin offering strong voices.

“This has been a hallmark of what Tim is about. He has taken the time to try and understand what’s going on, on the northern Gold Coast.

“Mark, Michael and myself have worked on the M1, and on policing issues we’ve had a united voice. I don’t see that happening with Labor a lot.

“We did lobby hard. I can tell you that every MP on the Coast has been fighting for M1 improvements since I came in.”