Queensland’s M1 set for million-dollar upgrade

THE M1 linking Brisbane and the Gold Coast is often called the “carpark” because it’s so busy. Now the PM has trumped Labor’s promise for an upgrade.

Easter traffic on the M1 at Mudgeeraba on the Gold Coast. Picture: Luke Marsden

ONE of Queensland’s most congested roads, known to locals as “the carpark”, is set to get a much-needed upgrade.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull is expected to unveil $215 million in funding today to ease congestion on the M1 motorway, the main link between the Gold Coast and Brisbane.

Mr Turnbull told The Courier Mail that he wanted to help commuters to see their families earlier after work.

His pledge trumps funds promised earlier by Opposition Leader Bill Shorten, who said he would put $168 million into building an extra southbound lane on the M1 between Eight Mile Plains and Springwood.

A 5km section between Mudgeeraba and Varsity Lakes may also be widened from four to six lanes with help from the Queensland Government, which is expected to match federal funding.

Construction could start as early as next year.

Malcolm Turnbull says his funding for the M1 would ultimately mean Queenslanders could spend more time with their families. Picture: Luke Marsden

The Prime Minister will take his innovation drive to the nation’s north today with a $30 million jobs and investment package for Cairns.

Mr Turnbull is campaigning in the seat of Leichhardt held by Liberal-National MP Warren Entsch.

He’s set to pledge $10 million for the new Cairns innovation centre and $20 million to promote jobs and investment.

The centre will be facilitated by James Cook University to help local businesses, researchers and students collaborate on new opportunities.

The package will provide innovation grants to firms that promote new technology, while providing training for workers to address regional skills shortages.

Mr Turnbull says it’s about giving the people of far north Queensland a fair go.

“We are … helping Cairns to realise its potential as a services hub and export gateway to the region.”

Mr Turnbull has already committed $400 million to the Ipswich Motorway upgrade and $35 million to build a campus of the Sunshine Coast University. It has also matched Labor’s $100 million pledge to build a new Townsville sports stadium.