LNP lost on the road to the Gold Coast

Published Friday, 18 October, 2019 at 06:00 AM

Minister for Transport and Main Roads
The Honourable Mark Bailey

Opposition Leader Deb Frecklington has bizarrely blamed the Palaszczuk Government for fixing the M1.

After not a single new dollar was spent on the M1 under Campbell Newman’s LNP Government, LNP’s current leader, and Newman’s protégé Deb Frecklington told the Albert and Logan News (October 10) ‘…the state government had wasted too much time trying to fix the M1.’

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said the $2.3 billion locked in for four upgrades between Brisbane and the Gold Coast were necessary after years of LNP neglect.

“The Palaszczuk Labor Government acted quickly to back major M1 upgrades so people spend less time in traffic and more time with their friends and families,” Mr Bailey said.

“The widening of the M1 is going gangbusters at the Gateway Merge and between Mudgeeraba and Varsity Lakes.

“The upgrade at Exit 57 is powering ahead and we’ve got $100 million on the table for exits 41 and 49.

“This government is doing a lot of things for the M1 after it was ignored by the LNP.

“Now they’re out there saying we’re wasting our time fixing something they ignored for three years.”

Mr Bailey said the Opposition Leader’s comments were unlikely to have much support from her fellow Gold Coast MPs.

“The LNP’s Gold Coast MPs are probably angry hearing that their leader has no plans for investing in M1 road upgrades to help their communities.

“If they are, they’re staying silent, which is a sad indictment on the LNP and its attitude to the Gold Coast infrastructure.

“We know the LNP’s tried and tested formula for governing is cutting infrastructure, and it’s clear Deb Frecklington will cut M1 funding if elected."

ENDS

Media contact: Toby Walker – 0439 347 875