M1 NEEDS FEDERAL BUDGET CASH

Tenders could be called tomorrow for the first part of an urgently needed $1.5 billion upgrade of the Pacific Motorway if the Federal Government makes funding available in tonight’s budget , Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Paul Lucas, said today.

“Planning for a revamp of the $36 million Nielsen Road interchange is complete , we’re ready to roll once the Federal Government matches the dollars Queensland already has on the table.

“Improvements include additional overpass lanes, traffic signals and new entry and exit ramps to reduce congestion”

“Queensland has a $1.5 billion plan for essential upgrade works on the M1 through Logan and a 23 kilometre section from Nerang to Tugun.

“We’re after a 50/50 contribution from the Federal Government in tonight’s budget, a return on the more than $3 billion in fuel taxes Gold Coast motorists have pumped into Canberra’s coffers over the last decade of the Howard Government.”

“It’s now $330 million a year and rising.”

Mr Lucas said designs for the 23 kilometre, eight lane upgrade of the Pacific Motorway from Nerang to Tugun have gone on public display today at Robina Town Centre and Nerang Centro Shopping Centre.

“The designs include work on major interchanges including Mudgeeraba and Robina.

“As every Gold Coast motorists knows these are major choke points on the motorway.

“Our plan to widen the M1 will alleviate congestion but it needs a firm funding commitment from the Federal Government tonight.

“Canberra’s last major contribution to Gold Coast roads was $120 million for the Tugun Bypass, which is due to be completed six months ahead of schedule in mid 2008.

“Motorists of the Gold Coast have waited far too long for the Federal Government to come to the party – it’s now time to deliver.

“Between July 2003 and June 2006, the State Government has invested $322 million in Gold Coast roads, this year alone we’re delivering $268 million.

“That’s in addition to the $550 million we’ve put on the table for Gold Coast Rapid Transit project.”

Mr Lucas said Mr Howard had announced plans to fund a $2.3 billion dollar bypass of the Ipswich Motorway which nobody wants but has so far failed to commit to a major upgrade of the road connecting the Queensland’s two biggest cities with the southern states.

“It’s time Canberra met its road funding obligations.”

Media Contact: Darren Roberts 3237 1942