Canberra finally bows to Qld pressure on Gold Coast Roads

Minister for Transport and Main Roads Paul Lucas said the Federal Government had finally seen reason and bowed to pressure from Queensland to match a Beattie Government commitment to upgrade the Pacific Motorway.

“This is a win for the thousands of Gold Coast motorists who refused to take ‘no’ for an answer from the Federal Government,” Mr Lucas said.

“The Beattie Government first asked Canberra to match our commitment to fund an upgrade of the Pacific Motorway in 2004. We told them it would cost at least $1.5 billion and we put our money on the table.

“So, Mr Vaile’s announcement is two and a half years too late and its now almost four and a half years since Canberra committed any funding to a major Gold Coast road project.

“Yet all of a sudden a few months out from a Federal election when they’re behind in the polls, they’ve decide they’re going to commit some cash.

“The Federal Government doesn’t deserve a pat on the back for this.

“Voters are entitled to ask why it took Canberra so long to match Queensland’s commitment when the Federal Government accepts responsibility for 50/50 funding of the same road in NSW.

“South of the border, Canberra is committing $1.6 billion over 10 years to upgrade the Pacific Highway, so we’re still behind NSW.

“Mr Vaile is happy to 100% fund a $2.8 billion bypass of the Ipswich Motorway that no one wants but he had to be dragged kicking and screaming to the funding table when it came to Gold Coast roads.

Mr Lucas said Main Roads had been preparing designs and planning so it could get work underway as soon as possible once Canberra finally committed joint funding.

“Gold Coast residents will see action on this straight away,” Mr Lucas said.

“Main Roads will call tenders next week for the Nerang South (Nielsens Road) interchange revamp - the first step in the complete upgrade of 23km of the Pacific Motorway between Nerang and Tugun.

“Member for Mudgeeraba Dianne Reilly has kept the pressure on for this interchange to be the first cab off the rank when the Federal Government finally matched our commitment – and it will be.”

Construction is expected to start before the end of the year on the upgrade, which will involve the replacement of both roundabouts at the current interchange with traffic lights and widening of the bridge over the Motorway to eight lanes.

Planning for the Nerang to Varsity Lakes interchange stretch of the M1 upgrade is due to be completed in December, with further planning work to follow.

"This is a vitally important project for the Gold Coast because it will cater for future growth, as well as providing solutions to the current congestion and safety issues on the M1," Mr Lucas said.

"Main Roads has been diligently planning this upgrade and at least now they can work towards establishing construction start times and project schedules."

Concept designs for the Nerang to Varsity Lakes component were released for community comment in April and a preferred design will be unveiled later this year.

Media inquiries: Robert Hoge 3237 1942

Media Releases from State Government calling on
Canberra to match funding on the Pacific Motorway

Monday, November 15, 2004: Gold Coast benefits from record $8b Queensland Roads Boost
Tuesday, May 10, 2005: We Got Plenty of Nothing
Friday, February 17, 2006: 1000 Days of Nothing from Federal Government for Gold Coast Roads
Monday, April 24, 2006: Lucas: A good start but nowhere near enough
Monday, May 08, 2006: Gold Coast motorists deserve a fair deal from Canberra
Tuesday, May 09, 2006: Nothing in Canberra’s Coffers for Gold Coast roads
Wednesday, May 10, 2006: Zilch, zip, zero for the south east
Wednesday, July 05, 2006: New stunt but same old story from Gold Coast Liberals
Tuesday, July 25, 2006: Federal Government own worst enemy on roads: Lucas
Tuesday, October 03, 2006: Independent report backs need for more road funding from Canberra
Tuesday, May 08, 2007: M1 needs Federal Budget cash
Tuesday, May 08, 2007: Canberra’s cruel budget hoax
Friday, August 31, 2007: Figures Reveal Canberra’s Gold Coast Fuel Tax Rort