M2 too much for Tim

LNP leader Tim Nicholls and the LNP have scored an own goal while announcing a petition for a second M1 today but not committing to build it.

Acting Minister for Main Roads and Road Safety Steven Miles said Tim Nicholls’ stunt to secure LNP support in the south east by using the M1 as his prop had backfired.

“Tim Nicholls stood up today demanding Labor fund a second M1 but wouldn’t commit to building it himself if he won government,” Mr Miles said.

“This is a leader with no backbone and no principles to stand up for what he’s actually standing up for.

“Tim Nicholls when he was Treasurer, did not spend one cent upgrading the M1, so it’s hypocritical at best to say Labor should fund a second M1 when he wouldn’t even spend funds upgrading the one we’ve got.”

Mr Miles said after inheriting three years of M1 inaction by the Newman Nicholls LNP Government the Palaszczuk Government was taking action and investing in the M1.

“Earlier this year, the Palaszczuk Government secured a deal worth more than $500 million with the Australian Government including M1 upgrades at Gateway Merge and also Mudgeeraba to Varsity Lakes, as well as progressing planning and business case development for six-laning between Varsity Lakes to Tugun.

“We’re currently undertaking planning for the long-term upgrades of various interchanges on the M1, including Exit 38 (Yatala North), Exit 41 (Yatala South), Exit 45 (Ormeau), Exit 49 (Pimpama) and Exit 57 (Oxenford) and we secured Australian Government Black Spot funding of $598,000 to install roundabout metering at Exits 38 and 41.

“Construction and completion of the Coomera interchange (Exit 54) upgrade by the Palaszczuk Government in 2015-16 has substantially improved operation of this interchange and the operation of Exit 57 at Oxenford has also improved after extra lanes were added on the eastern side in 2016.

“The Nicholls-Newman government not only failed to invest one single dollar in the M1 during their record majority but they also failed to plan for the future by taking the unprecedented step to remove the Intra-Regional Transport Corridor (IRTC) from the SEQ Regional Plan in 2014.

“We’re taking action to formally protect the corridor. Last year we formally gazetted the first stage of the IRTC between Nerang and Coomera and the northern section between Coomera and Stapylton was gazetted earlier this year.

“While construction of the IRTC is several years away, we’re acting now to make sure it is protected from development.”

ENDS

Media contact: Zoe Russell - 0428 079 640