Palaszczuk Government to deliver $897 million for M1

The Palaszczuk Government will deliver $897 million for M1 upgrades between Varsity Lakes and Tugun and between Eight Mile Plains and Daisy Hill.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the major Budget announcement was a win for residents of the Gold Coast, Logan and Brisbane.

“The Palaszczuk Government will invest $487.5 million, half of the total cost, between 2018 and 2022, ensuring work can start as soon as possible. We know just how important these upgrades are to Queenslanders and we cannot wait any longer for this vital infrastructure work to begin,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“The M1 is the busiest road in our state. It takes hundreds of thousands of Queenslanders to work, to school, to our incredible beaches, shops and nightlife every single day.

“My Government has a proud record on the M1. We’ve already delivered the Exit 54 upgrade and heavy works are now underway at the Gateway Merge and Mudgeeraba to Varsity Lakes upgrades.

“But we know we have to keep investing, to make sure that as South-East Queensland people can get home faster and spend more time doing the things they enjoy instead of being stuck in traffic.”

Deputy Premier and Treasurer Jackie Trad said the Government had acted to bring forward funding to make sure work can get underway sooner, not later.

“We want to see work getting underway as soon as possible, so we’ve brought funding forward so these upgrades can kick off immediately after the current works from Mudgeeraba to Varsity Lakes are complete,” Ms Trad said.

“More than half of Queensland’s funding, almost $500 million, will be spent over the next four years. That means planning will be finished and work will be underway by 2020.

“Meanwhile, more than 80% of the funding committed by the Federal Coalition won’t even flow until after 2022-23. We don’t want the Gold Coast to have to sit around and wait for Malcolm Turnbull’s funding. That’s why we’re just getting on with it.

‘‘A rolling program of works will allow the M1 to be progressively upgraded to reduce journey times, improve reliability and deliver ongoing job security for people in the local construction industry.”

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said the Government was delivering the critical infrastructure the Gold Coast needs.

“After three years of neglect by the LNP, the Palaszczuk Government is getting the M1 moving again delivering four major upgrades with more to come,” Mr Bailey said.

“We are finalising the planning to ensure the timely delivery of the next stages of the upgrade, between Eight Mile Plains and Daisy Hill and between Varsity Lakes and Tugun.

“As part of the M1 Action Plan, the Queensland Government has also funded construction of the Exit 57 interchange upgrade at Oxenford, with works planned to start in 2019.

“Planning is also progressing for the upgrades to interchanges at Yatala North, Yatala South, Ormeau and Pimpama, as well as preserving the future Coomera Connector corridor for the rapidly growing northern Gold Coast area.”

Member for Gaven, Meaghan Scanlon says Gold Coast residents will benefit significantly from the ongoing upgrades to the M1.

‘‘Not only will these upgrades cut travel time and improve safety but they will create hundreds of jobs across the Coast for years to come,’’ Ms Scanlon said.

“I know that many people in my community are employed in the construction industry and by delivering these upgrades consecutively there will be significant new opportunities.”

For more information on these projects visit https://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/Projects/Name/M/M1-Pacific-Motorway-upgrade-program

The Queensland Budget will be delivered on 12 June.

ENDS

Media contacts:

Shane Doherty (Premier’s office) 0439 624 473

Clare Manton (Deputy Premier’s office) 0432 446 268

Carmel Robertson (Minister Bailey’s office) 0439 347 875