1,000 jobs supported as construction kicks off on Second M1

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The Coomera Connector (Second M1) is Queensland’s biggest single road project

The $2.16 billion project will support 1,000 jobs during construction

Stage 1 of the Coomera Connector will remove 60,000 local daily trips from the M1

Major construction is underway on the 16-kilometre Coomera Connector Stage 1, creating a ‘second M1’ to remove up to 60,000 local trips a day from the M1 Pacific Motorway, south of Brisbane.

The first sod was turned today, marking the start of main construction on Stage 1 North, between Shipper Drive, Coomera and Helensvale Road, Helensvale.

Early works to prepare for construction have been ongoing since November 2021.

This announcement comes as the Australian Government approved the project’s Public Environment Report (PER), giving the green light for the project to progress to major construction.

The report sets out measures to reduce and mitigate the project’s impact on the environment, including offsetting and enhancing koala habitats at nearby properties in Pimpama and Tabooba.

The Coomera Connector will change how Gold Coast residents get around and improve journeys between the growing Coomera and Nerang communities.

It will also mean more reliable travel times between Brisbane and the Gold Coast by alleviating congestion on the M1. 

A new, 1-kilometre-long, Coomera River bridge crossing is a key feature of the first package, along with a four-metre-wide shared active transport path.

The first stage of the project will be delivered in three construction packages:

• Stage 1 North: Shipper Drive, Coomera to Helensvale Road, Helensvale (now underway)
• Stage 1 Central: Helensvale Road, Helensvale to Smith Street Motorway, Molendinar (expected to start later this year)
• Stage 1 South: Smith Street Motorway, Molendinar to Nerang-Broadbeach Road, Nerang (in design).

The final design for Stage 1 North includes improvements made by contractor Acciona Georgiou Joint Venture (AGJV), such as to the location of the shared path’s rest area and upgrades to surrounding local roads at the interchanges.

Construction notices will be distributed as the project progresses, giving residents, motorists and boaties more detail on how and where work will be carried out.

The Second M1 will open progressively from 2025. 

The Australian and Queensland governments have each committed $1.08 billion to the $2.16 billion to plan and build Coomera Connector Stage 1 between Coomera and Nerang.

It is estimated to support an average of 1,000 direct jobs over the life of the project.

To keep up to date on progress, and plan journeys to minimise disruption, the community is encouraged to sign up for regular project emails by contacting CoomeraConnector@tmr.qld.gov.au.

For more information, visit www.tmr.qld.gov.au/coomeraconnector.

Quotes attributable to Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk:

“This is a critical infrastructure project for the South East as the population of the Gold Coast continues to grow.

“Our Government’s support of the Coomera Connector is backing 1,000 local jobs, and a strong pipeline of investment in the region for years to come.

“As one of the fastest growing regions in the country, this vital road project will get Queenslanders home safer and sooner than ever before.

“This investment is on top of the more than $5.5 billion we’ve already jointly invested upgrading the M1 since 2015.”

Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King:

"The Coomera Connector is a boon for southeast Queenslanders – it means less time stuck in traffic and more time spent with loved ones enjoying Queensland’s great lifestyle.

"We know congestion is a significant issue for the region – it’s a drain on the economy and frustrating for families, which is why we're getting on with delivering this critical piece of infrastructure.

"With major construction can now underway, works will continue to ramp up over the coming months as this new motorway starts to come to life."

Quotes attributable to Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey:

"Only Labor is backing good jobs and better road projects for the people of the South East.

“From our heavy investment in the M1 and now building the Second M1, Gold Coasters can see just how much we’re doing to alleviate congestion.

“As an avid cyclist, I am excited this project includes a shared path running the entire 16-kilometre length, with local road connections – this is a game changer for pedestrians, people with prams, bike riders and those using mobility scooters and wheelchairs, as it gives them opportunities to leave the car at home.

“The Queensland LNP blocked this project when in power and now, the Palaszczuk Government is delivering, because that’s what good governments do.”

Quotes attributable to Senator for Queensland, Murray Watt:

“The Coomera Connector will make a huge difference for Gold Coast drivers and deliver much-needed congestion relief.

“With more and more people choosing to live and work on the GC, the M1 really cops it, and that daily commute has a big impact on people’s lives.

“This project is a prime example of what the Palaszczuk and Albanese Governments can achieve together to deliver for Queenslanders.”

Quotes attributable to Queensland Minister for the Environment and State Member for Gaven Meaghan Scanlon:

“Anyone travelling to or from the Gold Coast knows how desperately the Second M1 is needed – that’s why I campaigned to get it done.

“From major investments in light rail and M1 upgrades to on-demand transport trials and delivery of the Coomera Connector, it’s the Palaszczuk Government building the infrastructure our city needs.

“With our city’s population expected to reach close to 800,000 in the next 10 years, we’re investing more than $5 billion in road and rail projects across our city.”

26 MARCH 2023

MEDIA CONTACT:

MINISTER KING – Lyndal Curtis 0497 847 212

MINISTER WATT – Tali Eley 0499 770 772

MINISTER BAILEY – Charlton Hart 0400 431 443 

MINISTER SCANLON - Francis Dela Cruz 0420 592 078