Queensland Government funding increase for Coomera Connector Stage 1

• The Coomera Connector is one of Queensland’s most significant transport infrastructure projects that will take thousands of cars off the M1, support jobs, and unlock investment in South East Queensland.
• The Queensland Government has committed an additional $432 million to see Coomera Connector Stage 1 delivered, bringing the State’s total contribution to $1.513 billion.
• The Queensland Government will also seek additional matched funding from the Australian Government.

The Queensland Government has today announced it will commit an additional $432 million to ensure one of Queensland's most significant infrastructure projects, the Coomera Connector Stage 1, is delivered.

The Coomera Connector will provide a much-needed alternative to the M1 for local journeys and will alleviate M1 congestion by accommodating an estimated 60,000 daily trips.

Stage 1 includes 16-kilometres, from Coomera to Nerang, and features additional bridge crossings at the Coomera and Nerang Rivers.

A shared user path is included in the design and will provide significant active transport opportunities that have previously been unavailable.

The Coomera Connector will enhance safety, boost transport capacity, increase travel time reliability, and improve accessibility for all commuters.

Stage 1 North of the project is well underway, with expected completion with community consultation ongoing for Stage 1 Central and tenders being assessed for the Stage 1 South package

Stage 1 North will open progressively from late 2025.

Due to the rising cost of labour and materials, as well as the industry supply and demand challenges for specialist construction equipment, a further $864 million is required to complete Stage 1.

While confirming its commitment to the project, the Queensland Government has sought a $432 million matching contribution from the Australian Government which will be considered in the upcoming Federal Budget in May.

Some of the cost pressures for Stage 1 are due to double-digit market escalation and inflation since the business case was approved in 2021 and the location of contamination including PFAS and asbestos on site.

Other factors have also contributed to the increase, including changes to design standards, evolving scope of works through the design process, such as six-laning the Central package, increased scope of environmental investigations and management plans, and adverse ground conditions discovered through the design process.

Stage 1 North will open progressively from late 2025.

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Transport and Main Roads and Minister for Digital Services Bart Mellish:

"The Coomera Connector will provide significant benefits, helping to ease traffic congestion between the Gold Coast and Logan and enable locals to avoid the M1, and to make shorter and easier trips.

“Cost increases are not unexpected in the current economic climate, and the Coomera Connector project is not immune to these pressures.

“We have committed our share of this additional cost because we recognise how critical the Coomera Connector is not only for South East Queensland, but also our state’s economic prosperity.”

More information can be found at: https://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/projects/coomera-connector-stage-1

ENDS

Media Contact:  Minister Mellish Media – 0419 288 284