Additional $316.1m invested to deliver QLD Coomera Connector Stage 1

The Australian Government is investing an additional $316.1 million towards the delivery of the massive Coomera Connector project in Queensland. 

This new funding injection ensures the delivery of this vital transport infrastructure for the Gold Coast and South East Queensland. 

“This additional funding brings the total Commonwealth investment in stage one of the Coomera Connector – which is delivering a vital new 16-kilometre connection between Coomera and Nerang – to $1.07 billion. 

“This commitment shows that the Morrison Government is serious about getting on and delivering this state-defining project, which will generate local jobs, ease congestion particularly on the M1, and help commuters get home to their families sooner and safer,” Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts Paul Fletcher. 

The added funding will get works going on more geotechnical treatments as well as retaining walls and flood immunity. 

Stage 1 of the Coomera Connector is being built under three construction packages, namely: 

• Stage 1 North: Shipper Drive, Coomera to Helensvale Road, Helensvale – early works construction commenced with site investigations in 2021 and major construction activities to begin in mid-2022. An agreement for additional works was awarded in November 2021 and will include finalising the design, establishing site compounds and continuing service utility investigations. 
• Stage 1 Central: Helensvale Road, Helensvale to Smith Street Motorway, Molendinar – early works site investigations commenced in mid-2021 and construction timing is set to be confirmed. 
• Stage 1 South: Smith Street Motorway, Molendinar to Nerang-Broadbeach Road, Nerang – early works site investigations and construction timing are set to be confirmed. 

“This funding puts the people of the Gold Coast first and is a welcome investment in the future of our region’s economy, supporting up to 700 jobs to help Queensland bounce back even stronger from the global pandemic,” Federal Member for Fadden Stuart Robert said. 

“Our commitment will also upgrade Shipper Drive to accommodate expected growth in traffic transiting to and from the Coomera Connector,” Federal Member for Moncrieff Angie Bell said. 

Coomera Connector Stage 1 alignment (source: Department of Transport and Main Roads)

Once completed, Stage 1 of the Coomera Connector will help relieve congestion on the M1 by providing motorists with an alternative route. In addition, this project will also reduce travel times between Brisbane and the Gold Coast. 

“We are delivering several critical investments in tackling congestion to get Queenslanders home sooner and safer, as well as improving freight efficiency and trip reliability on the M1,” Federal Member for Forde Bert van Manen said. 

In November of this year, the first contract for works on Stage 1 was awarded to ACCIONA Construction and Georgiou Group joint venture (AGJV). You can read more about the contract award here. 

Total funding for the first stage of the Coomera Connector is now at $2.13 billion, jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments on a 50:50 basis. 

Weather and construction conditions permitting, major works on the project are anticipated to commence in mid-2022 and completed by late 2025. 

Source: Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts; myGC.com.au; Queensland Government – Department of Transport and Main Roads