QLD Govt invests $755m to build second M1 - the Coomera Connector

The State Government is investing approximately $755 million towards the delivery of Stage 1 of the Coomera Connector – also known as Queensland’s second M1 – between Nerang and Coomera. 

This 16-kilometre section of road is the centrepiece of the Queensland Government’s $850 million Gold Coast roads infrastructure and jobs package that also includes funding to upgrade Exit 45 at Ormeau, the Coomera park ‘n’ ride as well as the Currumbin Creek/Bienvenue Street intersection. 

“This is all part of Queensland’s recovery plan to invest in major infrastructure projects and to create jobs to help steer us through these challenging times. 

“More than 700 new jobs will be created as we build the second M1, adding to the 1600 jobs that will be supported by my government on the M1 upgrade between Varsity Lakes and Tugun and the light rail construction over the next few years,” Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said. 

Due to the State’s “strong borders”, it has ensured the delivery of major projects have not been deeply impacted by the recent pandemic. 

“These projects are ready to go because we’ve worked hard to protect the health of Queenslanders. 

“It’s because we’ve managed the health response that we can focus on our economic recovery and keeping major projects and the state’s economy moving ahead,” Treasurer Cameron Dick said. 

The Coomera Connector is aimed at removing up to 60,000 vehicles off the M1 each day at its busiest section around the Coomera River. 

The project’s key features include: 

• Providing more route choices for local traffic to help relieve pressure on the M1 and additional crossings over the Logan, Albert, Coomera and Nerang rivers 
• Improved connections and accessibility to more transport options on the northern Gold Coast 
• Improved travel times between Brisbane and the Gold Coast by reducing the number of local trips on the M1 
• Increased safety on the M1 by reducing congestion and potential queuing at interchanges 
• Providing more reliable travel times between Brisbane and the Gold Coast 

“Building the second M1 is not just about improving travel times and providing an important local connection road for residents and businesses on the northern Gold Coast, but it’s also about busting congestion on the M1 itself,” Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said. 

Project map (source: Department of Transport and Main Roads)

Member for Gaven Meaghan Scanlon said that Gold Coast Transport Plan demonstrates the State Government’s vision for “an infrastructure and jobs-led economic recovery”. 

The Gold Coast Transport Plan will cover: 

• $755 million to build stage one of the Coomera Connector (Second M1) between Nerang and Coomera. $1.5 billion total to be funded 50/50 with the Federal Government. Construction can start by mid-2021, supporting more than 700 jobs as soon as Federal Government funding is confirmed 
• $35 million in capital works for Gold Coast Waterways, including $5.5 million for seaway dredging, supporting 9 jobs and more tourism opportunities 
• $11.5 million toward improved Oceanway bike paths in Burleigh and Currumbin 
• $10 million for an upgrade to Exit 45 at Ormeau. $20 million total to be funded 50/50 with the Federal Government, supporting 30 jobs 
• $8.5 million for the Coomera Park ‘n’ Ride, with additional funding from the Federal Government 
• $6.5 million to build a new southern entryway to the Gold Coast Airport jointly with the airport and New South Wales Government 
• $3.5 million committed to Stage 4 light rail business case and an east-west transport corridors study to look at connecting Metricon Stadium and Nerang, as well as Robina, to high-frequency bus services and potential future light rail spur line joint with Gold Coast Council 
• $2 million for upgrading the Currumbin Creek Road and Bienvenue Drive intersection. $4 million total 50/50 with the Federal Government, supporting 10 jobs 

“Our government is partnering with the City of Gold Coast to look at more high frequency east-west services, including future east-west light rail and bus priority opportunities to connect Metricon Stadium, and we’re investing in better bikeways to support different ways to travel. 

“Building the second M1 is the next major road priority, with construction of the $1 billion M1 upgrade between Varsity Lakes and Tugun well underway,” Ms Scanlon said. 

Community consultation for Coomera Connector is now underway and will be open until 11 October 2020. Have your say on this significant transport infrastructure project here.

Source: Queensland Government – Media Statements; Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads; Infrastructure Magazine