The State Government is losing control of the Coomera Connector project while Gold Coast motorists sit in traffic jams on the M1.
It was revealed in Estimates today that a contractor is yet to even be appointed to start the first section of Stage One (Coomera to Helensvale), despite the website saying until recently that construction would start in mid-2021.
When motorists will be able to drive on the remaining sections (Helensvale to Nerang) also remains a mystery with the project website advising that “construction timing to be confirmed”.
Shockingly, budget papers have also revealed more than 40% of the project’s $1.5 billion cost hasn’t been allocated until after the promised completion date in 2024. There are also growing concerns that the cost blowouts we’ve seen on other projects like Light Rail Stage 3 will be repeated on the Coomera Connector.
The State Government is failing to deliver key milestones of this project on time.
The long-awaited highway should ease congestion on the M1 getting drivers to and from home and work faster, but it’s been met with delays and excuses by the State Government.
“We were assured during Estimates last year that we’d have a second M1 by mid-2024 and I want the Government to honour that commitment,” Shadow Transport Minister Steve Minnikin said.
“The Gold Coast is one of the fastest growing regions in the state and residents are sick of the State Government’s delays and excuses.
“We deserve cars on this road in 2024, not excavators moving dirt.
“The State Government is losing control of this vital infrastructure.
“We’re calling on the State Government to stop talking about fixing the traffic problems and deliver the Coomera Connector on time and on budget