THE Queensland government is under pressure to match the Federal government’s $1 billion contribution toward M1 upgrades announced today.
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull announced the funding would prioritise two major projects – one between Varsity lakes and Tugun on the Gold Coast, the other between Eight Mile Plains and Daisy Hill in Logan.
The Eight Mile Plains to Daisy Hill project would see the motorway widened from six to eight lanes, ramp consolidation, managed motorway technology, a bus way extension to Springwood.
The commitment is based on a 50/50 split with the Queensland government, but early signs indicate a potential road block ahead.
Queensland Transport Minister Mark Bailey said the government should have committed to 80 per cent of the $2 billion required for the project.
“We’re glad Canberra’s finally spending some of our tax dollars in Queensland – it’s better than nothing,” he said.
“The Federal government has funded other national road projects in Queensland 80/20, including the Bruce Highway, the gateway Arterial, the Warrego and the Hann Highways – all of which carry less traffic per day than the M1.
“As part of our M1 action plan released in November 2017 we committed our 20 per cent funding for the upgrade between Varsity Lakes and Tugun worth just over $1 billion – we have already funded the planning and our $206 million is now locked in.”
Mr Turnbull called on the Queensland government to come to the table to ensure the “$2 billion congestion busting” project could proceed.
“The last thing Queenslanders want us to do is get into an argument about who pays what,” he said
“Historically, the practice between Liberal and Labor governments is for a 50/50 split on major road projects.”
Acting Logan mayor Trevina Schwarz called on the two levels of government to work constructively to make the upgrades a reality.
“We have a $1-billion commitment by the Prime Minister and the ball is now firmly in the Premier’s court to contribute funding and get this roadblock to growth fixed now. The City of Logan and the people in this thriving city are depending on a constructive outcome,” she said.
Logan Safe City Country Group president Dave Kenny said it was important for both sides of politics not to forget the need for long overdue upgrades to the Mount Lindesay Highway.
“I don’t begrudge the people who have been advocating for an M1 upgrade,” he said.
“However, we do have a growing population (in south west Logan) and their continues to be no plan.”
Queensland LNP opposition leader Deb Frecklington called on the Queensland government to act on what she described as an M1 carpark.
“If i were Premier, this would be funded in the next state budget,” she said.
“I urge Annastacia Palaszczuk to do the same. we need new roads, not tired old arguments.”
