A contract has been awarded for the Coomera Connector, dubbed the ‘second M1’ between Coomera and Helensvale on the Gold Coast.
Acciona Construction Australia and Georgiou Group Joint Venture, with WSP and BG&E as the designers, will undertake enabling works and finalise the design for Coomera Connector Stage 1 North.
Queensland Premier, Annastacia Palaszczuk, said delivering the second M1 was a priority for the Queensland Government.
“Thousands of Gold Coasters use the M1 each and every day,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
“Building the second M1 is incredibly important when it comes to easing congestion and getting people home sooner.”
Federal Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts, Paul Fletcher, said the contract award was a milestone in the delivery of this significant project.
“The Coomera Connector is a significant project that will provide long-term benefits to commuters across South East Queensland by providing an alternative north-south route that will help ease congestion on the M1,” Mr Fletcher said.
Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister, Mark Bailey, said despite the unprecedented impacts of COVID-19, the State Government was delivering on its election commitment to build Coomera Connector Stage 1.
“The Coomera Connector is another example of the State Government following through on our commitments through the approval of the Stage 1 Business Case in September this year, and of course preparing for the 2032 Olympics,” Mr Bailey said.
“The early works agreement for Stage 1 North means site compounds can be established and sub-contractors secured in readiness for major construction to start in mid-2022.
“This ensures the project will be shovel-ready as soon as all environmental approvals are in place.
“Our Better Practice Industry Conditions are also designed to create local jobs and encourage use of local suppliers, because we want as much of our investment as possible to benefit Queensland workers and Queensland businesses.”
Member for Gaven, Meaghan Scanlon, said the early contractor involvement model used for Stage 1 North would also be used for Stage 1 Central, from Helensvale Road to the Smith Street Motorway.
“This delivery model results in better value for money, a focus on partnership and collaboration, and opportunities for innovation,” Ms Scanlon said.
“It enables bidding across different tiered contractors and further supports local market development, which creates long-term job opportunities for Gold Coast businesses.
“Consultation can now also ramp up with people immediately next to the Stage 1 North corridor as the design becomes more detailed.”
Requests for proposals on the Stage 1 Central package will be available to industry before the end of 2021.
To stay up-to-date on the Coomera Connector, visit www.tmr.qld.gov.au/projects/programs/coomera-connector.
