The Queensland Government has gazetted the final section of the Coomera Connector, allowing planning works to commence on the congestion-busting corridor.
The Coomera Connector aims to alleviate traffic on the M1 between Gold Coast and the Logan Motorway Interchange and to provide an important north-to-south transport link for north Gold Coast communities.
Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister, Mark Bailey, said that with more than 180,000 vehicles travelling on the M1 each day and strong population growth on the northern Gold Coast, we need to plan for the region’s future transport demands.
“The Palaszczuk Government has secured $2.3 billion for M1 upgrades, two happening now and two to follow immediately after, and we’re looking beyond those to what future transport projects will be needed in that part of the south east,” Mr Bailey said.
The Queensland Government gazetted the Nerang to Coomera section in March 2016 and the Coomera to Stapylton section was gazetted in May 2017.
The entire 45km Coomera Connector corridor – including the final northern stretch to the Logan Motorway – has now been officially gazetted as a future state-controlled road.
Mr Bailey said the Coomera Connector was important to alleviate future congestion for M1 motorists.
“There is a lot more work to do before this project comes to life,” he said. “The community will continue to be involved in future stages of planning for the corridor.”
Opportunities for consultation will be both in person at a series of information sessions and online. Community members will be able to learn more about the project and provide feedback using digital engagement tools such as collaborative mapping.
Mr Bailey said the gazettal was part of the State Government’s commitment to investing in transport infrastructure to support population growth in the greater Gold Coast area.
“In the past two years, we have delivered the popular Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 2 and duplicated the heavy rail line between Helensvale and Coomera,” Mr Bailey said.
“We are focusing on the next stage of light rail to Burleigh and the massive Cross River Rail project will mean faster and more frequent trains on the Gold Coast line too.”
The Queensland Government has committed $5 million to undertake transport planning studies for the Loganholme to Nerang corridor.
All property owners directly impacted by the gazettal of the corridor have been advised during the planning stage.
