Federal Government commits $1 Billion towards fixing troubled M1

Did it take the largest sporting event ever held on the coast to finally get some much needed progress? Either way, it's great to see a solution on the horizon for all of us to enjoy.

The Federal Government has finally agreed to pull out the chequebook and help Gold Coast motorists who struggle daily with the commute on the M1.

It’s understood the cash injection will go towards widening the notorious stretch between Varsity Lakes and Tugun to six lanes as well as a number of ramp upgrades and a revamp of the cycling and walking infrastructure.

The section from Eight Mile Plains to Daisy Hill further north will also get widened from four to six lanes and the busway will be extended.

“After a long and hard fight, this is great news for local residents and I’m delighted that we are now in a position to get the job finished that was started in 2007 – and upgrade the M1 through to Tugun,” Member for McPherson Karen Andrews confirmed.

“Major works on that section will start after the Commonwealth Games, so it’s fitting that we can now look to complete the next section from Varsity to Tugun as swiftly as possible with the funding being provided in the Federal Budget next month.”

“It’s the State Government’s job to jointly fund and to manage the project to completion and ensure that Gold Coasters are not forced to endure lengthy delays.”

“These are two crucial projects and we’re serious about getting them both fixed.  I sincerely hope the State Government is too.”

Mrs Andrews said that she was proud to have lobbied Federal Ministers and the Prime Minister to secure the significant Commonwealth funding commitment for our local community.

“But I won’t rest until we know that works are underway. I’ll keep up the pressure to make sure that the upgrade happens quickly and seamlessly through to Tugun.”

Today’s announcement is on top of a previous pledge to upgrade the M1 between Mudgeeraba and Varsity Lakes from four to six lanes. Works on that will also begin after the Games. Source: MyGC.com.au