$55 million pledge to fix notorious M1 bottleneck

A re-elected Morrison Government will provide $55 million to upgrade the M1 motorway Exit 38, at Yatala.

This busy junction provides access to one of the largest industrial zones outside of Brisbane and is used by thousands of cars and heavy vehicles daily.

Federal Minister for Urban Infrastructure, Paul Fletcher said today’s announcement was just another example of the Morrison Government backing Queensland.

“Our Government continues to deliver record funding for infrastructure across Queensland, particularly in the south east where we know the population is fast growing, along with its transport and infrastructure needs,” Minister Fletcher said.

“We will continue to back the people of Queensland and if re-elected, I hope that the State Government will come to the table and match this commitment for the upgrade of Exit 38 at Yatala, to help ease congestion for local commuters.

“This funding commitment builds on the $2.1 billion that we’ve already provided towards upgrades along the M1 Pacific Motorway in Queensland since our Government was elected.

“This vital roadway links Brisbane to the Gold Coast and is used every day by tens of thousands of commuters, tourists and freight, so it is crucial that we make sure it is safe and efficient.”

Bert Van Manen MP, Federal Member for Forde, has been campaigning to upgrade the M1 since first elected in 2010.

“Day or night, this intersection is one of the busiest on the M1,” Mr Van Manen said.

“When it does get clogged by vehicles entering and exiting the industrial area the traffic jams stretch back onto the M1 motorway, creating a potential hazard for all drivers.”

The enhancements to the M1 motorway will also help residents across the electorate of Fadden, held by Stuart Robert.

“This commitment is another example of how the Liberal National Party is delivering for the Gold Coast, which is one of the most exciting parts of the country to live in.”

“Not only are we delivering infrastructure to meet the demands of the growing Northern Gold Coast but we are also doing the work to connect the South East as we look toward the hosting the Olympic Games,” Minister Robert said.

“The Gold Coast will always get a better deal under the LNP, while we have a plan for a strong economy and a stronger future, Labor just see the Gold Coast as a piggy bank for their promises.”

The Commonwealth’s funding for Exit 38 is contingent on the State Government matching the commitment on a 50:50 basis, as is typical with the delivery of urban infrastructure.

Today’s announcement builds on the billions of dollars’ worth of infrastructure investment made by the Morrison Government across the Gold Coast and South East Queensland, including $2.1 billion for the M1 Pacific Motorway, $1.6 billion for a Brisbane to the Sunshine Coast rail, $1.121 billion for a Brisbane to the Gold Coast rail line, $1.07 billion for the Coomera Connector, and $667.77 million for the SEQ City Deal.