The Morrison Government has today announced a further $316.1 million in funding to ensure the delivery of the Coomera Connector.
Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts, Paul Fletcher, said the Morrison government was committed to delivering this critical piece of infrastructure for the people of the Gold Coast and South East Queensland.
“This additional funding brings the total Commonwealth investment in stage one of the Coomera Connector – which is delivering a vital new 16-kilometre connection between Coomera and Nerang – to $1.07 billion,” Minister Fletcher said.
“This commitment shows that the Morrison Government is serious about getting on and delivering this state-defining project, which will generate local jobs, ease congestion particularly on the M1, and help commuters get home to their families sooner and safer.”
Federal Member for Fadden, Stuart Robert said this once again demonstrated the Morrison Government’s Gold Coast team delivering for the region.
“This funding puts the people of the Gold Coast first and is a welcome investment in the future of our region’s economy, supporting up to 700 jobs to help Queensland bounce back even stronger from the global pandemic,” Mr Robert said.
Federal Member for Moncrieff, Angie Bell, said the additional federal funding will assist with the delivery of additional geotechnical treatments, retaining walls and flood immunity.
“Our commitment will also upgrade Shipper Drive to accommodate expected growth in traffic transiting to and from the Coomera Connector,” Ms Bell said.
Federal Member for Forde, Bert van Manen, said the project built on the Government’s investment in other key road projects, including the M1 Pacific Motorway upgrades.
“We are delivering several critical investments in tackling congestion to get Queenslanders home sooner and safer, as well as improving freight efficiency and trip reliability on the M1,” Mr van Manen said.
Total funding for Stage 1 of the Coomera Connector is now $2.13 billion, funded by the Australian and Queensland governments on a 50:50 split.
Construction is expected to start in mid-2022, with completion due by late 2025, weather and construction conditions permitting.
