Pollies refuse to bend on M1
HOPES of a funding compromise to end the M1 upgrade stalemate appear to be dashed, with neither the state nor federal governments willing to consider an alternative funding arrangement.
Mayor Tom Tate has proposed a 65/35 funding split in a bid to secure an agreement between the two governments and allow for the motorway to be widened.
Neither side are willing to budge but Cr Tate said a different solution was needed.
“When I look at both sides of the argument I look at the people first and when I look at the people of southeast Queensland we have 11 mayors who all agree the M1 needs to be upgraded,” he said.
“My attitude is, ‘ look, let’s meet’ ... and if it was up to me it should be 65/35 and then it’s a done deal.”
Federal Infrastructure Minister Paul Fletcher said the Turnbull Government was “always available to have discussions” but insisted the 50/50 funding split was the appropriate way to go.
A spokeswoman for Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey confirmed the State’s position remained an 80/20 split.
The Turnbull Government has put $110 million, or 50 per cent, on the table while the State has put up $44 million – about 20 per cent.
This has left a funding shortfall of around $66 million which would fund the widening of a 5km stretch between Robina and Reedy Creek.
In the wake of the election, Mr Bailey, Cr Tate, Logan Mayor Luke Smith, the RACQ and CCIQ joined together and proposed a delegation visit Canberra to lobby the Turnbull Government directly.
A request from Mr Bailey, Cr Tate and other stakeholders to meet with Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull is yet to be answered.
“This is in line with the Abbott-Turnbull government’s own funding formula,” Mr Bailey’s spokeswoman said
“The Gold Coast deserves the same fair deal as New South Wales, where just across the border they get 80/20 on the same road. This is a raw deal for the Gold Coast. Mr Turnbull should fund this upgrade using his own 80/20 funding formula.”
The Gateway merge section of the M1 in Springwood is also on hold.