Federal Member for McPherson, Karen Andrews, says the deal that will end the gridlock between Exits 82 and 85 on the M1 is the result of local state and federal MPs working with their communities.
“The deal is great news for anyone who travels along this section of the M1 but it was the work that was done locally that led to its success,” Mrs Andrews said.
“After I secured $110 million last year from the Federal Government for the upgrade, we still needed the State Labor Government to come to the table with funding.
“I acknowledge my local state colleagues, Member for Mudgeeraba Ros Bates and Member for Burleigh Heads Michael Hart for the pressure they've been applying in state parliament on behalf of their electorates,” Mrs Andrews said.
Ms Bates says it's great news their hard work has paid off.
“Everyone knows how much this upgrade of the M1 is needed and I'm as pleased as anyone to see it going ahead,” Ms Bates said.
“All those people who regularly get caught in the peak hour gridlock will soon be getting to and from work quicker and safer, and that's what this campaign has always been about.”
Member for Burleigh Heads, Michael Hart, says it's a good day for the people of his electorate.
“We have all proudly boasted of representing one of the best parts of our great state here on the Coast, except when it came to the M1 bottleneck from the Somerset Drive to Reedy Creek Rd exit,” Mr Hart said.
“The upgrade will make living in, and traveling through, this electorate an even better experience than it already is.
“I'm proud of the work we've achieved as an LNP team here on the Gold Coast,” Mr Hart said.
Mrs Andrews says while the announcement is very good news, there's still work to be done.
“I've already made it clear that the upgrade must eventually extend all the way through to Tugun and that's where my efforts will focus once this project is underway.”
