A series of accidents on the M1 this morning have again highlighted the urgent need for an alternative route between Brisbane and the Gold Coast.
LNP Shadow Transport Minister Andrew Powell said today’s serious crash at Springwood not only threatened lives but created hours-long traffic chaos for southeast Queensland commuters.
“First and foremost our thoughts are with the families and friends of those injured in today’s incident and we pray for their recovery,” Mr Powell said.
“Today’s accident yet again highlights how quickly the M1 and surrounding road networks become instant carparks when incidents occur and frustrated Queenslanders are stuck for hours in their cars.
“That’s why the LNP this week strongly prosecuted the case for a second M1 and other alternative routes for southeast Queensland’s major roads.
“We all know the M1 is reaching capacity and that we need to build more road infrastructure in the next term of government to cope.
“How disappointing to hear our plan immediately dismissed by a Labor government more interested in political point-scoring than they are in solving the serious congestion issues facing Queensland families trying to get their kids to school and themselves off to work.
“Serious congestion acts as an economic handbrake on all of us with every minute and hour stuck in traffic snarls adding more to the cost of doing business.”
Mr Powell said with the Commonwealth Games just around the corner chaos looks set to reign on our rail network as well.
“Reports today reveal the Palaszczuk Government in full damage control as they try to keep rail services on track in the lead-up to the Games,” he said.
“Unable to manage their ongoing rail fail in-house, Labor’s had to call in crisis consultants Deloitte in a desperate bid to get new trains on track in time for the Games.
“Just months out from the Games Labor can’t guarantee athletes or visitors will get to events on time – let alone the bedlam that will face everyday commuters during the event.
“If Annastacia Palaszczuk’s succession of incompetent transport ministers had got their act together sooner, new trains would be on track by now and Queensland’s international reputation wouldn’t be on the line.
“Instead, taxpayers are being forced to pay for crisis consultants to do Labor’s job for them – what a mess.”
