Coomera Connector is good to go for ACCIONA in JV with Georgiou Group

JOINT STATEMENT

Tuesday, 16 November 2021

Premier and Minister for the Olympics, The Honourable Annastacia Palaszczuk

Minister for Transport and Main Roads, The Honourable Mark Bailey

Gold Coasters are a step closer to driving on the ‘Second M1’ as the first contract is awarded.

Acciona Construction Australia Pty Ltd and Georgiou Group Pty Ltd Joint Venture, with WSP and BG&E as the designers, will undertake enabling works and finalise the design for Coomera Connector Stage 1 North, between Coomera and Helensvale.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said delivering the second M1 was a priority for the Queensland Government.

“Thousands of Gold Coasters use the M1 each and every day,” the Premier said.

“Building the second M1 is incredibly important when it comes to easing congestion and getting people home sooner.

“Supporting job-creating infrastructure is at the core of our Economic Recovery Plan for Queensland.

“We’re investing in major projects like this to create local jobs and rebuild our economy.

“My government will always back the Gold Coast and we’ll continue to work closely with the Commonwealth to secure more investment in this city.”

Federal Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts, the Hon Paul Fletcher MP, said the contract award was a milestone in the delivery of this significant project.

“The Coomera Connector is a significant project that will provide long-term benefits to commuters across South East Queensland by providing an alternative north-south route that will help ease congestion on the M1,” Minister Fletcher said.

“The Morrison Government is providing funding for Stage 1 of this project as part of our record $110 billion, 10-year infrastructure investment pipeline, which is helping to drive Australia’s economic recovery.

“By alleviating congestion along critical transport corridors, we’re helping people to get home to their families sooner and safer, we’re helping freight move more quickly between our cities, and we’re generating jobs across the country.”

Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said despite the unprecedented impacts of COVID-19, the State Government was delivering on its election commitment to build Coomera Connector Stage 1.

“The Palaszczuk Government is delivering big for Queenslanders through our record $27.5 billion road and transport plan over the next four years,” Mr Bailey said.

“The Coomera Connector is another example of the state government following through on our commitments through the approval of the Stage 1 Business Case in September this year, and of course preparing for the 2032 Olympics.

“The early works agreement for Stage 1 North means site compounds can be established and sub-contractors secured in readiness for major construction to start in mid-2022.

“This ensures the project will be shovel ready as soon as all environmental approvals are in place.

“Safety will be at the forefront of the project through construction and operation.

“The Palaszczuk Government’s procurement rules on major projects like the Coomera Connector ensure contractors adhere to the highest possible safety standards and emphasise training opportunities to grow our skilled workforce.

“Our Better Practice Industry Conditions are also designed to create local jobs and encourage use of local suppliers, because we want as much of our investment as possible to benefit Queensland workers and Queensland businesses.”

Member for Gaven Meaghan Scanlon said the early contractor involvement model used for Stage 1 North would also be used for Stage 1 Central, from Helensvale Road to the Smith Street Motorway.

“This delivery model results in better value for money, a focus on partnership and collaboration, and opportunities for innovation,” Ms Scanlon said.

“It enables bidding across different tiered contractors and further supports local market development, which creates long-term job opportunities for Gold Coast businesses.

“Not only is this helping South East Queensland’s economic recovery from COVID-19, but we are building legacy infrastructure to support the growth of the South East.

“Consultation can now also ramp up with people immediately next to the Stage 1 North corridor as the design becomes more detailed.”

Requests for proposals on the Stage 1 Central package will be available to industry before the end of the year.

Find original press release here.