Work on the $2.16 billion Coomera Connector Stage 1 has kicked off, with enabling works commencing on the northern section between Coomera and Helensvale.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said investing in job-creating infrastructure like the Coomera Connector was at the core of the Queensland Government's Economic Recovery Plan.
"We're making great progress on this project which means more jobs for local workers and more contracts for local companies," the Premier said.
"Stage one of the Coomera Connector is expected to support 1000 jobs over the project's life - an important part of our $27.5 billion road and transport plan.
"This is a huge boost to the region's economy and a clear indication of why the second M1 has always been a priority for us.
"There are about 150 procurement packages for stage one north and all of the contracts already awarded for early works have gone to Gold Coast-based subcontractors.
"That means about $3 million has been injected into the local economy already and road construction hasn't even started yet.
"And once this project is complete, the Coomera Connector will significantly reduce congestion on the M1 into the future - great news for thousands of Gold Coasters who use this road every day."
Federal Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts, the Hon Paul Fletcher MP, said today's event represented an important milestone in the delivery of Stage 1 of the Coomera Connector.
"The Morrison Government is delivering vital infrastructure across south east Queensland as part of our ten year, $110 billion infrastructure investment pipeline, which is helping to ease congestion and improve travel times and safety for commuters.
"Our government has committed $1.07 billion to this project alone, which will deliver a new 16-kilometre connection between Coomera and Nerang, support 1,000 jobs, provide a boost to the local economy and help support future growth across the region.
"After much planning work, commuters and residents will now begin to see this significant project take shape with work commencing along this first section of the project."
Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said work behind the scenes also included exploring training opportunities.
"There are now 10 staff on the project who will complete rail industry worker training later this month and that is set to increase," Mr Bailey said.
"That's the equivalent of 160 hours of training locked in to help ground crews understand the implications of working alongside Queensland Rail and side by side with the new Cross River Rail infill station at Hope Island."
Federal Member for Fadden, the Hon Stuart Robert MP, said the works were a crucial investment in the future of the area.
"Ensuring work is starting on the Coomera Connector has been one of my top priorities for the Gold Coast,' Mr Robert said.
"To see work finally get under way will be a great relief for many who live on the Gold Coast and is a welcome investment in the future of our region's economy."
Gold Coast based Palaszczuk Government Minister Meaghan Scanlon said while procurement continued in the background, hard hats and hi-vis would soon be out in force.
"We are gearing up for construction, so site compounds will begin to take shape along the corridor - locals can expect some intermittent lane closures and speed changes," Ms Scanlon said.
"In coming weeks, a barge will be floated from the northern bank of the Coomera River so that riverbed geotechnical investigations can be carried out.
"This project is a big win for the Gold Coast and I'm looking forward to seeing boots on the ground."
Mr Bailey said locations between Shipper Drive, Coomera, and Helensvale Road, Helensvale, would be impacted by the early works until mid-2022:
- Roads and verges along Hope Island Road, Helensvale Road, Beattie Road, McPhail Drive and Shipper Drive
- Queensland Rail and Coomera Connector corridors
- Coomera River, Coomera River Overflow and Saltwater Creek
"We understand the impact major construction like this has, so we will be mitigating that impact as much as possible for local drivers and neighbouring residents."
Mainline construction on the Coomera Connector Stage 1 North structures will start once all environmental and project approvals are in place, expected from mid-2022.
The Australian and Queensland governments have committed a total of $2.16 billion on a 50:50 basis to plan and build Stage 1 of the Coomera Connector between Coomera and Nerang.
To stay up-to-date on the Coomera Connector, visit tmr.qld.gov.au/coomeraconnector.
