A PROPOSED “Second M1” could eventually give Redlands motorists a new gateway to Logan and the northern Gold Coast, with future plans identifying a major interchange near Mount Cotton Rd and Beenleigh-Redland Bay Rd.
The long-term Coomera Connector would run east of the Pacific Motorway and Gold Coast rail line for about 45km between Loganholme and Nerang.
For Redland Bay and the city’s southern suburbs, the proposed interchange could create another route towards Beenleigh, Logan and the Gold Coast, including a new crossing of the Logan River.
But the prospect remains a long-term plan.
The 29km northern section from Loganholme to Coomera, including the potential Redlands connection, has completed a business case but still needs Federal environmental approval.
There is no construction funding or start date.
State Member for Redlands Rebecca Young said the city needed to plan as South East Queensland grew.
“The Redlands has traditionally looked north towards Brisbane when we talk about major transport connections, but our community is also increasingly connected west and south towards Logan and the Gold Coast,” she said.
“We need to be thinking about how those connections develop as our region grows.”
Mrs Young said the proposed connection between the future northern stages of the Coomera Connector, Beenleigh-Redland Bay Rd and Mount Cotton Rd was one possible part of the future network.
“It could provide another connection between the Redlands, Logan and the northern Gold Coast, and I am interested in what that could mean for our community,” she said.
“However, it is important not to get ahead of the planning process.”
Federal Member for Bowman Henry Pike said the connection would be a vital piece of infrastructure.
“For too long, local commuters have suffered from a lack of strategic planning and road investment,” he said.
“Establishing this second arterial corridor into Logan and the northern Gold Coast would provide a crucial alternative to relying so heavily on the existing M1, easing severe traffic congestion and improving overall safety for motorists.”
Mr Pike said the link could be transformative for Redlands residents, with 61 per cent of full-time Redland workers commuting outside the city each day and an estimated 85 to 90 per cent travelling by car.
“Long commutes create extra stress, raise living costs, and take precious time away from families,” he said.
Redland City transport portfolio councillor Shane Rendalls said the proposal could bring major economic benefits.
“Better transport connections create better opportunities,” Cr Rendalls said.
“Improved access to Logan and the Gold Coast would open up more employment options for Redlanders, both within our city and across South East Queensland.”
The future stages design identifies eight major interchanges, including one at Beenleigh-Redland Bay Rd and Mt Cotton Rd.
If built, the motorway could include up to six lanes, walking and cycling paths, wildlife crossings, bridges over the Logan and Albert rivers, and interchanges.
Cr Rendalls said another Logan River crossing would be particularly valuable for southern Redlands residents.
“For residents in the southern parts of Redlands, another connection across the Logan River could be a real game changer, providing more travel choices and better access to jobs, education and services,” he said.
Parts of the future corridor draw on earlier Daisy Hill to Logan Motorway planning, including an intersection at Beenleigh-Redland Bay Road and the Pacific Motorway, and a bridge over Cairns St.
Mr Pike said the former Coalition Government’s further $316.1 million commitment had taken Commonwealth investment in Stage 1 to $1.07 billion.
However, he said the northern stages could not progress until the Commonwealth environmental assessment was completed and the State and Federal governments reached funding agreements.
“Ultimately, both the State and Commonwealth Governments must allocate dedicated construction funds so delivery can begin as early as possible,” he said.
The proposed northern route is before the Commonwealth under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act.
Its environmental referral identifies possible impacts on wetlands, floodplains, threatened ecological communities and koala habitat, including around Eagleby wetlands and the Logan, Albert and Pimpama river catchments.
Champion Redlands Coast Chief Executive Cindy Corrie said the project should be viewed as an economic as well as a physical connection.
“The Coomera Connector is an economic connector as much as it is a physical connector,” Ms Corrie said.
“Better connectivity means better access – to jobs, education, services and economic opportunities across the region. That is ultimately about improving choice and opportunity for Redlands residents.”
“Redlands should be a more active participant in the broader SEQ economy. That starts with recognising that we don’t operate in isolation from our neighbouring LGAs.”
“There is a real opportunity for Redlands to work with Logan and the Gold Coast on a collaborative advocacy approach. There is strength in a united regional voice.”
