QLD Coomera Connector Stage 1 begins early works

Enabling works have commenced on the northern section of the $2.16 billion Coomera Connector between Coomera and Helensvale as part of Stage 1 of the project. 

This marks great progress on the job-creating Coomera Connector, which is a core project under the Queensland Government’s Economic Recovery Plan. 

The Coomera Connector Stage 1 development is expected to support more than 1,000 jobs over its life, providing a much-needed boost to the region’s economy. 

“We’re making great progress on this project which means more jobs for local workers and more contracts for local companies. 

“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,” Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said. 

Once completed, the Coomera Connector will help bust congestion on the M1 now and into the future. 

According to Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts Paul Fletcher, the announcement of enabling works beginning marks an important milestone on the delivery of Stage 1 of this significant road infrastructure. 

“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, supporting 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,” Minister Fletcher said. 

In addition to the direct jobs generated through this project, work behind the scenes will also include exploring training opportunities. 

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said: “There are now 10 staff on the project who will complete rail industry worker training later this month and that is set to increase. 

“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 the new Cross River Rail infill station at Hope Island.” 

Stage 1 alignment (source: Department of Transport and Main Roads)

Enabling works that are now underway include land surveying, geotechnical testing and identifying locations of underground services. These works will help in finalising detailed design and construction planning for Stage 1 North. 

Works are being carried out at several areas, including: 

• Roads and road verges along Hope Island Road, Helensvale Road, Beattie Road, McPhail Road and Shipper Drive 
• Queensland Rail and Coomera Connector corridors 
• Coomera River, Coomera River Overflow and Saltwater Creek 

“Ensuring work is starting on the Coomera Connector has been one of my top priorities for the Gold Coast. 

“To see work finally get underway 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,” Federal Member for Fadden Stuart Robert MP said. 

Queenslanders residing near the project route will soon start seeing hard hats and hi-vis as early works ramp up, while procurement continues in the background. 

“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. 

“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,” Minister Meaghan Scanlon said. 

The early works contract was awarded in November 2021 to the ACCIONA Construction Australia Pty Ltd and Georgiou Group Pty Ltd Joint Venture (AGJV). You can read more about the contract award here. 

The Coomera Connector Stage 1 is going to be delivered through three construction packages, namely: 

• Stage 1 North – Shipper Drive, Coomera to Helensvale Road, Helesvale 
• Stage 1 Central – Helensvale Road, Helensvale to Smith Street Motorway, Molendinar 
• Stage 1 South – Smith Street Motorway, Molendinar to Nerang-Broadbeach Road, Nerang 

Major construction on Stage 1 North is expected to begin in mid-2022 once all environmental and project approvals have been secured. 

The $2.16 billion Stage 1 works are jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments on a 50:50 basis. 

Source: Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts; Queensland Government – Department of Transport and Main Roads