Early works contract awarded for Coomera Connector Stage 1 South

The delivery of Queensland’s $3.026 billion Coomera Connector Stage 1 between Coomera and Nerang has reached a new milestone, taking the project a step closer to beginning construction on its southern section. 

The contract for early works of the Stage 1 South package has been awarded to Winslow Infrastructure Pty Ltd. 

This package of works, which ensures the site is construction-ready, includes minor vegetation clearing, relocation of some service utilities, bulk earthworks and preloading activities. 

“It’s great to see this contract awarded so works can get underway. Our community knows how frustrating the congestion on the Pacific Motorway (M1) is. 

“This is a step forward to fixing the issue by offering an alternative route. 

“With Queensland growing, we’re building a road that will better connect our local communities and future proof the lifestyle we all love in South East Queensland. This new motorway will help to get local motorists home sooner and safer,” Housing Minister and State Member for Gaven Meagan Scanlon said. 

Early works are expected to commence in July of this year and be completed by late 2025. 

The works will focus on the areas south of the Nerang River where new embankment and excess material will be placed on the existing ground for about six months. This will consolidate and increase the bearing capacity of the underlying soft soils on site. 

The excess embankment will be removed once settled and ready for the next stage of works. 

“Getting works started on Stage 1 South package of the Coomera Connector Stage 1 has remained a priority for the Miles Labor Government. 

“That’s why we are committed additional funds to get boots and machines on the ground laying the foundations for main construction works. 

“It’s all systems go as we continue to invest in Queensland’s biggest decade of infrastructure delivery – Queensland's Big Build – generating more jobs, improved services, protecting our lifestyle and growing our economy,” Deputy Premier and Acting Minister Cameron Dick said. 

The Australian and Queensland Governments have jointly funded $3.026 billion to plan and build the Coomera Connector Stage 1, including $864 million to deliver the project. 

The Coomera Connector Stage 1 project is estimated to support an average of 1,000 direct jobs over its life. 

This stage of the Coomera Connector is expected to progressively open to traffic from late 2025. 

“The Australian Government is committed to investing in and delivering infrastructure projects that will better the lives of South East Queenslanders. The additional funding by both the Australian and Queensland governments will ensure the Coomera Connector is built and delivered to meet the needs of Gold Coast residents now and into the future. 

“We are one step closer to starting construction on the southern end of the Coomera Connector, which will not only improve travel times for motorists but also provide safer journeys and support the growing region of South East Queensland. 

“Both residents and tourists to South East Queensland will benefit for years to come from this work funded by the Australian and Queensland governments,” Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers said. 

Coomera Connector Stage 1 map (source: Department of Transport and Main Roads)

The Coomera Connector Stage 1 will be delivered through three construction packages: 

• Stage 1 North – from Shipper Drive to Helensvale Road (4 kilometres) 
  • 4 lanes with provision for future widening into the central median to 6 lanes. Bridges will be future proofed to 6 lanes to help minimise future construction impacts to adjacent residents and the travelling public 
  • Grade-separated interchanges at Shipper Drive and Helensvale Road 
  • An almost 1-kilometre-long bridge over the Coomera River and Saltwater Creek 
  • Open graded asphalt road surface for increased safety and reduced noise 
  • 4.19 kilometres of shared bike and pedestrian path with local path network connections at Shipper Drive, McPhail Road, future Hope Island Station/Hope Island Road, Condamine Crescent, Monetery Keys Drive, Rosswood Court Reserve and Helensvale Road 
  • Upgrades to a section of Foxwell Road and a section of Shipper Drive (now known as the Coomera Link Road) 
• Stage 1 Central – from Helensvale Road to Smith Street Motorway (8 kilometres) 
  • 6 lanes 
  • Grade-separated interchanges at Helensvale Road, Gold Coast Highway and Smith Street Motorway 
  • More than 8 kilometres of shared bike and pedestrian path connecting with local communities and the Helensvale and Parkwood light rail stations 
  • Wildlife corridors for Careel Reserve and Coombabah Creek 
  • Open graded asphalt road surface for increased safety and reduced noise 
• Stage 1 South – from Smith Street Motorway to Nerang-Broadbeach Road (4 kilometres) 
  • A grade-separated interchange at Southport-Nerang Road 
  • A new intersection at Nerang-Broadbeach Road 
  • A new 300-metre bridge structure over the Nerang River 
  • 4 kilometres of shared bike and pedestrian path with local path network connections for communities at Molendinar and Nerang 
  • Open graded asphalt road surface for increased safety and reduced noise 

“We are investing a further $431.7 million, making sure the Gold Coast and South East Queensland have the infrastructure needed to connect them to opportunities in a faster, more reliable way. 

“The Coomera Connector is supporting an average of 1,000 direct jobs over the life of the project. 

“We’re delivering the infrastructure – built by Australians – that improves safety, revitalises regions, and ensures Australia is well placed to compete in the new, net zero economy,” Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said. 

Source: Queensland Government – Media Statements; Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government; Queensland Government – Department of Transport and Main Roads; Infrastructure Magazine