Poor roads threaten Coomera’s future

THE viability of the Coomera Town Centre for retailers is being compromised by inadequate road infrastructure, according to Gold Coast business leaders Tom Tate and Bob Janssen.

Mayoral candidate Mr Tate, who is also a director of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland, said State Government planning and fiscal support were needed if roads were to cope with Coomera’s projected population boom.

The area’s population is about 32,000. However, by 2026 it is expected to be about 122,000.

“The congestion is terrible and traffic banks up to the highway, south and northbound,” Mr Tate said.

“It’s hard to get to the eastern side of the highway, the site of the town centre, and retailers will be deterred from investing there. If the planning is done, money is set aside and the roads improved, it will attract business.”

Mr Janssen, president of the Gold Coast Combined Chamber of Commerce, said the exit was “a mess”.

“The key to a successful business is accessibility and I know if I was looking to start a business there I would be put off,” Mr Janssen said. ” Coomera’s rapid growth, Something needs to be done sooner, not later.”

The Westfield Group expects to lodge a development application for a retail centre at Coomera this year.

The Department of Transport and Main Roads said it was undertaking a staged upgrade of Exit 54 to cater for increases in development and population.

Story Featured in the GoldCoast.com.au by Anne-Louise Brown | 6th of February 2011