$1 billion pledged to upgrade M1, but is there a catch?

A surprise cash splash of $1 billion has been put on the table to fix Queensland’s problem-plagued M1, but some are wary of a catch.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull announced plans to widen the motorway to six lanes between Varsity Lakes and Tugun on the southern coast, aimed at cutting travel times between Brisbane and the Gold Coast.

The stretch between Eight Mile Plains and Daisy Hill would also be extended to eight lanes.

“Clearly this project needs to be built. There’s no doubt about that and Queensland has the resources,” Mr Turnbull said today when asked whether a knock back from the state government would take his pledge off the table.

The state government has taken issue with the proposed 50-50 funding split.

“We need to have a fair funding deal here for Queensland,” Roads Minister Mark Bailey said.

“We’ll work through that and we’ll meet with them.”

Road upgrades outside of metropolitan areas are split 80-20, however it is being argued the congestion-plagued M1 classifies it as being in the city.

“One billion dollars is one billion dollars. Let’s take it and let’s hope the state government can get the job done,” RACQ’s Paul Turner said.