Residents of Banora Point, Tweed Heads South and surrounding areas are calling for urgent progression of a northbound M1 on-ramp at Kirkwood Road / Fraser Drive.

The Kirkwood Road interchange concept was identified in regional transport planning in the early 2000s, at a time when Tweed Shire’s population was approximately 75,000 residents.

Current population estimates place Tweed Shire above 100,000 residents, representing growth of approximately 35% since the interchange was first identified. During this period, Banora Point and Tweed Heads South have experienced sustained residential expansion and increased dwelling density.

Despite this significant growth in population over more than two decades, no northbound on-ramp has been delivered. The result is an increased concentration of traffic at limited interchange points, placing strain on Kennedy Drive and Minjungbal Drive access corridors.

The lack of a northbound on-ramp causes:

• Severe peak-hour congestion on existing interchanges (Kennedy Drive, Minjungbal Drive/Sexton Hill Drive)
• Traffic spillover onto residential streets
• Increased travel times for commuters, emergency vehicles, and freight
• Reduced network resilience for a growing community

Meanwhile, significant infrastructure investment has supported newer growth areas elsewhere in the region. Established and growing communities in Banora Point and Tweed Heads South deserve equitable transport infrastructure that reflects current population and traffic demand.

This petition calls on:

1. Tweed Shire Council to formally prioritise and advocate for the northbound on-ramp in its strategic transport planning and funding submissions.
2. Transport for NSW to investigate, fund, and progress delivery of this long-identified interchange improvement as part of M1 corridor upgrades.

Infrastructure must keep pace with growth. In this corridor, it has not.