Queensland roads win with Federal program

The Newman Government has welcomed a $35.5 billion commitment from the Federal Government for national infrastructure, including key Queensland roads.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson said after years of neglect by the former Labor government the package would deliver the Federal Government’s promise of $6.7 billion for the Bruce Highway.

“This is the first step to deliver a 10-year program to bring the Bruce Highway up to a satisfactory standard,” Mr Emerson said.

“We promised to deliver better planning and better infrastructure and this program also allows us to get value for money which is why we invested an additional $1 billion over 10 years.

“This is a package that delivers certainty for the Queensland government and ends the attempts by the former Federal Labor government to slash their contribution for Federal roads to just 50 per cent.”

The Federal Coalition Government recently announced their plan to deliver the infrastructure Australia critically needs through a $35.5 billion Infrastructure Investment Program.

Mr Emerson said key Queensland priorities in the program include the Gateway North Upgrade, Toowoomba Second Range Crossing and Bruce Highway.

“This program delivers more than $10 billion worth of infrastructure,” he said.

“This 1700km road is a lifeline for Queensland and the RACQ predicted that if no action was taken 300-400 people will die over the next 10 years.

“This funding will deliver improved safety, capacity and flood mitigation works on the Bruce Highway.

“This will include additional lanes on the Sunshine Coast, construction of the Mackay Ring Road, duplication south of Cairns and key projects near Rockhampton.

“There will also be crucial safety measure including wider centre lines, audible edge lines, more overtaking lanes and intersection upgrades.”

[ENDS] 13 March 2014

Media contact: Stephanie Shield 0418 186 625