Crucial Mount Perry road to be sealed through R4R

Safety will be improved along a dangerous stretch of Central Queensland highway with the Queensland Government announcing it will upgrade Mount Perry Road with funding from its $495 million Royalties for the Regions (R4R) program.

The North Burnett Regional Council has been successful in its bid for funding to seal the Mount Perry Road between Mount Perry and Monto, under Round 3 of the Queensland Government’s successful Royalties for the Regions program. 

Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jeff Seeney said the State Government would provide the majority of funding for this important road project, with a contribution to be provided from council.

“This funding will deliver approximately 12 kilometres of new bitumen road to create a 16 kilometre unbroken bitumen stretch from the Burnett River to Roslyn Station,” Mr Seeney said.

“Importantly, it ends the years of neglect my region of Callide had experienced from a Labor Government that cared only about the south-east corner. 

“We promised to deliver better infrastructure and better planning and the Royalties for the Regions program does exactly that by directing the royalties earned by our resources sector back into critical infrastructure for Queensland’s regions.

“Upgrading this road will significantly improve its safety and efficiency and will enable the region’s residents to more easily access specialist and medical services available only in Bundaberg.

“Travel time and vehicle costs for businesses will be reduced. The region’s agriculture and resource sectors are dependent on this vital road connecting Bundaberg to the North Burnett and its surrounds.”

North Burnett Regional Council Mayor Don Waugh said today’s announcement is great news for his area.

“Council is so pleased it’s happening, it will give the region a whole new lease on life,” Mr Waugh said.

“This road is the lifeblood of the area from Monto to the coast. Being a gravel road, it has always needed maintenance and in the past it hasn’t been done regularly due to a lack of funds.

“This upgrade will benefit the whole region and I can see it boosting the tourism industry as motorists will be able to travel throughout our historical, picturesque valley without discomfort and requiring a four-wheel drive.”

Mr Seeney said the State Government would finalise other successful Royalties for Regions Round 3 applications in coming weeks with over 23 council projects expected to share in this round’s allocations.

“To date more than 39 councils across Queensland have received over $250 million in funding under the program, delivering much needed roads, community infrastructure and flood mitigation projects,” he said.

For more information about the Queensland Government’s Royalties for the Regions program visit http://www.qld.gov.au/royalties.

[ENDS] 9 April 2014

Media Contact: Elizabeth Spry 0418 928 744 or Jane Paterson 0417 281 754