Vital Capricorn Coast road to receive Royalties for Regions funds

An urgently needed road that will provide a critical alternative transport route during natural disasters is set to be constructed under round three of the Queensland Governments Royalties for the Regions program.

The Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jeff Seeney said the Yeppoon Western Bypass Stage 2 near Rockhampton would be built as a joint State Government and Livingstone Shire Council project.

“We promised at the election to provide better infrastructure and better planning and the Royalties for the Regions program delivers,” Mr Seeney said.

“It ensures the royalties earned by the resources sector are shared with Queensland’s regional communities to provide critical community infrastructure.

“Road projects like this demonstrate our commitment to ending the previous Labor government’s neglect of regional Queensland.

“The new road addresses the urgent need for an alternative route during natural disasters and will reduce peak hour congestion between the two communities.”

“It’s estimated that traffic volumes on this road will rise to 6,000 vehicles a day by 2016 as more tourists, resource sector workers and residents choose to visit or live in the region.

“The Queensland Government has committed to a 50:50 funding partnership with Council to deliver the Northern Strategic Link Road – Panorama Drive that will ensure a much-needed second link between the coastal community of Yeppoon and Rockhampton.”

Member for Keppel, Bruce Young said today’s announcement meant the Queensland Government would deliver a road project that locals had been requesting for decades. 

“The recent rain event highlighted the vulnerability to our northern access link and this road will alleviate these concerns.” Mr Young said.

“Residents of this area have always discussed the’ road over the range’ and now this road will become a reality.

“Not only will the Link Road ease congestion for everyday commuters and tourists, but it will serve as a vital link during significant weather events.”

Livingstone Shire Mayor Bill Ludwig said the Yeppoon Western Bypass Stage 2 project had been a top priority in his Council’s strategic plan.

“I am delighted this project is going ahead,” Mr Ludwig said.

“I commend the Deputy Premier for recognising the importance of this strategic road link, not only to the Capricorn Coast and Livingstone, but to the growth of the whole of Central Queensland.

“This road will deliver economic development opportunities as well as improved emergency management.

“Just last week we had a situation where the coast was inundated by rain, causing the Yeppoon CBD to be gridlocked and Farnborough Drive closed to traffic.

“Every time we have major storms or big tides, because of its location right next to the Bluff, Farnborough Drive has to be closed, causing commuter chaos.

“Delivering the Northern Strategic Link Road in partnership with the State Government will fix this problem and set up the region for future growth.”

Mr Seeney said the Queensland Government would finalise other successful Royalties for the Regions Round 3 applications in coming weeks with more than 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