Floodway upgraded through Royalties for the Regions

Drivers will receive a safer, upgraded Bears Lagoon Road in Moura through funding from the Queensland Government’s $495 million Royalties for the Regions program.

Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jeff Seeney said the Government had committed more than 50 per cent of the $500,000 project costs to upgrade the concrete floodway at Moloneys Gully.

“The Newman Government promised at the election to deliver better infrastructure and planning and upgrading the floodway on Bears Lagoon Road delivers on this commitment,” Mr Seeney said.

“Bears Lagoon Road is an important arterial road for the Moura community and it has received increased traffic from the gas industry.

“This upgrade, being delivered through a three-way funding partnership with Banana Shire Council and industry, will improve visibility and safety for motorists.

“Our government is contributing $275,000 to the project, with Santos GLNG providing almost $125,000 and Banana Shire Council $100,000.

“Royalties for the Regions was an important election promise that shows only the LNP has a long term plan for regional Queensland.”

Banana Shire Council Mayor Ron Carige said Bears Lagoon Road was a regular route used by landholders transporting grain and cattle to market and that its upgrade would be welcomed by locals.

“Upgrading this road will be a great boost for the community,” Mr Carige said.

“Royalties for the Regions has been great for our region and has so far delivered upgrades to the Eidsvold-Theodore Road, Theodore sewage treatment plant, Banana reservoir and the Baralaba water treatment plant.

“I commend the Deputy Premier for recognising the importance of Bears Lagoon Road as a strategic road for our region’s growth and worthy of upgrading.”

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.

For more information about Royalties for the Regions visit http://www.qld.gov.au/royalties

[ENDS] 9 May 2014

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