Funding boost to plan the Mareeba Bypass

The Palaszczuk Government will inject $375,000 funding into the proposed Mareeba Bypass to start initial project planning.

Treasurer Curtis Pitt said the funding, part of the State Budget, meant a feasibility study could be undertaken into the proposed Mulligan Highway, Northern Bypass Route.

“The Palaszczuk Government is getting on with the job and progressing the planning for this upgrade because we’re serious about getting this project moving and providing certainty to local residents,” Mr Pitt said.

“We will begin planning this new road as a cost-effective route linking the Mulligan Highway and Mareeba-Dimbulah Road to service the growing Mareeba industrial estate.

“The planning will focus on fast-tracking the northern section of the proposed bypass.”

Mr Pitt said this planning funding was part of the Palaszczuk Government’s four-year $20 billion Queensland Transport and Roads Investment Program (QTRIP), released in conjunction with the State Budget.

“A proposed road alignment to the west of Mareeba has been identified in the Department of Transport and Main Roads’ long-term planning,” Mr Pitt said.

“A bypass would reduce the number of heavy vehicles travelling through Byrnes Street and provide a safer, more efficient route to Mareeba Industrial Estate.

“We will work closely with Mareeba Shire Council and other stakeholders to refine the bypass route.”

The business case is expected to be complete by late 2017.

Media Contact: 0419 945 546