Palaszczuk Government continues to deliver Western Queensland road upgrades

Western Queensland communities will see over $800 million injected into the local transport and road network thanks to the Palaszczuk Government’s continuing commitment to infrastructure across the region.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said the Palaszczuk Government’s Budget delivered for all Queenslanders.

“The Palaszczuk Government is boosting jobs and roads spending in western Queensland to back all Queenslanders,” Mr Bailey said. 

“Western Queensland is a key contributor to the Queensland economy, particularly for our agriculture, natural resources and tourism sectors.

“This funding is in line with our commitment to jobs, because we know this is a key concern for the communities which have been impacted by drought and challenging economic conditions in recent years.

“This funding will also improve the safety and reliability of the state-controlled road and transport networks.”

Mr Bailey said the funding was a gateway to the region’s economic development over the next four years.

“This will provide a viable pipeline of economic development, backing local workers and supporting local business through demand for materials, products and services,” he said.

“This is so much more than upgrading important rural and regional roads, we are backing locals, workers, and small business – this is a win for everyone.”

The Palaszczuk Government is also continuing to provide a boost to local governments and confidence to plan infrastructure which sustains local employment, with a commitment of $280 million over four years to the 50:50 state/local government Transport Infrastructure Development Scheme.

Key investments in western Queensland in 2018-19 include:

• $50 million Kennedy Developmental Road (Hann Highway), The Lynd - Hughenden, for progressive sealing, including $13 million in 2018-19 (jointly-funded)
• $25 million Landsborough Highway (Longreach - Winton), Dingo Creek - Darr River, pavement strengthening and widening, including $6.4 million in 2018-19 (jointly-funded)
• $16.5 million Carnarvon Highway, St George - Surat, pavement widening, including $8.7 million in 2018-19 (jointly-funded).
• $8.7 million Clermont - Alpha Road, pave and seal, including $6 million in 2018-19 (jointly-funded)
• $6.2 million Barkly Highway (Cloncurry – Mount Isa), intersection upgrades, including $4 million in 2018-19 (jointly-funded).
• $6 million Wills Developmental Road (Julia Creek - Burketown), Beames Brook Bridge, new two-lane concrete bridge, including $4.8 million in 2018-19 (jointly-funded)
• $5 million Diamantina Developmental Road (Boulia - Dajarra), pavement rehabilitation and widening, including $4.2 million in 2018-19 (jointly-funded)
• $5 million for priority road works across western Queensland in 2018-19 as a supplement to the Western Roads Upgrade Package, which has already invested $40 million over 2 years improving local infrastructure and supporting local jobs.

ENDS

Media Contact: Carmel Robertson, 0439 347 875