Infrastructure supporting economic development and productivity in Central West

Published Friday, 06 July, 2018 at 01:00 PM

Minister for Transport and Main Roads
The Honourable Mark Bailey

Central West Queensland motorists are set to benefit from $5 million in State Government funding to seal sections of local roads to improve travel times, road safety and productivity.

Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey said this investment supplemented the $40 million Western Roads Upgrade Package which had already been delivered over 2 years by the Palaszczuk Government.  

“In the Blackall - Tambo Shire Council area, more than six kilometres of the Blackall - Jericho Road will be paved and surfaced through a $3 million project,” Mr Bailey said.

“This project is in addition to more than $850,000 of resurface works and maintenance delivered on this road in 2017-18.

Tambo Shire Mayor Andrew Martin said “this is very welcomed news and it’s wonderful to have the missing road links recognised.

“I am very pleased and look forward to continuing to work with the Palaszczuk Government as there are many projects the regions dearly needs and appreciate we are working together in achieving the best for the people of the Central West.”

There is also planned allocations of $1 million by the Outback Regional Roads and Transport Group (ORRTG) from the State Government funded Transport and Development Scheme (TIDS) for more pave and surface works over the next four years.

In the Barcoo Shire Council area, a further four kilometres will be paved and surfaced on the Jundah - Quilpie Road, with $2 million committed for this project.

Barcoo Shire Mayor Bruce Scott said: “It’s certainly going to enhance travel times for tourists and industry along these roads as well as addressing safety issues.

"It’s wonderful news for the continuity of employment in the Barcoo shire and will help build the Central West’s economic viability”

Minister Bailey said the investment in regional infrastructure would improve travel times and safety by reducing the length of unsealed sections on these roads.

“There will be less dust and better visibility, providing more resilient roads between communities,” said Mr Bailey.

“The additional surface sections will also support the movements of cattle-loaded road trains, providing improved access from organic sale and spelling yards in Blackall to markets and export facilities further east.

“Infrastructure projects are important for the continuity of employment in regional and rural communities. This $5 million investment will support jobs in the Blackall-Tambo Regional Council and Barcoo Shire Council areas.”

 

ENDS

 

Media contact:  Carmel Robertson 0439 347 875