Rubber hits road on first Regional Roads Connect program

• The Crisafulli Government delivering on another key election commitment to improve connectivity and reliability on Queensland's regional road network.
• Jakelwar - Goodooga Road (North) is the first of 22 sealing upgrades to begin under the Country Roads Connect Program.
• Sealing works on a key South West Queensland route, delivered with Balonne Shire Council, are now underway.
• Country Roads Connect will improve how locals move around their community and provide freight services more reliable connectivity, supporting a better lifestyle and stronger economies for regional Queensland.
• The Crisafulli Government is delivering for regional Queensland after a decade of decline under the former Labor Government left communities abandoned. 

The Crisafulli Government is getting on with the job of delivering reliable roads for regional Queenslanders, after they were neglected by the former Labor Government, by breaking ground on the first Country Roads Connect Project on a critical link in South West Queensland.

Sealing works have commenced on Jakelwar Goodooga Road North - the first project of 22 roads to be upgraded under Country Roads Connect - and early delivery of a key election commitment under the Crisafulli Government.

Under Labor, regional communities were left dealing with roads that became unsafe or impassable in poor weather, disrupting school runs, delaying freight, and creating longer travel times and uncertainty during the wet season.

The Crisafulli Government's Country Roads Connect Program will help secure critical road links by upgrading unsealed roads, benefiting communities and businesses across our regional towns who were ignored for too long by the former Labor Government.

Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg said the Country Roads Connect Program is part of a fresh start for Queenslanders.

“Regional Queenslanders have told us they need roads they can count on in good weather and bad, and unlike Labor, we’re getting on with the job of delivering this for communities who rely on the road network every single day," Minister Mickelberg said. 

“Better roads mean better connectivity for producers and the freight industry, resulting in stronger economies for the regions.

“By sealing the final unsealed section near St George we are also giving the community piece of mind they can stay connected to school, work and local shops during the wet season, creating a better lifestyle for locals across the year.”

Minister for Regional and Rural Development Dale Last said sealing roads was futureproofing the lifelines of regional Queensland.

“Regional Queensland delivers so much for the state’s economy from mining to manufacturing and agriculture, and these country roads are the arteries that keep our vital industries connected and support thousands of jobs,” Minister Last said.

“Country Roads Connect is about improving the resilience and connectivity of the regional roads that were left to deteriorate for a decade under the former Labor Government.”

Member for Warrego Ann Leahy said the Crisafulli Government was delivering on its commitment to keep regional Queensland moving.

“Too many regional towns have spent years dealing with roads that failed the moment the weather turned, and they deserve better,” Minister Leahy said.

“Sealing this route in Balonne Shire means kids getting to school safely, producers getting their stock to market on time, and families staying connected when the weather turns.

“This is about putting those communities first and backing the industries that keep Queensland strong.”

Balonne Shire Mayor Samantha O’Toole welcomed the upgrade.

“Upgrading this route to a sealed standard will reduce ongoing repair costs, make freight movement more reliable and improve access for residents in all weather conditions, as well as for emergency crews in situations when every second counts,” Mayor O’Toole said.

ENDS

MEDIA CONTACT:

MINISTER MICKELBERG: Brendan Morris, 0428 962 414

MINISTER LEAHY: Kyah Devine, 0428 217 040 

MINISTER LAST: Eloise Linneth, 0458 592 640

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:  

The Country Roads Connect projects are as follows:

1. Anderleigh Road, Gympie Regional Council
2. Barmaryee Road, Livingstone Shire Council
3. Bowen Developmental Road, Whitsunday Regional Council
4. China Camp Road, Wujal Wujal Aboriginal Shire Council
5. Cloncurry-Dajarra Road, Cloncurry Shire Council
6. Cotherstone-Capella Road, Isaac Regional Council
7. Daymar-Weengallon Road, Goondiwindi Regional Council
8. Diamantina Developmental Road, Barcoo Shire Council
9. Gayndah Mount Perry Road, North Burnett Regional Council
10. Injune Road Project, Banana Shire Council
11. Jakelwar – Goodooga Rd (North), Balonne Shire Council
12. Jobs Gate Road, Paroo Shire Council
13. Julia Creek-Taldora Road, McKinlay Shire Council
14. Memerambi Barkers Creek Road, South Burnett Regional Council
15. Murray Road, Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire Council
16. Ootann Road, Mareeba Shire Council
17. Richmond Winton Road, Richmond Shire Council
18. Stanwell-Waroula Road, Rockhampton Regional Council
19. Warra-Canaga Creek Road, Western Downs Regional Council
20. Warri Gate Road, Bulloo Shire Council
21. Wyntoon-Springton Road, Central Highlands Regional Council
22. Yuleba Surat Road, Maranoa Shire Council