Better roads for Beaudesert

Beaudesert Shire will receive more than $47.6 million for roads over the next two years as part of a record $11.55 billion roads program for Queensland.

The latest Roads Implementation Program, launched by Premier Peter Beattie and Transport and Main Roads Minister Paul Lucas, boosts roads spending in Queensland by more than $1 billion over the next five years.

Mr Lucas said a record $11.55 billion would be spent on the state’s roads from 2006-07 to 2010-11 – a $1.05 billion or 10% increase on the previous five-year program.

The program details almost 2500 road projects that will be constructed around the state over the next five years.

“We are committed to delivering the projects that make our roads safer and help meet the needs of a growing state,” Mr Lucas said.

Mr Lucas said the record funding would help fast-track construction of key road projects and long-term planning for the future of the region.

“We will begin the four-lane construction of the Mt Lindesay Highway from the LoganCity boundary at Rosia Road to Jimboomba at a cost of $11.45 million. The total cost of these works, to be completed progressively over the next five years, is estimated at almost $252 million,” he said.

“This funding complements accelerated funding to duplicate the highway in LoganCity, south to Rosia Road.

“A further $5.4 million will be allocated towards work on a $14 million project to build new service roads adjacent to the Mt Lindesay Highway at the existing Stoney Camp Road interchange at Park Ridge South.”

The funding includes over $2 million for specifically-targeted road safety projects under the Safer Roads Sooner program.

Other projects funded over the next two years in Beaudesert and Boonah include:

• $2.7 million to complete $6 million widening and reconstruction works on Waterford-Tamborine Road between Williamson Road and AlbertRiver
• $1.4 million to complete a $2.5 million widening and overlay project on Beaudesert-Boonah Road between Sandy Creek Road and Bromelton
• $860,000 to complete pavement improvements to the BorderRange section of the Mt Lindesay Highway
• $3.7 million to complete pavement improvements and widening work on Beaudesert-Nerang Road between Hart Street and Brooklands Drive East
• $1.7 million to complete widening Boonah-Fassifern Road between Templin Hill and Kalbar Connection Road.

“Under the Safer Roads Sooner program, $14.4 million has been set aside for the Gold Coast and hinterland area over two years as part of a road safety initiative to cut Queensland's road toll,” Mr Lucas said.

Safety improvement projects in Beaudesert Shire include:

• $566,000 to complete shoulder sealing, delineation improvements and removal of safety hazards on a section of the Beaudesert-Nerang Road, between Nerang and Canungra
• $300,000 in 2006-07 to seal shoulders and improve delineation on Lamington National Park Road at Canungra
• $500,000 over two years, commencing in 2006-07, for shoulder sealing and improved driver visibility on Tamborine Mountain Road at Tamborine
• $250,000 in 2007-08 for intersection improvements and improved driver visibility at the intersection of Beaudesert-Nerang and Beechmont Roads at Witheren
• $400,000 in 2007-08, for shoulder sealing, upgrading of signage at intersections and improved driver visibility on Camp Cable Road at Jimboomba.

Media inquiries: Robert Hoge 3237 1942