Central Highlands score in new roads program

Queensland's Central Highlands region will receive more than $61 million for roads over the next two years as part of a record $11.55 billion roads program for the state.

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 program continued a record funding boost for Queensland's Central Highlands region.

"All up, the state and federal governments will provide a total of more than $61 million for roads in the Central Highlands area over the next two years," Mr Lucas said.

Major projects to be funded this financial year and in 2007-08 include:

• More than $4.8 million to complete the widening projects on the Dawson Highway between Rolleston and Springsure
• $1.25 million to reseal and upgrade 5.5km between Banana and Rolleston
• $841,000 over the next two years to improve drainage on the Carnarvon Highway between Injune and Rolleston
• $2.54 million towards a $4.4 million project to widen and improve a 10.7km section of the Peak Downs Highway between Clermont and Nebo
• $713,000 towards re-grading two sections of the Clermont-Alpha Road
• An additional $6.2 million has been allocated to improve 13.5km of Capricorn Highway pavement west of Yamala.
• $513,000 towards a $1.85 million project to seal the shoulders along 7.7km between Emerald and Alpha
• $1.4 million towards the resurfacing of 1.84km of Hospital Road which will start during 2007

Capital financial assistance grants to be provided to councils for local road upgrades under the Transport Infrastructure Development Scheme (TIDS) program include:

• $167,050 to Bauhinia Shire Council to pave and seal sections of the Comet-Rolleston Road, on top of the $125,000 for Arcturus Road announced in the June State Budget
• $272,000 to Belyando Shire Council to pave and seal two sections of Red Hill Road
• $179,000 to Duaringa Shire Council in new funding towards improvements to sections of the Blackwater-Cooroorah Road, Duaringa-Baralaba Road, Fairfield Road and bicycle paths at Blackwater
• $173,100 to Emerald Shire Council towards diverse projects such as improving sections of Rubyvale Road and Willows Road and for a turnaround and set-down area at Glenorina Road, and
• $120,000 to Jericho Shire Council towards sealing a 3km stretch of Tumbar Road and $8,000 for a bikeway on Dryden Street.

Media inquiries: Robert Hoge 3237 1942