Mackay-Whitsundays score in new roads program

Roads in Mackay and the tourist haven of the Whitsundays will receive more than $135 million 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 funding would be spent on improving the road network in Central Queensland for locals, industry and tourists.

“The Queensland Government has committed $10.5 million for early work, including detailed planning on the $50 million ForganBridge duplication, over the PioneerRiver in Mackay,” Mr Lucas said.

He said this year's Roads Implementation Program included $14.18 million towards the $24 million replacement of HospitalBridge to ensure traffic through Mackay kept moving.

Further funding for the Mackay region includes:

• $5.8 million to complete the $6 million project to replace SandyCreekBridge on Homebush Road, with work due to begin in mid 2007.
• $1.67 million to complete the installation of culverts at Running Creek, on Sarina-Homebush Road, to reduce flooding in the second half of 2007.
• $5.2 million to widen Rockleigh-North Mackay Road to four lanes from Sams Road to Barnes Creek Road, at a total estimated cost of $9.6 million.
• Mackay-Bucasia Road will benefit from $5 million to complete the duplication of the section between Holt's Road and Golf-Links Road and start the underpass. Funding also includes $5.3 million for the Phillips Street to Holt’s Road section to be completed next financial year.
• $5.23 million has been allocated to widen 7.6km of the Peak Downs Highway between Boundary Creek and Cut Creek.

Mr Lucas said councils to receive matching funding for improvements to local roads under the Transport Infrastructure Development Scheme (TIDS), prioritised through the Regional Roads Groups and Main Roads, included:

• Broadsound Shire Council, with $18,000 towards installing flashing lights on school zone signs at DysartPrimary School and $272,000 to seal sections of the Mt Stuart-Bedford Weir Road.
• $200,000 to Mackay City Council to build a new bridge on the Pleystowe Connector Road and $350,000 for traffic signals at the intersection of Farrelly's Lane and Connors Road.
• Mirani Shire Council, with $160,000 towards widening three sections of the Kinchant Dam Road and $60,000 to help seal Gorge Road.
• Nebo Shire Council, with $88,500 to pave and seal Pasha Road and $120,000 to seal Turrawulla Road between Frenchmans Springs and the floodway.
• Sarina Shire Council, with $208,000 to widen 1km of West Plane Creek Road, $120,000 to realign Grasstree Road, $120,000 to widen Grasstree Beach Road and $205,000 to widen and rebuild Armstrong's Beach Road.
• Whitsunday Shire Council, with $300,000 to help widen Conway Road and build floodways over Orchid Creek, $12,500 to provide flashing 40km/h signs at the school zone on Renwick Road, Proserpine, $20,000 for safety improvements at the Gunyarra Road school bus interchange and $30,000 for Stage 2 of the Cannonvale State School bus set-down and car park.

Media inquiries: Robert Hoge 3237 1942