$123 million boost to Darling Downs and South Burnett roads

More than $123 million will be spent in the next two years to deliver improved roads across the Darling Downs and South Burnett, 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 high level of funding demonstrated the Beattie Government's commitment to improving roads outside the south-east corner.

Mr Lucas said $64 million in special funding under the Rural and Regional Roads Funding initiative has been allocated to three key projects in Toowoomba, Highfields and between Millmerran and Inglewood in recognition of the growing population and greater industry demands.

"The $14 million in work over the next three years on Millmerran-Inglewood Road is part of an ongoing program to improve access for heavy vehicles taking cattle to the abattoirs at Oakey,'' he said.

"Work will include widening the road and bridges, strengthening the road and reducing roughness to support this vital industry."

He said work would continue on a $25 million series of projects - including a $7 million contribution from Toowoomba City Council - to upgrade Toowoomba's Ruthven Street, with $19.5 million to be spent in the next two financial years on safety and traffic flow improvements at various intersections.

The New England Highway four-lane upgrade through Highfields is set to be completed in the next three years, with widening, overtaking lanes and intersection improvements to start further north towards Crows Nest in the same timeframe.

"This total package of works is worth $33 million and is another example of this government's response to the population boom in Crows Nest Shire that's more than 5.5 per cent a year in some areas," Mr Lucas said.

"Growing traffic demands from a burgeoning tourism sector is also catered for through these roadworks."

The Minister said another key focus of the roadworks program in the next two years was bridge improvements across the network.

Projects totalling more than $8 million include:

• Almost $2.5 million to replace the bridge at Barambah Creek on Byee Road
• $1.8 million to replace the BoyneRiverBridge on Proston-Boondooma Road in Wondai Shire
• $1 million towards major repair works on BoondoomaCreekBridge on Mundubbera-Durong Road in Wondai Shire
• $883,000 to complete construction of Redbank Creek bridges 4 and 5 and approaches on Esk-Hampton Road in Esk Shire
• $350,000 for repairs to LambingCreekBridge on Wondai-Chinchilla Road in Wondai Shire.

Mr Lucas said under the Transport Infrastructure Development Scheme (TIDS), the state government would also contribute $7.8 million towards joint projects with local governments across the Darling Downs and South Burnett.

Media inquiries: Robert Hoge 3237 1942