Lucas reveals Canberra’s Northern rip-off

The State Government today stepped up pressure on the Federal Government to put more money into bringing the Bruce Highway up to national standard after revealing motorists in the North and Far North had paid almost $1.5 billion in fuel excise to Canberra in the past decade.

Minister for Transport and Main Roads Paul Lucas said the motorists of the Cairns and Townsville regions had every right to be outraged after paying $1.48 billion in fuel tax and getting little road funding in return.

“Northern motorists are pouring hundreds of thousands of dollars in fuel tax into Canberra’s coffers every year but are getting next to nothing in return,” Mr Lucas said.

Mr Lucas said it took Larry, a category five cyclone, for the Federal Government to commit $220 million to safety upgrades and flood work on the Bruce Highway.

“It’s part of the national highway and everytime there’s heavy rain this vital road is cut for days on end because of flooding.

“And now $40 million dollars has been ripped out of the flood works money to pay for the upgrade of the Bruce Highway at Mt Low (Woodlands Shopping Centre to Veales Road).

“Mr Costello and his Canberra colleagues are asking the motorists of the North and Far North to put up with road conditions they themselves wouldn’t tolerate – the North deserves better.

Mr Lucas said the most urgent road upgrade needed in the North was the Bruce Highway and tonight’s Federal Budget is Mr Howard and Mr Costello’s last chance to show they were serious about supporting growth in North Queensland.

“Business groups are blaming the state of the Bruce Highway for putting the brakes on economic development in the region.

“From Sarina to Cairns mayors are demanding billions be spent on upgrading the Bruce Highway to the standard enjoyed by motorists south of the border.”

“The mayors have my backing 100% of the way, I’ve always said from Caboolture to Cairns more money is needed for the Bruce Highway.

“At the very least we need to see $88 million in Mr Costello’s budget for an upgrade of the highway on the northern side of the CardwellRange.”

“And a rethink of their cynical decision to pay for the $40 million Woodlands to Veales Road revamp of the Bruce Highway from the money set aside for flood work.

“It means other flood trouble spots on the highway between Townsville and Cairns will miss out.”

Mr Lucas is also calling on the Federal Government to fund half of the $190 million Townsville Port Access Road in this year’s budget.

“We don’t want a hand-out - we’re simply asking Canberra to match the funding Queensland is willing to put in.”

“Two months ago Mr Howard announced plans to fund a $2.3 billion road in Ipswich that nobody wants but they still can’t find funds for better road infrastructure to support one of the state’s busiest ports.

“Queensland’s money is on the table to get work started but Canberra just ignores us.”

“The’ve even turned us down on money to help seal the Peninsular Development Road.

“It’s a disgrace, it’s high time the Federal Government dug deep and stopped treating the people of the North like second class citizens,”Mr Lucas said.

Media Contact: Darren Roberts 3237 1942