Investment High for Peak Downs

Transport and Main Roads Minister Paul Lucas has welcomed the Federal Government’s $6.5 million funding boost for safety improvements on the Peak Downs Highway.

“The Queensland Government is matching the money to accelerate safety works on the highway and honours an agreement with the region’s mayors.

“It’s part a record $43.4 million State Government funding commitment to the Peak Downs Highway over the next five years,” Mr Lucas said.

"Projects include five new over-taking lanes, road widening and repairs to the important 90 kilometre stretch of road between Mackay and Nebo – plus the $5.6 million replacement of the Blackwater Hole Creek bridge.

“The additional money from the Federal Government is welcome and will help fast-track work on the Peak Downs Highway.

“It enables us to advance five projects with some brought forward by up to two years.”

Mr Lucas said they include:

·$1.9million for overtaking lanes from Elvins Rd to Burgess Lane

·$4.6 million road widening from Suttor Development Rd to Fiery Creek

·$390,000 stage 1 Sandy Creek Bridge upgrade ($1.39 m total)

·$4.36 million for the road widening from Cut Creek to the Retreat

·$1.9 million for road repairs from Eungella turnoff to the Tramway

“$9 million in projects on the Highway are now underway.

“The Queensland Government has already spent more than $30 million over the past four years and only last month put another $1.7 million on the table for improvements under the Safer Roads Sooner Program.

“This is additional money from red light and speed camera fines being put to work on targeted projects aimed at saving lives on Queensland roads.”

Minister Lucas said it adds up to a total investment of more than $50 million in the Peak Downs Highway over the next five years.

"The Peak Downs Highway services the rapidly expanding Northern Bowen Coal Basin.

“It’s a big export earner and contributor to state and national economies, that’s why our investment in the highway is so important.

“The Peak Downs Highway is the main artery for transporting the heavy machinery, fuel and staff needed to run the mines.

“10,000 vehicles a day use the highway near Mackay and traffic is growing by about 13% a year,” Mr Lucas said

The Peak Downs Highway projects bring Mackay's total road funding from the State Government to $120 million – a record for an area now in the midst of a busy road and bridge construction boom.

Mr Lucas and Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries, and Member for Mackay, Tim Mulherin, have today visited the Peak Downs Highway and major road infrastructure projects in the region.

"The Hospital Bridge replacement, Forgan Bridge duplication, Mackay-Bucasia Road duplication and the Joint-Levee Road will support the growing population and booming economy," Mr Lucas said.

"Work on the Hospital Bridge replacement is already underway with completion by late 2008, while Forgan Bridge duplication and the Joint-Levee Road will start later this year.

"Tenders for the $12 million Mackay-Bucasia Road project will close next week, with the contract to be awarded in early July ahead of construction in August," Mr Mulherin said.

"This project will complete the duplication of Mackay-Bucasia Road between the Bruce Highway and Eimeo Road and greatly increase traffic efficiency, especially in peak hours."

“These works are all about ensuring the Mackay road network cope with traffic growth from the coal fields along with beef and grain producers of the central highlands.”

“A detailed study of traffic demand on the Peak Downs Highway through Walkerston will start at the end of the month, " Mr Mulherin said

Media Contact: Darren Roberts 0448 184566.