Big boost to transport infrastructure for Far North

A bigger airport, an expanded sea port and better road and rail connections are key features of a multi million dollar cash injection for Far North Queensland.

Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Paul Lucas, said the 2007-08 Budget is geared to cementing the region’s important role as the state’s northern gateway.

"This Budget targets an efficient, integrated transport network that builds on traditional industries to support new job opportunities," Mr Lucas said.

“It sets the stage for contiuning the massive redevelopment of Cairns Airport.

“More than $120 million worth of work is on track for delivery, coupled with projects to make far north Queensland's ports more efficient.

“We’re also delivering the dollars for safer roads and boating facilities.

Mr Lucas said almost $124 million would be invested in key roads in urban and rural areas during 2007-08.

“World-class transport infrastructure is critical to the growth of regional Queensland, and particularly for tourism in the Far North.

"As well as its strengths in tourism, agriculture and fishing, this region is an emerging hub for export goods and services for the Asia Pacific.

“But it’s not all work and no play.

“The budget puts in place the dollars needed for the upgrade of recreational boating facilities at Daintree River Boat Ramp on Cape Tribulation Road, Mourilyan Boat Harbour Boat Ramp near Innisfail and the Innisfail Jetty.”

Mr Lucas has also announced the Far North would receive a $443 million share of the record five-year, state-wide $13.3 billion Roads Implementation Program (RIP).

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Major projects for FNQ include:

another $120.7 million for the second year of the $180 million, four-year redevelopment of the domestic and international terminals of Cairns airport.. Work in the coming financial year at Australia's busiest regional airport will focus on expanding the baggage reclaim hall and retail areas at the international terminal building, upgraded runways and aprons, including better lighting and surfaces, a new Australian Quarantine Inspection Service building and redevelopment of the domestic terminal building

$40.31 million in federal funding to improve flood immunity on the Bruce Highway (Ingham - Innisfail), between Corduroy Creek and Tully High School, at a total cost of $172.8 million

$9.3 million to complete most of the widening work for a $14 million upgrading package on the Kennedy Highway, south of Mt Garnet. Most of the work is expected to be finished late this year and it will improve safety and freight access

$8.7 million to extend bitumen sealing on the Peninsula Developmental Road between Coen and Weipa

$7.1 million for Cairns Cityport, the project to redevelop the Cairns waterfront. This will fund a range of activities including demolition of the Trinity Wharf building and site preparation for sale as well as an extension south to the boardwalk and foreshore promenade

$5.6 million to continue work on the $16 million upgrade of Mulgrave Road that began in March this year. The full upgrade will be completed within the next three years and includes upgrading intersections and widening some sections to six lanes to improve traffic flow and safety

$2.3 million for the next stage of upgrading for the Caravonica roundabout at the intersection of Cairns Western Arterial Road/Captain Cook Highway roundabout.

$2 million to buy a new pilot boat to transfer marine pilots on and off ships using the Port of Weipa

$1.9 million to redevelop the Quintell Beach Barge Ramp at Lockhart River on Cape York Peninsula

$1.9 million for more geotechnical works to prevent rock falls from the steep slopes along the popular Kuranda tourist rail route

$1.8 million worth of new rail intersections on the main coastal rail route carrying passengers and freight between Rockhampton and Cairns

$1.5 million for a new disposal area at Port Douglas Boat Harbour for dredged material

$1.175 million to continue safety upgrades to the Captain Cook Highway between Cairns and Port Douglas, including shoulder sealing on winding sections

$1 million to develop a customs wharf at Thursday Island.