Budget boost for Bundaberg

The Bundaberg Ring Road and the Port of Bundaberg were major winners from the 2007-08 State Budget, Minister for Transport and Main Roads Paul Lucas said today.

Mr Lucas said $9.89 million would be provided for the start of construction on the Bundaberg Ring Road, cutting traffic congestion and reducing heavy vehicles on city streets.

A $1 million boost to the Port of Bundaberg will improve safety and efficiency for shipping, including $750,000 to buy a dual purpose vessel for pilot transfers and marine surveying, and a further $935,000 in 2007-08 to continue the $10.7 million upgrade to sections of the North Coast Railway Line between Nambour and Parana (near Gladstone).
Mr Lucas said the $92 million ring road would provide an alternative route from the Isis Highway to the industrial areas and the port to the east of Bundaberg.

"The ring road will redirect much of the heavy traffic away from Walker Street and out of residential areas and ease congestion in the city. It will be a convenient way for Bundaberg residents and visitors to travel around the city," he said.

"The ring road will also cater for future traffic growth and improve safety for motorists and heavy vehicle drivers."

Work on the first stage, from Bargara Road to Goodwood Road, is due to start at the end of the year, with tenders expected to be called in mid-August.

The 14.3km ring road will connect the Isis Highway to Bargara Road via Von Deest Street, a bridge over the North Coast Rail line near Goodwood Road, then follow Lovers Walk and Greathead Road, crossing over FE Walker Street to Bargara Road near the Gahans Road junction.

The two-lane sealed road is due to be completed in mid-2009.

Mr Lucas said the project team has been talking with all property owners along the route since August 2005.

"This early consultation has been a positive step in our relationship with the community and has helped to keep the project on track," he said.
Mr Lucas said five major intersections will be constructed for the ring road.

Mr Lucas today released details of the record five-year, $13.3 billion Roads Implementation Program (RIP), including $345 million for road projects over the next five years across Bundaberg and the Wide Bay region.

Other project highlights from the RIP for 2007-08 include:

• continuation of works to upgrade various intersections in Bundaberg to improve safety and relieve congestion
• $3.58 million to complete the installation of traffic signals at Kingsford Street / Gahans Road and Lievesley Street on the Bundaberg to Bargara Road.

Media contact: Robert Hoge 3237 1942 or Darren Roberts 3237 1947