$304 million to keep Mackay-Whitsundays moving

Roads in Mackay and the Whitsundays tourist mecca will receive $304 million over the next five years as part of a record $13.3 billion roads program for Queensland.

The latest five-year Roads Implementation Program, launched today by Transport and Main Roads Minister Paul Lucas, delivers a massive $1.75 billion, or 15% increase on last year.

“Almost 2,500 road projects are contained in the program, including 99 which are new, to be built statewide over the next five years.

"The funding boost is even more impressive when you compare the estimated expenditure over the next five years with spending over the past five years.

“It’s a total increase of $5.3 billion over five years, or 67 per cent to keep Queensland moving and booming,'' Mr Lucas said.

“We are committed to delivering the projects that make our roads safer and help meet the needs of a growing state.”

“That’s particularly the case in the Mackay-Whitsundays region.

“Here you have the centre for two of the major growth sectors of the Queensland economy, tourism and industry.

“This region plays a major role in keeping the state’s economy moving, and this roads program ensures Mackay and the Whitsundays has the road infrastructure to keep it moving.

“All up, the Queensland and Australian governments will provide a total of more than $200 million for Mackay-Whitsundays road projects over the next two years,” Mr Lucas said

Key projects funded this financial year and 2008-09 financial years include:

• $28 million towards the $33.6 million project to replace Hospital Bridge.
• $58.7 million towards the $70.9 million project to duplicate Forgan Bridge.
• $13.2 million to start work on the $14.2 million Joint Levee Road upgrade between Sams Road and Barnes Creek Road.
• $7 million towards the $8 million project to replace Sandy Creek Bridge on Homebush Road.
• More than $6.6 million for local government to help fund council roads projects.
• $2.1 million for pavement works on the Peak Downs Highway at Eungella.

Media Contact: Darren Roberts 3237 1947/ 0448 184566