$40M FOR FLOODPROOFING BRUCE H’WAY A VICTORY FOR NORTH QUEENSLAND MAYORS

An announcement today by Federal Opposition roads spokesman Martin Ferguson that he will return $40 million taken from vital floodworks on the Bruce Highway was a win for North Queensland mayors, Craig Wallace said today.

Mr Wallace, who is Minister Assisting the Premier in North Queensland, congratulated Mr Ferguson and Labor Candidate George Colbran on today’s funding announcement.

However, Mr Wallace said credit also should go to the region’s mayors who have lobbied for $2 billion for 15 priority projects to fix the rundown Bruce Highway.

“We are on the road again with the Bruce Highway,” Mr Wallace said.

“There is a huge way to go but we are on the road again,” he said.

“I give notice to Kevin Rudd, Martin Ferguson and George Colbran that the $40 million is just the start and we want more.

“However, at least one party is listening.”

Martin Ferguson announced today that he will restore $40 million earmarked for Bruce Highway floodworks but later taken away by the Howard Government to pay for the Woodlands Shopping Centre to Veales Road upgrade.

Media inquiries: Paul Childs, Craig Wallace’s office, on 0407 131 654.