Port funding late but still welcome

The belated decision by the federal government to kick in funding for the Townsville Port Access project would be welcomed by Townsville residents and industry, Minister for Main Roads Warren Pitt said today.

"The state government has had plans for the Townsville Port Access project on the table since the start of this year, when we applied for federal funding," Mr Pitt said.

"We have already put up nearly $15 million in funding so far, towards a project that is estimated to cost some $190 million.

"The funding that announced by the federal government today is a long overdue, but nonetheless is a significant announcement for North Queensland.

"The federal government's inaction to date has meant trucks have continued to thunder past local homes for years longer than they should have.

"North Queensland has continued to miss out on economic growth that could have been driven by a better freight route.”

An economic analysis report released late last year showed the Townsville Port Access project could help attract investment worth $10 billion.

Mr Pitt said the State had awarded a $2.75 million contract for design work on the project to Maunsell AECOM's Townsville branch last week.

"Maunsell AECOM is already working to design both the Stuart Bypass and the Eastern Access Corridor, which make up the overall 10km project," Mr Pitt said.

“We are only this far advanced because the State Government has continued without any earlier federal funding commitment.

"The Federal Opposition committed to providing matching federal funding for the project in late 2006.

"If the current federal goverment provides these funds promptly we could have this project built by the end of 2011.

"At this stage, our plan is to start construction on the Stuart Bypass in mid-2008, while design work continues on the Eastern Access Corridor.

"This is dependent on federal environmental approvals, which we are waiting to receive.

“Although the Eastern Corridor went through a comprehensive Impact Assessment Study process, it now requires federal approvals under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act.

"We expect to hear by the end of October 2007 whether or not the approvals have been granted."

The 10km project – made up of the 2.5km Stuart Bypass (Section 1) and 7.5km Eastern Access Corridor (Section 2) will directly connect the Flinders and Bruce Highways to Port of Townsville.

It will be built as a two-lane highway initially, including a rail overpass as part of the Stuart Bypass and bridges over Stuart Creek and Ross River.

Media contact: Minister’s office 3227 8819 or 0417 789 208