Desperate Federal Government ‘buying votes’ in regional Qld

The Federal Government’s announcement of a new Development Roads funding program was another example of its desperation to buy votes in regional Queensland, Main Roads Minister Warren Pitt said today.

“Today’s announcement by Federal Transport Minister Mark Vaile of $20 million for the Capricorn Highway west of Rockhampton will be welcomed by central Queensland motorists and the funding will be put to good use on this busy stretch of road,” Mr Pitt said.

“But the allocation also highlights the Federal Coalition’s brazen grab for votes through this program, with the Queensland funding going to the seats of Flynn and Leichhardt.

“Instead of having a strategic approach to road funding priorities, the Coalition exposes its desperation by trying to shore up support in seats they look like losing.

“These allocations also come after 11 years of neglect from the Howard Government, which has turned its back on Australia’s fastest growing state for too long.

“In contrast, the Queensland Government is continuing to increase its roads budget and will pump more than $1.8 billion into road works this financial year, compared with the Federal contribution of just $703 million.

“More importantly, the State Government has allocated $3.3 billion during the next five years – almost 40 per cent of the budget – for regional and rural roads.

“We have invested $17 million during the past three years on works along the Capricorn Highway and during the next two years, we’ll spend another $11 million on further upgrades.

“I’m glad the Federal Government has finally recognised the importance of funding important regional roads such as the Capricorn Highway but the money will only go part of the way to overcoming a decade of neglect.”

Meanwhile, Mr Pitt welcomed the Federal Opposition’s plan to spend $2.2 billion during the next five years to upgrade the Bruce Highway.

“As a far north Queenslander, I spend a lot of time on the Bruce Highway and I know first-hand how much work is needed to bring this important link up to scratch,” he said.

“I am particularly pleased to see money allocated for the realignment of the Cardwell Range and for up to 30 extra passing lanes along the highway.

“Federal Labor has promised to release further details of this funding package during the election campaign and I am hopeful that there will be good news for the Cairns region.”

Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819