Published Tuesday, 03 June, 2008 at 04:30 PM
Minister for Main Roads and Local Government
The Honourable Warren Pitt
State Budget boost for Mackay roads
Mackay/Whitsunday motorists would benefit under the 2008-09 State Budget, with more than $177 million provided for major projects in the region, including the new Forgan and Hospital bridges, Main Roads Minister Warren Pitt said today.
The funding is part of a record $3.235 billion commitment towards roads in the 2008-09 State Budget that will drive progress on the Queensland Government’s infrastructure plans.
Mr Pitt said $177.2 million funding in 2008-09 would deliver critical road improvements for the growing Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday regions.
“$66 million has been allocated towards replacement of the Forgan Bridge,” Mr Pitt said.
“Work on this $128 million project began last month, and will see two new two-lane bridges built to replace the existing bridge by mid-2010.
“Another $11.6 million will provide for replacement of Hospital Bridge, a $33.6 million project that is due to open by mid-2009.
“These projects will significantly improve the cross-river capacity of the road network over the Pioneer River.”
Mr Pitt said $11.7 million had been allocated towards an upgrade of the Mackay-Bucasia Road, as part of three projects worth $38.7 million that will duplicate the corridor between Golflinks Road and Phillip Street.
“$6.2 million will fund the continued construction of the Joint Levee Road between Sams Road and Barnes Creek Road, which will provide a dedicated heavy vehicle route to the Mackay Harbour.
“2008-09 Budget funding will also strengthen rural communities, with significant expenditure directed towards country roads.
“This includes Twelve Mile Creek on the Oxford Downs-Sarina Road, which will receive $5.8 million as part of a $6 million project to replace the existing bridge and improve approaches.
“There is also $4.3 million towards the $5.3 million upgrade of the Farrelley's Lane intersection,” he said.
Other projects funded in the 2008-09 Budget include:
• $3.0 million to pave and seal a section of the Peak Downs Highway at Cut Creek, at a total cost of $6.5 million
• $3.2 million for intersection improvements on the Proserpine-Shute Harbour Road between Stewart Drive and Beach Road at a total cost of $5.3 million.
Mr Pitt said regional councils would also benefit, with more than $4.4 million provided to the Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday regional councils under the Transport Infrastructure Development Scheme (TIDS).
TIDS is a program that allows local government to access State Government funding for projects on local roads.
Mr Pitt said TIDS allocations for 2008-09 included:
• $350,000 to upgrade the Coles Road/Andergrove Road intersection
• $350,000 to rehabilitate and widen Connors Road
• $280,972 to pave and seal a section of the Red Hill Road, north of Moranbah
• $110,000 to pave and seal a section of the Forestry Road (Brandy Creek – National Pary) near Proserpine.
Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819
The funding is part of a record $3.235 billion commitment towards roads in the 2008-09 State Budget that will drive progress on the Queensland Government’s infrastructure plans.
Mr Pitt said $177.2 million funding in 2008-09 would deliver critical road improvements for the growing Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday regions.
“$66 million has been allocated towards replacement of the Forgan Bridge,” Mr Pitt said.
“Work on this $128 million project began last month, and will see two new two-lane bridges built to replace the existing bridge by mid-2010.
“Another $11.6 million will provide for replacement of Hospital Bridge, a $33.6 million project that is due to open by mid-2009.
“These projects will significantly improve the cross-river capacity of the road network over the Pioneer River.”
Mr Pitt said $11.7 million had been allocated towards an upgrade of the Mackay-Bucasia Road, as part of three projects worth $38.7 million that will duplicate the corridor between Golflinks Road and Phillip Street.
“$6.2 million will fund the continued construction of the Joint Levee Road between Sams Road and Barnes Creek Road, which will provide a dedicated heavy vehicle route to the Mackay Harbour.
“2008-09 Budget funding will also strengthen rural communities, with significant expenditure directed towards country roads.
“This includes Twelve Mile Creek on the Oxford Downs-Sarina Road, which will receive $5.8 million as part of a $6 million project to replace the existing bridge and improve approaches.
“There is also $4.3 million towards the $5.3 million upgrade of the Farrelley's Lane intersection,” he said.
Other projects funded in the 2008-09 Budget include:
• $3.0 million to pave and seal a section of the Peak Downs Highway at Cut Creek, at a total cost of $6.5 million
• $3.2 million for intersection improvements on the Proserpine-Shute Harbour Road between Stewart Drive and Beach Road at a total cost of $5.3 million.
Mr Pitt said regional councils would also benefit, with more than $4.4 million provided to the Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday regional councils under the Transport Infrastructure Development Scheme (TIDS).
TIDS is a program that allows local government to access State Government funding for projects on local roads.
Mr Pitt said TIDS allocations for 2008-09 included:
• $350,000 to upgrade the Coles Road/Andergrove Road intersection
• $350,000 to rehabilitate and widen Connors Road
• $280,972 to pave and seal a section of the Red Hill Road, north of Moranbah
• $110,000 to pave and seal a section of the Forestry Road (Brandy Creek – National Pary) near Proserpine.
Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819