Published Tuesday, 03 June, 2008 at 04:38 PM
Minister for Main Roads and Local Government
The Honourable Warren Pitt
State Budget boost for Gympie and South Burnett roads
Nearly $70 million in 2008-09 roads spending for the Gympie and South Burnett Regions would continue the Bruce Highway upgrade, Main Roads Minister Warren Pitt said today.
A $68 million funding investment for roads in Gympie, the South Burnett and surrounding areas forms part of a record $3.235 billion commitment that will drive progress on the Queensland Government’s infrastructure plans, including major projects already underway to help Queensland manage the impacts of rapid population growth.
Mr Pitt said the ongoing Bruce Highway upgrade through Gympie, and continuing planning for the Cooroy to Curra upgrade, would be key highlights of the investment.
“The 2008-09 roads Budget reflects a level of funding that will increase transport efficiency and improve safety for the Gympie area,” Mr Pitt said.
“$24 million has been allocated towards the continuation of the $70.8 million federally-funded upgrade of the Bruce Highway through Gympie.
“Relieving congestion and improving safety for this major link is important for both long distance and local traffic.
“Gympie motorists have already seen the benefits of this work, with the first stage from Kidgell Street to Albert Park completed three months ahead of schedule in November 2007.
“Last month Main Roads awarded a construction contract for continuation of these works between Albert Park and Channon Street.
“Another $2.69 million will be invested in new web cameras and variable message signs along the Bruce Highway between Cooroy and Gympie, to enhance safety and improve information for motorists.”
A $500,000 investment will also help Main Roads continue planning for the Bruce Highway upgrade from Cooroy to Curra.
Mr Pitt said the 2008-09 roads Budget—a six per cent increase on last year’s roads investment—would help enhance, rehabilitate and preserve Queensland’s road network.
“This funding increase will see more than $60 million spent on building and preserving Queensland roads each week throughout 2008-09,” Mr Pitt said.
“It means more funding to keep building the critical infrastructure already being constructed across Queensland, and more funding to enhance our planning for future growth.”
Mr Pitt said other roads within the Gympie area would also benefit.
“An amount of $1.87 million will go towards upgrading the intersection of Tin Can Bay and Rainbow Beach roads to improve safety by widening the road and installing a dedicated right turn lane,” he said.
"A further amount of $3.01 million is available to replace a bridge over the Boyne River on the Proston - Boondooma Road.
“Safety improvements on the Gympie-Woolooga Road will also continue.
“Some $3.28 million has also been directed towards the construction of a new Vic Olsen Bridge on Tuchekoi Road, as well as $1.85 million to repair and widen the Tuchekoi Road from Coonoongibber Creek to the Gympie-Brooloo Road.
“Planning work for Kin Kin Road at Noonan Range will also continue.”
Mr Pitt said the new regional councils would also benefit, with $3.7 million funding directed to council roads 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 would include:
• $1.9 million to assist with upgrading roads in the region, including Moy Pocket Road, Noosa Road, Graham Street, Monkland Street, Boreen Point-Tin Can Bay Road, Fraser Road (Gympie), Sandy Creek Road, Anderleigh Road, Abel Road, Fraser Road (Kilkivan), Sexton Road and Gatehouse Road
• $567,000 to improve safety and facilities including footpaths, passenger set down areas and bus shelters at various schools in Gympie
• $86,000 to help construct bikeways on Brisbane Road and Old Maryborough Road
• $150,000 to assist in the upgrade of a section of Alford Street in Kingaroy.
Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819
A $68 million funding investment for roads in Gympie, the South Burnett and surrounding areas forms part of a record $3.235 billion commitment that will drive progress on the Queensland Government’s infrastructure plans, including major projects already underway to help Queensland manage the impacts of rapid population growth.
Mr Pitt said the ongoing Bruce Highway upgrade through Gympie, and continuing planning for the Cooroy to Curra upgrade, would be key highlights of the investment.
“The 2008-09 roads Budget reflects a level of funding that will increase transport efficiency and improve safety for the Gympie area,” Mr Pitt said.
“$24 million has been allocated towards the continuation of the $70.8 million federally-funded upgrade of the Bruce Highway through Gympie.
“Relieving congestion and improving safety for this major link is important for both long distance and local traffic.
“Gympie motorists have already seen the benefits of this work, with the first stage from Kidgell Street to Albert Park completed three months ahead of schedule in November 2007.
“Last month Main Roads awarded a construction contract for continuation of these works between Albert Park and Channon Street.
“Another $2.69 million will be invested in new web cameras and variable message signs along the Bruce Highway between Cooroy and Gympie, to enhance safety and improve information for motorists.”
A $500,000 investment will also help Main Roads continue planning for the Bruce Highway upgrade from Cooroy to Curra.
Mr Pitt said the 2008-09 roads Budget—a six per cent increase on last year’s roads investment—would help enhance, rehabilitate and preserve Queensland’s road network.
“This funding increase will see more than $60 million spent on building and preserving Queensland roads each week throughout 2008-09,” Mr Pitt said.
“It means more funding to keep building the critical infrastructure already being constructed across Queensland, and more funding to enhance our planning for future growth.”
Mr Pitt said other roads within the Gympie area would also benefit.
“An amount of $1.87 million will go towards upgrading the intersection of Tin Can Bay and Rainbow Beach roads to improve safety by widening the road and installing a dedicated right turn lane,” he said.
"A further amount of $3.01 million is available to replace a bridge over the Boyne River on the Proston - Boondooma Road.
“Safety improvements on the Gympie-Woolooga Road will also continue.
“Some $3.28 million has also been directed towards the construction of a new Vic Olsen Bridge on Tuchekoi Road, as well as $1.85 million to repair and widen the Tuchekoi Road from Coonoongibber Creek to the Gympie-Brooloo Road.
“Planning work for Kin Kin Road at Noonan Range will also continue.”
Mr Pitt said the new regional councils would also benefit, with $3.7 million funding directed to council roads 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 would include:
• $1.9 million to assist with upgrading roads in the region, including Moy Pocket Road, Noosa Road, Graham Street, Monkland Street, Boreen Point-Tin Can Bay Road, Fraser Road (Gympie), Sandy Creek Road, Anderleigh Road, Abel Road, Fraser Road (Kilkivan), Sexton Road and Gatehouse Road
• $567,000 to improve safety and facilities including footpaths, passenger set down areas and bus shelters at various schools in Gympie
• $86,000 to help construct bikeways on Brisbane Road and Old Maryborough Road
• $150,000 to assist in the upgrade of a section of Alford Street in Kingaroy.
Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819