Published Wednesday, 18 June, 2008 at 11:10 AM
Treasurer
The Honourable Andrew Fraser
Treasurer sees funding results first hand
Treasurer Andrew Fraser has visited the Townsville region to see for himself the results of funding allocated in this year's State Budget.
After meeting with local business leaders this morning, Mr Fraser visited the Ring Road project, an essential piece of infrastructure that has received further funding for the 2008-09 financial year.
The Bligh government had allocated $42.3 million to continue constructing stages two and three of the road, from Riverway Drive and Shaw Road, Mr Fraser said.
"Completing the next sections of the Ring Road will be an important step in busting congestion on the region's roads.
"It will provide an alternative route for north-bound highway traffic passing Townsville, and will allow for quicker and more free-flowing local traffic.
"While wet weather has been a concern, this vital project for the growing Townsville community is still on track for completion in December 2008, weather permitting."
Minister Assisting the Premier in North Queensland and Member for Thuringowa, Craig Wallace said Townsville had been a big winner on roads in the State Budget, especially the Ring Road.
"The final section of the Ring Road is expected to be complete within ten years and will cross from Shaw Road over the Bohle plains, joining in just north of the Mt Low Parkway intersection.
"This includes $9.5 million in 2008-09 to allow the necessary land to be acquired.
"Once complete, the Ring Road will meet growth on the Bruce Highway in the northern suburbs of Townsville, and form part of the National Highway Route."
Construction of the 7km Ring Road includes two bridges: a 90-metre-long, five-span bridge over the Little Bohle River and a 200-metre-long, eight-span bridge over the Bohle River. Both bridges are on track for completion by September.
The Ring Road funding is part of a record commitment towards Queensland's roads which will see $261 million spent on road improvements for the Townsville area in 2008-09.
"I have told Treasurer Andrew Fraser that his first Budget was good for the city and, if he has any new infrastructure funding in future, Townsville is a great place to spend it," Mr Wallace said.
Media Contact Renee Mickelburgh 0458 357 539
After meeting with local business leaders this morning, Mr Fraser visited the Ring Road project, an essential piece of infrastructure that has received further funding for the 2008-09 financial year.
The Bligh government had allocated $42.3 million to continue constructing stages two and three of the road, from Riverway Drive and Shaw Road, Mr Fraser said.
"Completing the next sections of the Ring Road will be an important step in busting congestion on the region's roads.
"It will provide an alternative route for north-bound highway traffic passing Townsville, and will allow for quicker and more free-flowing local traffic.
"While wet weather has been a concern, this vital project for the growing Townsville community is still on track for completion in December 2008, weather permitting."
Minister Assisting the Premier in North Queensland and Member for Thuringowa, Craig Wallace said Townsville had been a big winner on roads in the State Budget, especially the Ring Road.
"The final section of the Ring Road is expected to be complete within ten years and will cross from Shaw Road over the Bohle plains, joining in just north of the Mt Low Parkway intersection.
"This includes $9.5 million in 2008-09 to allow the necessary land to be acquired.
"Once complete, the Ring Road will meet growth on the Bruce Highway in the northern suburbs of Townsville, and form part of the National Highway Route."
Construction of the 7km Ring Road includes two bridges: a 90-metre-long, five-span bridge over the Little Bohle River and a 200-metre-long, eight-span bridge over the Bohle River. Both bridges are on track for completion by September.
The Ring Road funding is part of a record commitment towards Queensland's roads which will see $261 million spent on road improvements for the Townsville area in 2008-09.
"I have told Treasurer Andrew Fraser that his first Budget was good for the city and, if he has any new infrastructure funding in future, Townsville is a great place to spend it," Mr Wallace said.
Media Contact Renee Mickelburgh 0458 357 539