Published Wednesday, 09 July, 2008 at 06:00 AM
Minister for Main Roads and Local Government
The Honourable Warren Pitt
Queensland matches federal funding for Eton Range
The Bligh Government today announced it would match Federal Government funding for a planning study to identify a new Eton Range crossing.
Main Roads Minister Warren Pitt said the Federal Government had announced between $3 million and $5 million in funding for the Eton Range at a community cabinet meeting held last week in Mackay.
Mr Pitt, who is visiting Mackay today, said the State Government was grateful for the Federal Government contribution and was pleased to match the funding.
"The Peak Downs Highway is a very important link in central Queensland’s road network, connecting Mackay to the mining industry in the northern Bowen Basin," he said.
"By improving the Eton Range crossing, we will improve the safety and efficiency of this vital transport link.
"As well as improving the Eton Range crossing, we have identified a number a number of narrow timber bridges between Nebo and Mackay that will also be improved to increase the efficiency of the Peak Downs Highway."
The joint funding will enable planning, initial design and community consultation to be undertaken for the Eton Range crossing project.
"It will also allow for other safety upgrade projects on the Peak Downs Highway," Mr Pitt said.
"I look forward to the State and Federal governments working together to ensure the Peak Downs Highway is a safe and efficient link that supports the communities and industries of Mackay and the northern Bowen Basin."
Main Roads will commence work on a planning study as soon as funding arrangements are finalised.
Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819
Main Roads Minister Warren Pitt said the Federal Government had announced between $3 million and $5 million in funding for the Eton Range at a community cabinet meeting held last week in Mackay.
Mr Pitt, who is visiting Mackay today, said the State Government was grateful for the Federal Government contribution and was pleased to match the funding.
"The Peak Downs Highway is a very important link in central Queensland’s road network, connecting Mackay to the mining industry in the northern Bowen Basin," he said.
"By improving the Eton Range crossing, we will improve the safety and efficiency of this vital transport link.
"As well as improving the Eton Range crossing, we have identified a number a number of narrow timber bridges between Nebo and Mackay that will also be improved to increase the efficiency of the Peak Downs Highway."
The joint funding will enable planning, initial design and community consultation to be undertaken for the Eton Range crossing project.
"It will also allow for other safety upgrade projects on the Peak Downs Highway," Mr Pitt said.
"I look forward to the State and Federal governments working together to ensure the Peak Downs Highway is a safe and efficient link that supports the communities and industries of Mackay and the northern Bowen Basin."
Main Roads will commence work on a planning study as soon as funding arrangements are finalised.
Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819