Funding provides employment boost in far central west

Three local councils in the state's central west have been awarded contracts totalling $3 million to maintain state-controlled roads in their respective areas.

Federal Minister for Transport and Local Government Anthony Albanese and Main Roads Minister Warren Pitt said jointly funded maintenance contracts had been awarded to Barcaldine Regional Council, Barcoo Shire Council and Blackall-Tambo Regional Council.

"The funding will go towards routine maintenance works such as repairing potholes and road surfaces in the state's far central west," Mr Albanese said.

"I am pleased to see the Rudd and Bligh governments working closely with regional councils to continue to provide better services for all road users in the state, particularly in rural areas."

Mr Pitt said the funding delivered the state government's commitment to continue to maintain regional roads.

"The $3 million in funding will enable the regional and shire councils to complete routine maintenance on the Landsborough Highway and other state-controlled roads in the region this financial year," Mr Pitt said.

"The work will include general road maintenance as well as improvements to drainage, vegetation and signage.

"The contracts are also a welcome boost to employment for local Barcaldine, Barcoo and Blackall-Tambo council workers."

Mr Pitt said the maintenance contracts were particularly important in rural and regional areas to help maintain employment levels in the council workforce.

"By engaging local councils to maintain roads throughout Queensland, Main Roads is able to help maintain employment in rural areas throughout the state.

"Ensuring that we have local staff with the right skills, expertise and knowledge to maintain roads in their own areas is vital for Main Roads to continue connecting Queensland."

Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819