LUCAS INSPECTS WORK ON MACKAY INFRASTRUCTURE

Mackay's newest infrastructure landmark was on track to be completed by May next year, Deputy Premier and Minister for Infrastructure and Planning Paul Lucas said today.

Inspecting the $33.6 million Hospital Bridge replacement today, Mr Lucas said work was progressing well with 41 out of 69 piles for bridge decking already in place.

“Mackay is a boom-town when it comes to road construction,” Mr Lucas said.

“Not only are we doing the work here but we’re also spending $128 million to replace Forgan Bridge and almost $39 million for three upgrade projects on Mackay-Bucasia Road.

“In total, we’re spending $582.6 million on roads in the Mackay/Whitsunday region over the next five years.”

“The majority of the Hospital Bridge replacement roadworks on both sides of the river are complete with only the tie-ins to the existing road network and the final running surface to be completed.”

The Deputy Premier said spending on roads was just one example of the Bligh Government’s commitment to addressing growth in the Mackay region.

Mr Lucas will today tell a Urban Development Industry of Australia luncheon growth in the Mackay region is expected to peak and then gradually slow over the next 20 years.

“Mackay City had experienced high annual population growth rates of more than 3 per cent over the past five years,” said Mr Lucas

“New population projections show Mackay will be home to 173,000 residents by 2031, with the rate of growth expected to slow to 1.9 per cent a year.

“The highest growth will be in the years to 2016, with annual population rises of more than 5000 new residents.

“The Bligh Government is determined to address social and infrastructure challenges caused by the region’s mining boom.

“Although Central Queensland’s coal brings benefits to the local and State economies it also causes growing pains for the region and its major cities.

“That’s why the Bligh Government, Local Government Association of Queensland and the Queensland Resources Council committed this week to a new Sustainable Resources Communities Agreement.

“This partnership will have access to $100 million of funding over the next three years to deliver the roads, schools, health facilities or other projects that mining communities need the most.

“Amendments to current laws will also be introduced to require mining companies to develop social impact plans when they are examining environmental impacts of proposed new mines or major mine expansions.

“And by working in partnership with councils and mining companies we will be better able to share information on social impacts and future plans.

“On Thursday week (Sep 11) the first partnership group will meet in nearby Moranbah and we expect it to get the ball rolling on a new era of cooperation to benefit rural and regional stakeholders.”

Mr Lucas said the government was determined to address short-term issues and plan ahead for future growth near Mackay and right around Queensland.

“Mackay continues to transform from a rural and tourism hub into a resources powerhouse and the State Government will ensure the community supports this growth,” Mr Lucas said.

“We are working on several fronts to combat growth issues with expansion of the Mackay hospital, plans for several new roads and a world-class housing and retail development based at the Mackay Showgrounds.”

If a suitable new home can be found for the showgrounds that gains community support, the Urban Land Development Authority proposes a vibrant urban precinct featuring a mix of residential, retail and community facilities.

Media contacts: Robert Hoge 0419 757 868 Matthew Klar 0437 435 223