MEDIA ALERT: LOCALS TO BE FIRST TO WALK RING ROAD OVERPASS

Member for Thuringowa and Minister Assisting the Premier in North Queensland Craig Wallace today announced that Townsville residents will have the chance to be the first to walk across a new overpass of the Townsville Ring Road.

Minister Wallace said the overpass, above Hervey's Range Road, is the latest milestone in the construction of the Townsville Ring Road.

“Once complete, the Ring Road will serve as an essential piece of infrastructure for the growing region and provide local residents with easier access between Townsville and Thuringowa,” Mr Wallace said.

Local residents have been invited to a special 'Community Afternoon' sponsored by the Bligh Government, Main Roads, Theiss Pty Ltd and Maunsell AECOM.

As part of the event, buses will take people up the traffic ramps to the peak of the overpass where they can stroll and take photos from the top, before returning them to the site office area.

Other activities include:

• the Townsville Ring Road story
• machinery display with photo opportunities
• Guide Dogs training display
• community 'Have Your Say'
• careers display
• balloon shaping magician, jumping castle and face painting.

In addition, food and drinks can be purchased from the site canteen. Parking will be available on site.

WHEN: Saturday September 27 2008

TIME: 2pm - 4.30pm

WHERE: Townsville Ring Road Construction Site Office (left side just west of Bohle River on Hervey’s Range Road) across the road from Scott Kennedy’s Landscape Supplies.

PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES:

Completed Little Bohle River Bridge

Completed Bohlevale River Bridge

Completed Hervey Range Road Overpass

Media contact: Minister Wallace’s office, 3896 3688.