Banana Shire awarded maintenance contract

Main Roads has awarded a $2.65 million contract to Banana Shire Council to maintain various state-controlled roads in the shire, Main Roads Minister Warren Pitt said today.

Mr Pitt said the funding would enable the council to complete routine maintenance work in the shire to provide safer and smoother travelling conditions and prolong the life of road surfaces.

"As part of the 12-month contract, work will include replacing missing signs, guide posts, guardrails and other general road furniture, as well as repairing potholes and carrying out pavement repairs, minor reseals, crack repairs and drainage,” he said.

"This year's contract increased by $770,000 as a result of the shire’s boundary changes and now includes roads from the former Taroom shire.”

Roads to undergo works include the Leichhardt Highway from Westwood to Taroom and Taroom to Miles, the Burnett Highway from Monto to Biloela and Biloela to Mount Morgan and the Dawson Highway from Gladstone to Biloela, and through Banana to Rolleston.

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

"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," Mr Pitt said.

"This project is part of Main Roads' commitment to provide a safer travelling environment for motorists.

"It is an excellent example of the Bligh Government's commitment to delivering better roads and connecting Queensland."

Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819.