SEALED ROAD LINK OPENS SOUTH WEST TO MOTORISTS

A major milestone has been reached for motorists travelling from Quilpie to Cunnamulla, with a $1.8 million project to seal the final seven kilometres of road to the Eulo turnoff on the Quilpie-Thargomindah road now completed.

Federal Infrastructure and Transport Minister Anthony Albanese, and Queensland Main Roads Minister Warren Pitt, said the completed sealing works saved road users more than an hour of driving time when travelling in Queensland’s south-west.

“Landowners, tourists and heavy vehicle operators are benefiting from less travel time and safer driving conditions between the two towns, especially in bad weather,” Mr Albanese said.

“It is a great result for this project, which has been jointly funded by the federal, state and local governments.”

Mr Pitt said the work, carried out by Quilpie Shire Council, was a milestone for road users and all communities in the state’s south west region.

“This project is a win for everybody, especially Quilpie Shire Council which carried out the final sealing works to the Eulo turn-off.

“With completion of the roadworks, the driving distance between Quilpie and Cunnamulla has been reduced by about 125 kilometres – creating more direct all-weather access to both towns.”

Mr Pitt said Main Roads was committed to improving and upgrading infrastructure in rural and regional Queensland, keeping in place its local employment agreement and forging improved partnerships with local government.

“Main Roads is dedicated to building stronger and more sustainable communities through its investment and relationship with local government,” he said.

Quilpie Shire Mayor Dave Edwards said the newly sealed link between the two towns would not only improve transport for local motorists and tourists, but also for the many livestock carriers in the region.

"Having the link sealed as an all-weather road will benefit graziers and landowners needing to move stock north and south around the channel country, as well as to saleyards in Queensland and northern New South Wales,” Mr Edwards said.

Media Contacts_____________________________________________________

For Mr Albanese: Jeff Singleton 0410 476 890

For Mr Pitt: Caroline Kaurila 0458 436 244