Darren Lockyer to be honoured with renamed highway

Queensland rugby league legend Darren Lockyer is to be honoured with the official renaming of a stretch of the Warrego Highway, Main Roads Minister Craig Wallace announced today.

Mr Wallace said the 85km section from Riverview to the bottom of the Toowoomba Range at Withcott would be known as Warrego Highway: Darren Lockyer Way.

“Darren Lockyer is a great Queenslander and this is something fans are keen to happen as a way of recognising his sporting achievements,” Mr Wallace said.

“His success through talent, skill and unwavering determination is an inspiration to Queenslanders and the renaming recognises his outstanding contribution to sport in this state.

“The renamed stretch recognises Darren Lockyer’s outstanding rugby league journey and I am delighted to honour him in a way that he can be remembered by Queenslanders for years to come.

“Darren Lockyer started his senior rugby league career in Roma and went on to make his mark with the Brisbane Broncos, so it’s fitting this stretch of the highway be renamed after him.

“Special signage, including “Welcome to Darren Lockyer Way”, will be posted over the next three months to show where the honorary road is located.

“To avoid confusion, the section of road will be officially known as ‘Warrego Highway: Darren Lockyer Way’, so this means local residents’ residential and mailing addresses will not be affected.

“The re-naming is on top of the Bligh Government’s contribution towards a life-size bronze statue of Darren Lockyer which will stand proudly next to Wally Lewis’ statue outside Suncorp Stadium.”

Ipswich mayor Paul Pisasale said the rugby league legend was a great friend of the city and had repeatedly demonstrated his support for Ipswich, especially during the January flood.

“Darren is a tremendous role model for junior players and to have this official announcement made in Ipswich is further recognition of the enviable reputation our city has in producing rugby league greats.

“Each time someone drives along Darren Lockyer Way they will be reminded of a player who has brought great joy to rugby league fans of all ages.

“More importantly, junior rugby league players will be inspired by our Queensland hero and know that anything is possible in their chosen sport.”

Media contact: Minister Wallace’s office 0437 113 241