Centenary Bridge funding deal done

Funding is locked in to build a second Centenary Bridge at Jindalee.

The Palaszczuk Government will commit $112 million for construction, supported by $112 million from the Federal Government expected to be confirmed in tomorrow’s Federal Budget.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said her government was backing Queenslanders and jobs with a record investment in road, rail, public transport and port projects.

“COVID-19 has brought construction sites to a halt across the world, but work hasn’t stopped in Queensland because of our strong response to managing the health crisis,” the Premier said

“Since last November, my government has announced more than $4.8 billion in new and accelerated joint funding for roads and transport projects to get people into jobs quickly.

“It’s part of the plan for Queensland’s economic recovery that we’re already delivering.

“We have done the work to get the new Centenary Bridge project ready to build and we’ll start work on it next year, supporting hundreds more jobs.

“Our infrastructure guarantee is backing Queensland jobs and driving demand for tradies across the state at a time when they’re needed most.”

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said work would start on the new bridge in 2021.

“The Palaszczuk Government kickstarted this project with $20 million to do the business case and detailed design,” Mr Bailey said.

“That work is done, so, once the Federal funding flows, we’ll be ready to go out to market and get crews on site as quickly as possible to start building.

“We’re on track to finish the $400 million Ipswich Motorway upgrade and the $80 million Sumners Road interchange projects late next year too, so these projects will ease congestion to get people home sooner.

“These are projects the LNP have typically mis-managed.

“The LNP cut the Sumners Road upgrade from the budget when Deb Frecklington was Campbell Newman’s Assistant Minister.”

Member for Mount Ommaney Jess Pugh said adding capacity at the Jindalee river crossing was a huge win for her community.

“Getting the Sumners Road upgrade started was a major priority for my community and building a new Centenary Bridge is the next one,” Ms Pugh said.

“We lost momentum on local upgrades after Sumners Road was cut by the LNP, so I was determined to make sure we didn’t lose any more time with the Centenary upgrade.

“I’ve fought hard to make it a priority so it could receive the funding it needed to become a reality.

“Today’s announcement means the wait is over and we can start work next year.

“This is another example of the Palaszczuk Government delivering on its promise to deliver  projects our community needs.”

The Centenary Bridge upgrade includes:

• a new, three-lane, northbound bridge built to the west of the existing bridge

• reconfiguration of the existing bridge to provide three southbound lanes

• improved active transport for pedestrians and bike riders.

The $224 million construction budget will be split 50/50 by the State and Federal Governments, with a further $20 million already provided by the State Government for planning and design.

ENDS

Media contact: Toby Walker – 0439 347 875