Funding flows for crucial Bruce Highway intersection upgrade

The Australian and Queensland governments have $12.5 million in joint funding for the Bruce Highway upgrade at Isis River, with detailed design already underway.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the project would improve safety on the Bruce Highway.

“Our funding will construct dedicated turning lanes at the Buxton Road intersection,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.

“To address concerns of local residents, the new lanes will separate through and turning traffic and reduce the potential for rear-end crashes.

“The Australian Government continues to roll out these types of major projects across the nation under our record $110 billion infrastructure investment plan, which is laying the foundations for our economic recovery.”

The project is jointly funded with the Australian Government committing $10 million and the Queensland Government $2.5 million.

Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey said the Federal Government’s commitment would join the $2.5 million locked in by the Queensland Government to upgrade the intersection as part of its record $26.9 billion, 23,600-job road and transport budget and economic recovery plan from COVID-19.

“We’re building the jointly-funded $20 million Bruce Highway upgrade at Childers, we’ve locked in $42.5 million to drive safety on the Isis Highway and this project will help to create more jobs in the region,” Mr Bailey said.

“While the design of the intersection is still being finalised, other safety improvements will also be considered at this location, including new road lighting and resurfacing.

“It’s another example of how the Australian and Queensland governments are working together to deliver better roads, better transport and creating jobs.”

Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt said the intersection upgrade would boost local road access.

“The project includes the construction of a service road that will provide access to the BP service station and several adjacent properties,” Mr Pitt said.

“Funded under the Hinkler Regional Deal, these improvements will provide safer access for motorists and local residents accessing their properties and businesses.

“The Australian Government has committed $172.9 million towards various initiatives under the Hinkler Regional Deal to enhance economic development, resilience, liveability and community for the region.”

Queensland Assistant Minister for Regional Roads Bruce Saunders said improving safety and capacity was crucial to the region’s $4.28 billion economy and key industries including resources, agriculture and power generation. 

“Better roads get families home safer, our products to markets across Australia and the globe, and stimulate jobs – which is why we’ve also injected another $4.8 billion in joint stimulus funding to upgrade roads right across the region and the state,” Mr Saunders said.

Detailed design and pre-construction activities are programmed to be finalised late 2021 and the Department of Transport and Main Roads will contact locals over the coming months to seek feedback on the preliminary design.

The Australian Government’s contribution is funded under the jointly funded $1 billion Bruce Highway Safety Package and forms part of the over $260 million Hinkler Regional Deal between the Australian Government, Fraser Coast Regional Council and Bundaberg Regional Council.

ENDS

Media contact: Francis Dela Cruz - 0420 592 078