Work starts on Proserpine-Shute Harbour Road

A 1.5-kilometre section of Proserpine-Shute Harbour Road in Cannonvale will undergo $31.6 million worth of upgrades starting this week.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce said the project would deliver vital safety upgrades and ease congestion on the key Whitsunday road.

“This project is another example of George Christensen’s determination to deliver for people of this region, to make sure the infrastructure they need and deserve is funded and delivered,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.

“It is just one of many projects included in the Federal Government’s record $110 billion infrastructure investment plan, which will help connect communities and improve safety, while creating jobs and supporting our economic recovery.”

Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said the upgrade will increase the capacity of Proserpine-Shute Harbour Road between Paluma Road and Tropic Road by adding additional lanes, and a shared path for pedestrians and bike riders.

“It will also improve major intersections including William Murray Drive and MacArthur Drive,” Mr Bailey said.

“The Palaszczuk Government wants to keep Queenslanders healthy and safe and that’s why we’re adding new active transport facilities including a 3.5-metre-wide shared path to link pedestrians and bike riders from Cannonvale to Airlie Beach.

"We are also providing on-road bike lanes, pedestrian crossings, plus new and upgraded bus stops.

“It’s fantastic to see all levels of government working productively together, to actually lock in funding, and get shovels in the ground to upgrade this road.

“The Palaszczuk Government is keeping work flowing for these projects and others like it by investing in the community during this difficult period.

“We’re delivering a $27.5 billion roads and transport plan over the next four years which is creating 24,000 jobs and driving Queensland economic recovery from COVID-19.”

The $16 million project to duplicate the road to four lanes between Paluma Road and Valley Drive is being jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland governments on an 80:20 split under the Roads of Strategic Importance program.

A further $13 million of state funding under the Queensland Infrastructure Economic Stimulus package will extend the duplication from Valley Drive to Tropic Road.

Queensland Assistant Regional Road Minister Bruce Saunders said both projects would be delivered together creating a better traffic flow and a more consistent travel time sooner

"Widening the section to four lanes and providing new traffic lights and additional turning lanes at key intersections will reduce congestion during peak periods," Mr Saunders said.

"We're also providing safer access to local businesses.

“The Paluma Road to Valley Drive duplication will support 30 jobs for the life of the project., and the Valley Drive to Tropic Road duplication will support a further 20 jobs.

“These projects form an important part of the Palaszczuk Government’s economic recovery plan, which includes delivering a $17.5 billion investment in roads and transport across regional Queensland.”

Federal Member for Dawson George Christensen said the project would ease growing traffic congestion.

“Proserpine-Shute Harbour Road is the sole arterial road linking the Bruce Highway and Proserpine to Cannonvale, Airlie Beach, Jubilee Pocket and the port of Shute Harbour,” Mr Christensen said.

“Residential and industrial growth in the Whitsunday region has increased traffic, with an average of 24,630 vehicles using this section of road every day.

“This upgrade will improve traffic flow and safety for all road users both now and into the future.”

The main construction contract for both duplication projects is expected to be awarded in late 2021 and the projects are expected to be complete in late 2023.

More information on the Roads of Strategic Importance initiative is available on the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications website.

Media contacts:
Mr Joyce – Sarah Holder 0460 306 892
Mr Bailey/Mr Saunders – Toby Walker 0439 347 875
Mr Christensen – Lynnis Bonanno 0408 773 207