$100m investment to deliver 22 QLD regional road projects

The Queensland Government is investing $100 million to deliver 22 regional road projects that will help keep communities connected while boosting safety for all road users. 

These projects are funded under the new Country Roads Connect Program, which aims at improving the connectivity and resilience of the State’s regional road network. 

This program will help secure critical road links by upgrading unsealed roads, providing long-awaited benefits to communities and businesses across Queensland’s regional towns. 

The Country Roads Connect Program is part of the State Government’s Safer Roads, Better Transport Plan. 

“From Rockhampton to Richmond, the Maranoa to the Whitsundays, and all the way to Wujal Wujal – we’re delivering the regional road upgrades that Queenslanders have been waiting for. 

“This will deliver the missing connection links and improve resilience along our beef highway and beyond, just as we promised. 

“For producers this means getting stock and produce to market more easily, for Queenslanders this means food is the highest quality when they receive it. 

“It also opens up the opportunities for drive tourism, increasing the safety of our regional roads,” Premier David Crisafulli said. 

“For too long, Queenslanders in rural and remote areas have had to put up with sub-standard, unsealed roads that make every day travel and freight movement difficult and unsafe. 

“Country Roads Connect is about changing that – delivering safer, more dependable roads that support families, producers, and small businesses across Gregory. 

“I’m proud to be part of a government that’s listening to regional Queenslanders and investing where it’s needed most. I’ll keep fighting to make sure Gregory gets its fair share and that our communities stay connected and competitive,” Member for Gregory Sean Dillon said. 

The 22 projects are: 

• Anderleigh Road, Gympie Regional Council 

• Barmaryee Road, Livingstone Shire Council 

• Bowen Developmental Road, Whitsunday Regional Council 

• China Camp Road, Wujal Wujal Aboriginal Shire Council 

• Cloncurry-Dajarra Road, Cloncurry Shire Council 

• Cotherstone-Capella Road, Isaac Regional Council 

• Daymar-Weengallon Road, Goondiwindi Regional Council 

• Diamantina Developmental Road, Barcoo Shire Council 

• Gayndah Mount Perry Road, North Burnett Regional Council 

• Injune Road Project, Banana Shire Council 

• Jakelwar-Goodooga Road (North), Balonne Shire Council 

• Jobs Gate Road, Paroo Shire Council 

• Julia Creek-Taldora Road, McKinlay Shire Council 

• Memerambi Barkers Creek Road, South Burnett Regional Council 

• Murray Road, Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire Council 

• Ootann Road, Mareeba Shire Council 

• Richmond Winton Road, Richmond Shire Council 

• Stanwell-Waroula Road, Rockhampton Regional Council 

• Warra-Canaga Creek Road, Western Downs Regional Council 

• Warri Gate Road, Bulloo Shire Council 

• Wyntoon-Springton Road, Central Highlands Regional Council 

• Yuleba Surat Road, Maranoa Shire Council 

This program will be administered by the Department of Transport and Main Roads in collaboration with the Department of Natural Resources and Mines, Manufacturing, and Regional and Rural Development. 

“Many of the towns where the upgrades are being undertaken depend on the country roads for agricultural and freight purposed, which is their livelihood. 

“This program isn’t just about making sure towns aren’t stuck with goat tracks on a good day – it’s about ensuring they’re not completely cut off by flooded, impassable roads when things get worse. Communities shouldn’t have to choose between poor access and no access at all. 

“We’re backing our rural and remote communities by giving funding to councils, which know their roads best and understand the unique needs of their regions. I look forward to seeing these projects take shape to deliver lasting benefits for regional Queensland,” Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg said. 

“These roads are critical lifelines for regional communities, and improving them is essential for safety, connectivity, and economic development. 

“These country roads are the arteries of rural and regional Queensland. It’s the difference between kids getting to school safely, farmers having reliable access to markets and emergency services being able to get to remote parts of our state. 

“We look forward to working with councils to deliver targeted investments that will make a real difference in the lives of regional Queenslanders,” Minister for Natural Resources and Mines, Manufacturing, and for Regional and Rural Development Dale Last said. 

Source: Queensland Government – Media Statements; Queensland Government – Department of Transport and Main Roads; Roads & Infrastructure Australia