Construction on the first project under the Australian and Queensland Governments jointly funded $500 million Queensland Beef Roads program of works is now underway.
A $47.5 million early works package is now being delivered and it will include:
Works will begin with sealing the priority sections on Clermont – Alpha Road.
“This early works project is the first in a 10-year pipeline of infrastructure investment for the beef cattle industry and communities in Central Queensland.
“The sealing of these key regional roads will improve connectivity for rural communities, build economic resilience and enhance road safety.
“The Albanese Government will continue to work alongside the Queensland Government to strengthen Queensland’s cattle and transport industries,” Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Senator for Queensland Anthony Chisholm said.
“This investment has been a long time coming for Central Queensland’s beef industry and regional communities.
“The beef industry is the backbone of Central Queensland, and sealing these critical roads will make a real difference for producers, truck drivers and communities.
“This is something I’ve worked long and hard on with the local community and industry and this investment will result in safer, more reliable transport routes, reduced costs, and stronger supply chains that keep our region competitive and connected,” Member for Gregory Sean Dillon said.
This project is the first step in a decade-ling investment strategy to improve transport efficiency, safety, and resilience for Queensland’s world-class beef industry.
The early works package forms part of the Central Queensland Beef Roads Investment Strategy (CQBRIS), which was developed in partnership with seven regional councils that form the Queensland Beef Corridors (QBC) group as well as industry and both levels of government.
“This investment is a game-changer for our region.
“Upgrading and sealing roads like May Downs Road, which is in the Mirani electorate, will make a huge difference for local producers and freight operators and something I’ve been advocating for.
“These improvements will lead to safer travel, lower transport costs, and stronger connections for our communities. It’s about keeping Central Queensland competitive and ensuring our beef industry continues to thrive for decades to come,” Member for Mirani Glen Kelly said.
“The QBC welcomes the Beef Roads Investment Strategy.
“This is the culmination of many years of local government advocacy and collaboration across each tier of government.
“The investment and works set out over the next 10 years are a great step towards making Central Queensland’s regional roads safer and more reliable for our communities and shows what local councils can achieve when we work together,” QBC Committee Chair and Mayor of the Isaac Region Kelly Vea Vea said.
The CQBRIS aims to seal nine key beef corridor roads to help strengthen supply chains, reduce costs, and support economic growth across Central Queensland.
The Australian Government has committed $400 million towards the program of works while the Queensland Government contributes the remaining $100 million.
“Queensland’s beef cattle industry is world class and makes an incredible contribution to our nation’s economy.
“Our government has committed $400 million to the Central Queensland Beef Roads and we welcome this investment strategy which considers short, medium and long-term priorities to fully seal nine unsealed roads.
“This first project marks a significant milestone in the upgrades of the beef road network, which is good for our nation’s freight productivity, good for Central Queenslanders, and good for our truckies who use these roads every day,” Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said.
“The Central Queensland Beef Corridor road network are critical routes for cattle freight. These roads stretch around 218,000 square kilometres, which is an area about the same size as Great Britain.
“Managing a road network of this magnitude is challenging but critically important to support the movement of about $1.7 billion in freight and agricultural produce – primarily Australian beef – each year.
“The sealing of these strategic beef corridor roads will improve the cattle supply chain in the region from our primary producers to saleyards, processing facilities and onto plates both here and overseas.
“The consultation with key stakeholders including the QBC group and industry to develop this 10-year CQBRIS and our $100 million commitment demonstrates the Queensland Government’s focus on regional Queensland,” QLD Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg said.
Source: Queensland Government – Media Statements; Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government; Queensland Government – Department of Transport and Main Roads; Roads & Infrastructure Australia