First upgrade under $100m QLD Country Roads Connect Program commences
Sealing works have commenced on Jakelwar Goodooga Road North, the first of 22 projects under the Crisafulli Government’s Country Roads Connect Program.
Upgrades to this key South West Queensland route are being delivered with the Balonne Shire Council.
“Upgrading this route to a sealed standard will reduce ongoing repair costs, make freight movement more reliable and improve access for residents in all weather conditions, as well as for emergency crews in situations when every second counts,” Balonne Shire Mayor Samantha O’Toole said.
The $100 million Country Roads Connect Program is another key election commitment that will improve connectivity as well as reliability on the State’s regional road network.
The Program will help secure critical road links by upgrading unsealed roads, which will benefit communities and businesses across regional towns that were ignored for too long by the former Labor Government.
Not only will this Program improve how locals move around their community, but it will also give freight services more reliable connectivity to support a better lifestyle and stronger economies for regional Queensland.
“Regional Queenslanders have told us they need roads they can count on in good weather and bad, and unlike Labor, we’re getting on with the job of delivering this for communities who rely on the road network every single day.
“Better roads mean better connectivity for producers and the freight industry, resulting in stronger economies for the regions.
“By sealing the final unsealed section near St George we are also giving the community peace of mind they can stay connected to school, work and local shops during wet season, creating a better lifestyle for locals across the year,” Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg said.
“Too many regional towns have spent years dealing with roads that failed the moment the weather turned, and they deserve better.
“Sealing this route in Balonne Shire means kids getting to school safely, producers getting their stock to market on time, and families staying connected when the weather turns.
“This is about putting those communities first and backing the industries that keep Queensland strong,” Member for Warrego Ann Leahy said.
The 22 projects under the Country Roads Connect Program include:
- 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
“Regional Queensland delivers so much for the state’s economy from mining to manufacturing and agriculture, and these country roads are the arteries that keep our vital industries connected and support thousands of jobs.
“Country Roads Connect is about improving the resilience and connectivity of the regional roads that were left to deteriorate for a decade under the former Labor Government,” Minister for Regional and Rural Development Dale Last said.
Source: Queensland Government – Media Statements; Queensland Government – Department of Transport and Main Roads; Inside State Government
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