The Queensland Government has committed approximately $800 million from the 2018-19 State Budget towards Western Queensland road upgrades that will improve the local transport and road network.
“Western Queensland is a key contributor to the Queensland economy, particularly for our agriculture, natural resources and tourism sectors.
“This funding will also improve the safety and reliability of state-controlled road and transport networks,” Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said.
Mr Bailey added that this funding will be supporting the region’s economic development over the next four years.
“This will provide a viable pipeline of economic development, backing local workers and supporting local business through demand for materials, products and services.
“This is so much more than upgrading important rural and regional roads, we are backing locals, workers, and small business - this is a win for everyone,” Mr Bailey said.
The State Government will also commit to help boost local governments as well as the confidence to plan infrastructure that will sustain local employment. A $280 million investment has been provided to be spent over a four-year period for the 50:50 state/local government Transport Infrastructure Development Scheme.
The 2018-19 investment for Western Queensland is going to be spent on the following key projects:
- $50 million Kennedy Developmental Road (Hann Highway), The Lynd - Hughenden, for progressive sealing, including $13 million in 2018-19 (jointly funded)
- $25 million Landsborough Highway (Longreach - Winton), Dingo Creek - Darr River, pavement strengthening and widening, including $6.4 million in 2018-19 (jointly funded)
- $16.5 million Carnarvon Highway, St George - Surat, pavement widening, including $8.7 million in 2018-19 (jointly funded)
- $8.7 million Clermont - Alpha Road, pave and seal, including $6 million in 2018-19 (jointly funded)
- $6.2 million Barkly Highway (Cloncurry - Mount Isa), intersection upgrades, including $4 million in 2018-19 (jointly funded)
- $6 million Wills Developmental Road (Julia Creek - Burketown), Beames Brook Bridge, new two-lane concrete bridge, including $4.8 million in 2018-19 (jointly funded)
- $5 million Diamantina Developmental Road (Boulia - Dajarra), pavement rehabilitation and widening, including $4.2 million in 2018-19 (jointly funded)
- $5 million for priority road works across Western Queensland in 2018-19 as a supplement to the Western Roads Upgrade Package, which has seen approximately $40 million spent over two years for improvement works on local infrastructure and to support local jobs
What are your thoughts on these projects covered by the 2018-19 State Budget? Let us know in the comments section below.
Don’t forget to subscribe to Felix Project News to receive the latest industry news and project updates straight to your inbox.
Source: Queensland Government
