$10.2 Million for road safety upgrades in outback Queensland

January 20, 2021

New road safety upgrades and jobs will be delivered in outback Queensland, with more than $10.2 million invested under tranche one of the $2 billion Road Safety Program, Maranoa MP David Littleproud announced today.

The Australian Government has approved $225 million for Queensland under tranche one of the Road Safety Program, joining a further $64.6 million to be provided by the Queensland Government.

Maranoa MP David Littleproud said the Australian Government’s funding for the Road Safety Program will deliver lifesaving measures on roads in Maranoa protecting vulnerable road users.

“I’m proud to have secured a total $10,290,000 to deliver vital road safety upgrades across three major outback Queensland roads,” Mr Littleproud said.

“This funding will deliver key lifesaving improvements such as widening and sealing to key heavy vehicle routes, culvert upgrades to allow two lane travel, median treatments to prevent head-on collisions and barriers to prevent run-off-road crashes and protect against roadside hazards.

“I am pleased to see $2.15 million allocated to widen Diamantina Developmental Road between Bedourie and Boulia, and a further $1.1 million to upgrade existing culverts on Diamantina Developmental Road to provide two lane travel.

“$1.65 million has been committed to upgrade existing culverts on Bulloo Development Road to allow two lane travel consistent with the remaining road section, and a huge investment of $5.39 million will go towards paving and sealing the Richmond-Winton Road to provide safe overtaking opportunity.

“These projects will also provide a much-needed boost to local jobs and the economy at a time when it couldn’t be needed more.

“This funding is subject to “use it or lose it” provisions which means these projects will be delivered soon – if they aren’t, these funds will be reallocated – the Federal Government means business.”

Tranche one of the Road Safety Program will deliver more than $43.4 million of road safety upgrades in Maranoa across 19 projects.

The program will be delivered in three, six-month tranches. In total, the Australian Government has approved up to $225 million and the Queensland Government a further $64.6 million to fund the state-wide upgrades