$9.3 Million to flow to bridges and heavy vehicle safety projects in Maranoa

September 29, 2020

The Australian Government will invest more than $9.3 million across 14 vital road infrastructure projects in Maranoa under Round 5 of the Bridges Renewal Program (BRP) and Round 7 of the Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program (HVSPP), Maranoa MP David Littleproud said today.

 

“This vital funding will allow communities across Maranoa to fast-track their highest-priority infrastructure projects, providing a much-needed boost to local jobs and the economy,” Mr Littleproud said.

 

“I am pleased to see 14 projects across Maranoa will receive a total of $9,307,161 to do exactly that at a time when it couldn’t be needed more.

 

“The Bridges Renewal Program has already delivered a number of stronger and safer bridges for residents in Maranoa, and this latest round will support five new projects to upgrade and replace damaged or deteriorating bridges.

 

“Round 7 of the HVSPP will support 9 heavy vehicle infrastructure projects in Maranoa, including upgrades to traffic movement and accessibility at the Roma Saleyards, Blackall Saleyards and the Western Queensland Livestock Exchange in Longreach.

 

“Through the HVSPP, the Federal Government will also invest $2.5 million into widening the Barwon Highway between Talwood and Nindigully, to improve heavy vehicle safety and productivity.

 

“These projects are about getting drivers on our roads home sooner and safer, and making key freight routes more efficient, while also boosting local jobs and getting cash flowing in our regional towns.”

 

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said these latest rounds would deliver more than $290 million to support 350 projects across the nation.

 

“Now more than ever the continued roll out of road infrastructure projects is important to support local jobs, underpin economic growth and ensure all Australians can reach their destinations sooner and safer, and communities can rest assured that’s exactly what our Government is doing,” Mr McCormack said.

 

Assistant Minister for Road Safety and Freight Transport Scott Buchholz said 50 per cent of this funding would benefit communities impacted by the ongoing drought and earlier bushfire events.

 

“$146.97 million in funding through these rounds will go to councils affected by bushfires, drought or both – providing secure work for local construction contractors and businesses who have felt the cumulative impact of these events and now COVID-19 while delivering lasting infrastructure that will benefit the region for years to come,” Mr Buchholz said.

 

Projects funded across Maranoa include:

Bridges Renewal Program Round 5 –

$1,818,487 to replace existing timber bridge at Bundi Road, Wandoan.

$264,576 to replace the existing timber bridge on Muggins Lane, Yuleba.

$30,000 for structural maintenance repairs and guard rail replacement on K.T. Peters Bridge, South Burnett.

$231,825 to replace the existing culvert structure on Connolly Dam Road, Silverwood.

$532,500 to replace the existing floodway with a dual-lane bridge on Homestead Road, Rosenthal Heights.

 

Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program Round 7 –

$675,000 to extend Primaries Road for users at the Roma Saleyards Facility

$667,460 to seal the Hebel Goodooga Road from Hebel to the QLD / NSW border.

$157,500 for a heavy vehicle pavement upgrade on Creek Street, Amby.

$950,000 for an alternative heavy vehicle route at the Blackall Saleyards.

$550,770 to upgrade heavy vehicle access, loading and unloading ramps, traffic movement and driver amenities at the Western Queensland Livestock Exchange in Longreach.

$265,000 for upgrades to the Kennedy Developmental Road Rest Area, Winton

$54,043 to upgrade the Tomkins Street and Killen Street intersection in the Inglewood Industrial Estate.

$610,000 to widen and reconstruct Curtain Road, Lyra and Ballandean.

$2,500,000 to widen the Barwon Highway between Talwood and Nindigully.