Central West Queensland areas of Longreach, Winton, Barcaldine and Blackall-Tambo will benefit from more than $301 million towards infrastructure investments in the 2020-21 Budget as part of the Coalition Government’s Economic Recovery Plan for Australia, Maranoa MP David Littleproud announced today.
“I’m proud to see our regional communities getting their fair share in this budget, with more than $301 million in Federal funding to flow to major infrastructure projects, to build our economy and secure Maranoa’s future.” Mr Littleproud said.
The Government’s record $110 billion transport infrastructure program will support local jobs and businesses at the time it is needed most.
“These councils in Maranoa will receive $34.63 million this financial year to build shovel-ready local priorities, through extensions to the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program, Roads to Recovery Program and the Financial Assistance Grants,” Mr Littleproud said.
“Improving road safety is a core priority for the Government and that’s why we’re investing an additional $1 billion towards the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program, which all Maranoa Councils will benefit from.
“This additional funding will drive community-led recovery by empowering local governments to deliver priority roads and community infrastructure to help communities bounce back from the COVID-19 pandemic.”
The Federal Government is continuing its $33.5 million investment into the Outback Way under the Queensland Future Priorities. These works are complimentary to the $3.86 million that went into the Kennedy Developmental Road Pavement Widening as part of the Outback Way upgrades which are nearly completed.
“The Outback Way is ‘Australia’s longest shortcut’ – linking Western Queensland with Western Australia and everywhere in-between. These upgrades are vital to improve road reliability and enhance economic opportunities for communities throughout regional Queensland,” Mr Littleproud said.
“Ongoing funding is continuing for the Mount Isa to Rockhampton corridor – these works ensure the key freight roads efficiently connect agricultural and mining regions to ports, airports and other transport hubs.
“The Federal Governments $190 million towards this $237 million project is another step in facilitating more economic opportunities and tourism in Maranoa; just as the $40 million Federal contribution to the Springsure to Tambo corridor upgrades provide.”
Total funding allocations for Central West Queensland Councils under LRCIP, Roads to Recovery Program and Financial Assistance Grants:
Barcaldine Regional Council: $10,299,641
Blackall-Tambo Regional Council: $5,986,548
Longreach Regional Council: $10,386,358
Winton Shire Council: $7,959,806
