Infrastructure investment laying the foundations for economic recovery in Outback Queensland

October 6, 2020

Outback Queensland areas of Barcoo, Diamantina, Quilpie and Bulloo will benefit from more than $63 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 outback communities getting their fair share in this budget, with more than $63 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 $25.81 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.”

 

Total funding allocations for Outback Queensland Councils under LRCIP, Roads to Recovery Program and Financial Assistance Grants:

Barcoo Shire Council: $5,366,600

Bulloo Shire Council: $9,275,881

Diamantina Shire Council: $4,148,457

Quilpie Shire Council: $7,019,623