Infrastructure investment laying the foundations for economic recovery on Southern Downs

October 6, 2020

Maranoa MP David Littleproud has secured over $228.7 million towards infrastructure investments on the Southern Downs in the 2020-21 Budget, as part the Coalition Federal Government’s Economic Recovery Plan for Australia.

 

“I’m proud to see our regional communities getting their fair share in this budget, with more than $228.7 million in 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.

 

“The Southern Downs Regional Council will receive $10.3 million this financial year to build shovel-ready local priorities, through extensions to the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program, Roads to Recovery Program, Financial Assistance Grants and the Bridges Renewal Program,” 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 Southern Downs will also benefit from $313,000 to increase safety at dangerous intersections on Churchill Drive and Park Road, Pratten and William Streets, and Schoch and Mardon Roads, through the Black Spot Program.

 

“This Budget includes a $170 million commitment to upgrade the Cunningham Highway, including the Eight Mile Intersection Upgrade, which will improve safety on our roads, increase accessibility to the region and unlock economic opportunities for our regional community.

 

“We are committed to providing water security in regional and rural Australia, and this budget proves that with a $3.5 billion rolling water infrastructure fund.

 

“$42.79 million will flow to water infrastructure projects in the Southern Downs, including Emu Swamp Dam and the Warwick Recycled Water for Agriculture project.”

 

Additionally $5 million will go towards supporting infrastructure at Emu Swamp Dam in Stanthorpe through Roads of Strategic Importance; and $395,000 to upgrade East Street, Depot Road and Yangan Road in Warwick for B-Double Access, funded under the Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program.