More than $750 million for roads of strategic importance to strengthen Maranoa

April 5, 2022

The Coalition Federal Government will invest $400 million on the Inland Freight Route from Mungindi to Charters Towers, along with $353.25 million on the Roads of Strategic Importance (ROSI) initiative across Maranoa.

Member for Maranoa David Littleproud said both programs will help connect regional businesses to local and international markets, and better connect regional communities.

“Upgrades to the Inland Freight Route and ROSI ensures our key freight roads efficiently connect agricultural and mining regions to ports, airports and other transport hubs.

“It’s a big win with slashing travel times for trucks, as well as taking trucks off the Bruce Highway which eases congestion on that route.”

Mr Littleproud said the initiatives would deliver works such as road sealing, flood immunity, strengthening and widening, pavement rehabilitation, bridge and culvert upgrades and road realignments.

“Improved access through ROSI and the Inland Freight Route upgrade provides substantial social and economic benefits for the region, including opportunities for greater regional employment and business growth.”

• Winton-Jundah Rd – $12.96 million plus co-contribution of $3.24 million from Winton Shire Council – total project cost $16.20 million
• Landsborough Highway at Nora Creek – $5.2 million plus co-contribution of $1.3 million from Qld Govt – total project cost $6.5 million
• Upgrade Arcadia Valley Rd – $4.8 million plus co-contribution of $1.2 million from Maranoa Regional Council – total project cost $6 million
• Richmond-Winton Rd – $10.4 million plus co-contribution of $2.6 million from Qld Govt – total project cost $13 million
• Gore Highway from Millmerran to Goondiwindi incl Wyaga Creek – $36.19 million plus co-contribution of $9.05 million from Qld Govt – total project cost $45.24 million
• Additional Funding of $5.6 million for Townsville to Roma Corridor – Springsure to Tambo – bringing total Federal funding to $45.6 million – co-contribution of $11.4 million from Qld Govt – total project cost $57 million

Other projects to benefit Maranoa include:

• $146 million to upgrade the Outback Way
• $111.7 million across three packages to upgrade the Mt Isa to Rockhampton section of the Capricorn Highway, an important beef route which benefits the Barcaldine region.