Critical freight corridors will reap some of the biggest benefits from the Federal Government’s announcement of a $1.3 billion infrastructure package to bust congestion, improve public transport and keep drivers safer on Queensland roads.
The Government has been working with states and territories to bring forward critical road projects across Australia to drive jobs, strengthen the economy and get people home sooner and safer.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said delivering critical road projects sooner, as part of the Government’s $100 billion pipeline, was responsible and considered economic management.
“We want these road and rail projects delivered as quickly as possible so Queenslanders can benefit from better infrastructure, but importantly we want to boost the economy now.
“We will bring forward more than $440 million in federal funding on top of the nearly $3.8 billion we will spend across the state over the next 18 months,” the Prime Minister said.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the Government’s record $100 billion infrastructure pipeline is delivering projects people want and need, job opportunities and economic growth for communities across Australia.
“This is about delivering critical projects that make a difference to regional communities sooner thanks to responsible economic management in partnership with the states and territories,” Mr McCormack said.
Maranoa MP David Littleproud said the $8.3 million to accelerate delivery of the Toowoomba-Seymour corridor upgrade will give farmers, businesses and miners more choices in how they get their products to market.
“Maranoa’s farmers are amongst the best in the world – giving them better connections to markets along the east coast and overseas creates more choices in how products are moved and will improve farmers’ profitability at the farmgate,” Mr Littleproud said.
“Guaranteeing efficient routes for heavy industries like mining and agriculture boosts competiveness and also gives tourists more options in how they get around our neck of the woods. This upgrade is a win for our local economies.”
FAST FACTS
ACCELERATED FUNDING
$8.3 million will be accelerated into the forward estimates for the delivery of the Queensland section of the Toowoomba to Seymour Corridor Upgrade:
- This project will upgrade priority sections along the Queensland section of the Toowoomba to Seymour corridor.
- The project may include pavement widening and strengthening, and improved safety features.
- Upgrades along this corridor will contribute to the competitiveness of Australia’s agricultural and mining sectors, opening up access to essential freight networks in Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria.
- The project is expected to deliver:
- improved transport efficiency for key bulk commodity industries
- connected agricultural production regions to domestic and international markets
- improved linkages for drive-based tourism
- The Australian Government has committed $510 million towards the Toowoomba to Seymour Corridor, of which $300 million has been committed to New South Wales, $160 million to Victoria, and $50 million to Queensland.
- The delivery schedule will be determined in consultation with the Queensland Government.
ENDS
