The Maranoa region to benefit from critical infrastructure investment

November 20, 2019

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 $8 million to accelerate works on the Townsville-Roma Corridor 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 – they need to be able to get their products to the Roma saleyards or to consumers in big cities and overseas. Upgrades to these key freight corridors will facilitate this and help improve farmers’ profitability at the farmgate and support local communities,” 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 million will be accelerated into the forward estimates for the delivery of the Townsville to Roma Corridor Upgrade:

• This project will deliver targeted upgrades to the Gregory, Dawson and Carnarvon Highways, and surrounding roads.
• The Townsville to Roma corridor is a key economic freight route that supports major industries including mining, agriculture and tourism.
• Upgrades to this corridor will provide the following benefits:
  • ensure key freight roads efficiently connect agricultural and mining regions to ports, airports and other transport hubs
  • provide a more reliable and safe road network, especially during the wet season
  • improve access for higher capacity vehicles
  • facilitate other economic opportunities, especially tourism
• The Australian Government will contribute up to 80 per cent up to  $100 million.
• Of the $100 million committed to this corridor, $40 million has been allocated to upgrade the road between Springsure and Tambo.
• The delivery schedule will be determined as planning on the project progresses and in consultation with the Queensland Government.

ENDS