Additional $209m funding to deliver 46 new road projects across QLD

Queenslanders will soon have safer journeys across Queensland’s road network thanks to a $209.36 million joint funding from the Australian and State Governments. 

This new investment will fast track the delivery of significant road upgrades that will reduce road trauma and save lives. 

The more than $200 million investment will fund the delivery of 46 more road safety projects across the state, including: 

• $19 million for regional works such as the Elizabeth Avenue Intersection and Pedestrian upgrade at Clontarf to construct a pedestrian overpass and other intersection works 
• $10.6 million to seal sections of gravel road to reduce the risk of crashes at Monto – Mt Perry Road 

The funding will cover upgrades to roads and roadsides to provide safer driving environments along with safety improvements for vulnerable road users such as cyclists, pedestrians and motorcyclists. 

These projects are anticipated to generate up to 1,000 jobs and new opportunities for businesses and suppliers. 

“One life lost on Australian roads is one too many, which is why we are delivering this funding to improve roads right across the nation. 

“We are investing in shovel-ready projects that can get underway quickly, saving lives sooner while supporting local construction jobs, businesses and the economy. 

“Better road infrastructure will keep motorists and freight moving safely and efficiently, reducing the number of tragedies on our roads and driving our nation’s productivity,” Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce said. 

The recently announced funding builds on the $364 million already being utilised to deliver 133 projects across the State – all are either underway or completed. 

Since 2013, the Australian Government has committed almost $32 billion towards infrastructure projects in Queensland. 

Tranche 3 of the Road Safety Program will further improve road safety in Queensland’s road network while helping boost jobs. 

“The Queensland Government is committed to getting Queenslanders home sooner and safer, which is why we’re fast-tracking these critical safety upgrades for roads in our state. 

“With this new funding package, we’re able to get 46 high-priority projects underway, including pavement strengthening and widening on the Landsborough Highway and safety upgrades on Mossman-Daintree Road,” Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said. 

To date, a total of almost $700 million in joint funding has been invested in Queensland road upgrades since the program started. 

“It comes as part of the Queensland Government’s record $27.5 billion transport plan over the next four years, supporting 24,000 jobs and driving Queensland’s economic recovery from COVID-19. 

“We are focused on making roads safety while supporting employment in regional Queensland,” Minister Bailey added. 

According to Federal Assistant Minister for Road Safety and Freight Transport Scott Buchholz, the new projects funded under the third tranche are set to begin construction later this year. This means commuters, truck drivers as well as freight operators are a step closer to enjoying smoother, safer and more efficient journeys now and into the future. 

“Delivering these upgrades as soon as possible is crucial to protecting motorists while also boosting our economy on the other side of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“This is another example of the Australian Government working to reduce the number of Australians missing around the dinner table due to tragedies on our roads,” Minister Buchholz said. 

In addition to improving road safety, the funding will also deliver a range of benefits to regional communities and road users. 

Funding from the Road Safety Program is delivering 179 projects across Queensland while supporting about 2,600 jobs. 

“Queensland has the largest state-controlled road network in Australia, so this funding will go a long way, helping us upgrade intersections, widen, strengthen and pave roads, replace bridges and install guardrails to keep Queenslanders safe. 

“We’re committed to keeping Queenslanders safe, which is why we’re getting on with delivering upgrades to priority locations on our roads,” Queensland Assistant Minister for Regional Roads Bruce Saunders said. 

Source: Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development; Assistant Minister for Road Safety and Freight Transport