QLD Government to fast-track delivery of $28m Vine Creek Bridge project

The Palaszczuk Government is moving to fast-track the delivery of the Mackay region's $28 million Vines Creek Bridges project and the 42 full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs needed to deliver it.  Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and Roads Minister Mark Bailey met with Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert in Mackay yesterday to discuss the acceleration of the project.

Ms Palaszczuk said the Vines Creek Bridges project was in addition to $32 million of projects already committed for fast-tracking in the Mackay region under the Accelerated Works Program (AWP).

"Together, these projects are in excess of $60 million and will support more than 120 full-time equivalent job,  Thanks to the strong advocacy from Julieanne on behalf of her community, the Government ensured the Vines Creek Bridges project was prioritised in our first Budget last year.

Minister Bailey and his Department have ensured the planning and design has been progressed so this project can move into construction phase as soon as possible."

Project Timeline

Palaszczuk confirmed that Minister Bailey and his Department have ensured the planning and design has been progressed so this project can move into construction phase as soon as possible

Mr Bailey said the Department of Main Roads has advised construction on the dual bridge project could now start in 2016-17 with design and planning well advanced, subject to finalising arrangements with Mackay City Council and other public utility providers.

"My department has expedited completion of bridge design, but this needs to be incorporated into the Mackay Regional Council design for their flood protection levee. We also need agreement from public utility providers to relocate services located under the bridges.

I will be talking to Council, Ergon and Telstra to ensure that these works can proceed as a matter of priority.

The design of the new bridges will better accommodate higher mass vehicles transporting commodities such as fuel, sugar, mining equipment and grain to and from the Port of Mackay.

To minimise disruption and ensure continued access for vehicles, construction will be done one bridge at a time."

Mackay Region

Replacement of the Vines Creek Bridges is a critical project for the Mackay region as they are a vital transport artery, including access to the Port. 

• $8.15M for overtaking lanes on the Bruce Highway including Thomsetts Road; and$5.15M for upgrade of the police station at Bowen.
• $5.15M for upgrade of the police station at Bowen.

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Author's Note: This is a direct joint media statement from Premier and Minister for the Arts The Honourable Annastacia Palaszczuk & Minister for Main Roads, Road Safety and Ports and Minister for Energy, Biofuels and Water Supply, The Honourable Mark Bailey. The blog banner image is sourced from the Mackay Mercury.