Federal Labor commitment of $21.6 million for Stanage Bay Road upgrades is a win-win

Federal Labor commitment of $21.6 million for Stanage Bay Road upgrades is a win-win for all concerned

Mayor Bill Ludwig said Federal Labor’s commitment of $21.6 million for critical Stanage Bay Road upgrades and bitumen sealing announced today by Anthony Albanese is a win-win for all concerned.

“These much needed upgrades deliver both great safety outcomes for our community as well as improved operational outcomes for Australian Defence Forces (ADF) and our primary producers,” Cr Ludwig said.

“Importantly this is a ‘fair go’ for Livingstone ratepayers who have been effectively subsidising ADF operations for far too long due to the fact that ADF have not been putting in contributions for the necessary capital upgrades or the appropriate levels of contributions towards maintenance.

“Shoalwater Bay Army Training Area (SWBTA) will be serving ADF for decades to come and an investment in critical road infrastructure to bring the army access roads makes absolute common sense.

“With the Australian and Singapore Governments jointly are about to spend $ 1 billion dollars to bring SWBTA up to a world-class state of the art standard, it is a ridiculous proposition to not also invest in bringing army access roads like Stanage Bay Road up to the appropriate operational standard.

“Long-term it is actually more cost effective to maintain purpose built sealed roads than to continue to patch up substandard gravel roads that were never designed to take either the volume or types of heavy transport. “Another key factor in the big picture is ADF’s current expansion program which will have a major impact on the regional economy through loss of prime beef production land.

“These Stage 1 upgrades will also make a substantive start on building an expanded eco-tourism tourism and recreational fishing industry for Stanage Bay Township by improving accessibility for visitors. “Hopefully for the sake of our community and the safety of all road users the Coalition will change their position and also commit to supporting these upgrades.

“Livingstone Council currently preparing a comprehensive analysis of the appropriate levels of ADF maintenance contributions required to help address current and future impacts on our Shire’s ratepayers."