Road Funding Supports Shire

The Commonwealth and Queensland Governments will support infrastructure construction jobs across Queensland by jointly investing an additional $415 million to deliver shovel-ready infrastructure projects and urgent road safety upgrades.

The package includes $14 million allocated to upgrade the Burke Developmental Road and $37.5 million to carry out safety upgrades on the Kennedy Highway between Mareeba and Atherton.

Mareeba Shire Mayor Angela Toppin welcomed the funding announcement.

“It is excellent to see the Commonwealth and the Queensland Governments working together to support infrastructure projects across the State to improve road safety,” Cr Toppin said.

“Council has advocated for many years for the upgrade of the Burke Developmental Road between Almaden and Chillagoe and with the additional $14 million I am hopeful that this will complete the missing links.”

While details of the scope of works are yet to be revealed, Councillor Toppin said it would be a massive win for the Chillagoe community and the many industries that rely on this road as a vital transport corridor for freight connectivity to have the BDR fully sealed.

The Kennedy Highway will also undergo safety upgrades to improve travel time and ease congestion.

“I am pleased the Kennedy Highway between Mareeba and Atherton had been identified for urgent safety upgrades,” Mayor Toppin said.

The Mayor thanked the Commonwealth and the Queensland Governments for the ongoing commitments to provide economic and employment opportunities within the Shire.

“The commitments made by both levels of government will provide a welcome economic boost for the Shire following COVID-19,” Cr Toppin said.

“I sincerely thank the Commonwealth and the Queensland the Governments for the ongoing support and commitment to improving the liveability of the Shire by investing in key infrastructure projects,” Cr Toppin concluded.