Funding secured for critical CQ beef roads

Central Highlands Regional Council has welcomed the Australian Government’s commitment to seal more than 450 kilometres of critical beef transport corridors in Central Queensland.

Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce announced the $400 million in funding last week at the Central Queensland Livestock Exchange (CQLX) in Gracemere.

The news comes after almost 12 months of vigorous lobbying from seven Central Queensland mayors, who joined forces to put the Queensland Beef Corridors campaign firmly on the agenda.

Central Highlands Mayor Kerry Hayes said this was a major win for the local economy, but more importantly local people.

‘Throughout this campaign we have met and spoken with a collection of passionate people with skin in the game,’ Mayor Hayes said.

‘Graziers, feedlotters, stock agents, transporters, saleyard operators, processors and many more. This is life-changing for them, opening up the potential of this region and future-proofing this vital industry.

‘This investment is long-overdue. Communities in Central Queenlsand represent a quarter of our nation’s beef herd, this is the most valuable beef supply chain in the world and this funding finally recognises that.

‘We know that these roads are state-controlled assets. We will be working hard within our road transport groups and with our regional transport departments to ensure that this initiative is delivered in an efficient and effective timeframe for our local government areas.’

Mayor Hayes said the upgrades would also mean safer roads, improved job security, greater tourism opportunities and access to services.

The Central Highlands roads set to receive an upgrade are:

In another win for the region, Road Safety and Freight Transport Assistant Minister Scott Buchholz and LNP candidate for Flynn Colin Boyce also announced extra funding for upgrades to Bonnie Doon Road and Springsure-Tambo Road on Sunday.

The Federal Government had already allocated $9.6 million in the last budget for upgrades to Bonnie Doon Rd, which also has a $2.4 millon contribution from council.

The works along a 13 km stretch of the road will be completed by council, and will involve sealing to a two-lane standard, drainage improvements, alignment improvements and a bridge upgrade across Sandhurst Creek.

An extra $5.6m has also been secured for the Springsure-Tambo Road where works will include a new bridge across the Barcoo River. The project also has an $11.4 million contribution from the state government.