Roads and telecommunications at top of Canberra agenda
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Posted on February 5, 2025
Central Highlands Regional Council Mayor Janice Moriarty, Deputy Mayor Rachael Cruwys, and new CEO Aaron Johansson were in Canberra this week, meeting with senior federal government and opposition members, as well as advisors, to advocate for funding for key regional projects.
At the top of the agenda was securing more funding for regional and council roads, beef roads, and the inland freight route—particularly focusing on building a business case for upgrading the Panorama Creek section of the Dawson Highway near Rolleston.
During meetings with Senator Anthony Chisholm, advisors from the Regional Development and Local Government Minister’s office Senator James McGrath and Senator Bridget McKenzie, and local Federal Member for Flynn Colin Boyce, Mayor Moriarty and Deputy Mayor Cruwys strongly advocated for action on beef roads and the Panorama Creek upgrade.
The recent severe flooding from Ingham to the north and subsequent cuts to the Bruce Highway highlight the urgent need to upgrade and weather-proof the inland route from Mungindi to Charters Towers.
While federal and state governments have committed approximately $490 million to the Queensland Beef Roads Projects, the council delegation emphasised the importance of approving early works projects—totalling $49 million—before the federal election is called. This would ensure that planning and construction stages can proceed without delay.
Council also raised the need for improved feeder road access to the Yamala Enterprise Area, as well as funding for a water pipeline to support the region’s development. These investments would benefit intensive agricultural industries, including feedlot operations, while also alleviating heavy cattle and grain truck movements through Emerald.
On the eve of the Senate committee’s continued inquiry into the 3G network shutdown, the council delegation used the opportunity to highlight concerns about declining mobile phone coverage across the region. They stressed the critical need for reliable connectivity, particularly for personal safety and emergency service calls.
Mayor Janice Moriarty (left), Senator Anthony Chisholm, Deputy Mayor Rachael Cruwys and CEO Aaron Johansson. Mayor Janice Moriarty (left), Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee chair and deputy chair of the Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport Legislation Committee Senator Matt Canavan, Deputy Mayor Rachael Cruwys and CEO Aaron Johansson. CEO Aaron Johansson (left), Member for Flynn Colin Boyce, Deputy Mayor Rachael Cruwys and Mayor Janice Moriarty. CEO Aaron Johansson (left), Deputy Mayor Rachael Cruwys, Senator James McGrath and Mayor Janice Moriarty. Deputy Mayor Rachael Cruwys (left), Shadow Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Senator Bridget McKenzie, Mayor Janice Moriarty and CEO Aaron Johansson.