Australian Government delivers major new funding for the Bruce Highway
4th October, 2007
Federal Member for Wide Bay, Warren Truss, today welcomed the announcement of an additional $700 million for the upgrading of the Bruce Highway between Cooroy and Curra.The $700 million will be largest project to be funded by the Australian Government’s new $2 billion commitment to upgrade the Bruce Highway.
Mr Truss said this new funding for the Bruce Highway will deliver a vital piece of south-east Queensland road infrastructure.
“I have been pressing strongly for this funding commitment, which will at long last provide much-needed improvements to the Bruce Highway, south of Gympie,” Mr Truss said.
“The Cooroy to Curra four laning will be allocated $700 million, with more funding to follow. This funding is part of the Howard/Vaile Government’s 2020 plan for Australia’s Transport Future.
“This announcement is a further step in delivering on the Coalition’s 2004 election commitment to complete the Cooroy to Curra section by 2020. The extension of the four laning is expected to move north from the Cooroy bypass in a series of projects over the years ahead.
“A priority has been placed on the 65km between Cooroy and Curra where traffic is forecast to double over the next 12 or so years.
“The Howard/Vaile Government recognizes the importance of the Bruce Highway as a vital link for motorists and freight and we are planning for the future.”
Mr Truss said the section of highway between Cooroy to Gympie is currently the only AusRAP “dangerous” 2-star rated section in Queensland and must be given the highest priority for upgrade.
“If the Queensland Government proceeds with its ill-conceived Traveston Crossing Dam proposal, it will impact on the route of the upgraded highway. The Coalition will expect Queensland to fund the additional costs to the road resulting from a decision to build the Traveston Crossing Dam.”
Mr Truss said that the Coalition Government will also provide an extra $50 million towards upgrading priority sections of the Bruce Highway between Brisbane and Cooroy, in particular reconstruction of failed pavement.
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“Queensland must, however, recognise its responsibility for this failed pavement and also contribute to the solution.
“For too long, Queensland has been allowed to avoid responsibility for its failures and poor management of critical infrastructure.
A further $450 million will be provided by 2014 (with more to follow) for the upgrade of the Bruce Highway between Gympie and Sarina.
Priorities for this new funding include more overtaking lanes and passing opportunities, improved intersections and urban links, upgrading, widening and strengthening of pavements, and providing flood protection along the major flood plains.
Mr Truss said this new funding which was announced today by the Prime Minister, John Howard, and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Transport and Regional Services, Mark Vaile, follows previous large Australian Government investments in the Bruce Highway.
“The Australian Government also expects to spend $800 million between 2004/05 and 2008/09 from its Auslink1 national road plan on the Bruce Highway. This includes $70 million for widening the Bruce Highway to four lanes through Gympie.
“Make no mistake, such a large funding injection can only come about through good economic management and a plan for the future that recognises the importance of good transport links,” Mr Truss said.
Mr Truss called on the Queensland Government to be ready to spend the AusLink2 funds when they are provided. Queensland already has hundreds of millions of dollars provided for projects under AusLink1 which have not yet been used.
“When funding is provided to Local Government through the Roads to Recovery program and other grant schemes, this money is snapped up and spent quickly on worthwhile projects.
“This extra Australian Government funding will be to no avail if the Queensland Government does not get on with the job and build the projects,” he said.
ENDS
