Wide Bay Roads $3 billion funding boost
24th December, 2013
Last week’s Mid Year Economic Fiscal Outlook (MYEFO) has confirmed the Coalition Federal Government’s election commitment to support almost $3 billion of new road projects in the Federal Electorate of Wide Bay, Minister for Infrastructure and Transport and Federal Member for Wide Bay, Warren Truss, said this week.Mr Truss said the forward estimates commit to over $2.2 billion worth of projects on the Bruce Highway alone, with more funding for Council roads and bridges, the elimination of road black spots and the completion of flood repair work.
Mr Truss said the Commonwealth and Queensland Governments have committed to spending a total of $8.5 billion on the Bruce Highway over the next ten years, with the Commonwealth meeting between 80 and 100 per cent of the cost of most projects.
The Commonwealth’s total funding share is $6.7 billion — a 64 per cent increase on the figure promised by Labor for the Bruce Highway during the last election campaign. The Coalition program includes at least 30 projects not funded by Labor.
Mr Truss said that the main element of the Bruce Highway upgrade in the electorate of Wide Bay will be the extension of the four laning to Gympie at a total cost of more than $1.7 billion.
The Commonwealth will also contribute a further $2.6 billion towards upgrades of the Bruce Highway and Gateway Arterial south of the electorate of Wide Bay.
When completed, these projects will deliver a motorway standard road all the way from Gympie to Brisbane and then onwards through the Gold Coast to Sydney and Melbourne.
Other new projects on the Bruce Highway in the electorate of Wide Bay include two new bridges on the approaches to Tiaro, upgrading the Saltwater Creek crossing at Aldershot and a new interchange at Tinana linking the Maryborough — Hervey Bay Road to the Bruce Highway. There will also be more passing lanes, extra rest areas, intersection improvements, and other targeted safety improvements.
Funding is also provided for planning and land acquisitions for Section D of the Cooroy to Curra four laning project which will extend the four laning to north of Curra.
Mr Truss said MYEFO also confirmed continuation of Roads to Recovery funding for local Councils. The five Shires wholly or partly within the electorate of Wide Bay can continue to expect to receive more than $6 million a year for local road projects of their choice. Financial assistance grants to these Councils are expected to be worth at least $33 million a year — some of which is also earmarked for roads. They will also qualify for assistance under the Coalition’s new $300 million Bridges Renewal Program.
Mr Truss said last week’s fiscal outlook confirmed the Liberal and National Parties’ commitments for what will be the biggest Commonwealth road funding plan the Wide Bay has ever seen.
Mr Truss said those using the Bruce Highway can expect to see continuing road works for the next decade. These projects will be an important boost for the local economy and will provide thousands of jobs.
While increasing traffic will continue to place heavy demand on the Bruce Highway and the local road network, these projects will help to smooth traffic flows and make the highway safer.
The completion of these projects will also provide effective flood mitigation between the Wide Bay Region and Brisbane.
ENDS
