Deputy Prime Minister turns first sod on Toowoomba Second Range Crossing
7th December, 2015
DEPUTY Prime Minister Warren Truss marked the start of a critical project today by turning the first sod on the Toowoomba Second Range Crossing (TSRC).“The project is going to help drive future economic development in this region,” Mr Truss said.
“When finished, it will create an alternative crossing of the Toowoomba Range for commercial vehicles and improve driver safety.
“It will also relieve pressure on Toowoomba’s local roads and enhance liveability for residents, eliminating the need for heavy vehicles to negotiate 18 sets of traffic lights in Toowoomba, saving them up to 40 minutes each way.
“By improving links between the region, key markets and the Port of Brisbane, the Toowoomba Second Range Crossing will increase regional economic activity by an estimated $2.4 billion over the next 30 years.”
Member of Groom Ian Macfarlane said the TSRC would support an estimated 1,800 direct and indirect jobs in the Toowoomba region during the life of the project.
“This is the kind of world-class infrastructure needed to facilitate the next phase of development in South West Queensland, improve the efficiency of freight movements and encourage other economic development,” Mr Macfarlane said.
“After more than 20 years of talking, planning and scoping, Toowoomba and surrounding district residents will be glad to see construction for this important infrastructure officially underway.”
The Australian Government has committed up to $1.137 billion to fund the project and the Queensland Government has committed the remaining 20 per cent of the construction costs.
Major construction works are due to start in April 2016 and it is expected to be completed in late 2018.
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