Communities along the Bruce Highway will reap some of the biggest benefits from the Liberal and Nationals Government’s announcement of a $1.3 billion infrastructure package to bust congestion, improve public transport and keep drivers safer on the state’s roads.
The Government has been working with states and territories to bring forward critical road projects across Australia to drive jobs, strengthen the economy and get people home sooner and safer.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said delivering critical road projects sooner, as part of the Government’s $100 billion pipeline, was responsible and considered economic management.
“We want these road projects delivered as quickly as possible so Queenslanders can benefit from better infrastructure, but importantly we want to boost the economy now.
“By bringing forward these important road projects we will drive jobs, boost the economy and make Queensland roads and highways safer, while reducing travel times so people can be with their families instead of being stuck in traffic,” the Prime Minister said.
“The package brings forward almost a quarter of a billion dollars of federal Bruce Highway investment into the forward estimates to ensure delivery of critical priorities.”
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the Government’s record $100 billion infrastructure pipeline is delivering projects people want and need, job opportunities and economic growth for communities across Australia.
“This is about delivering critical projects that make a difference to regional communities sooner thanks to responsible economic management in partnership with the states and territories,” Mr McCormack said.
“The Government is investing $10 billion in the Bruce Highway Upgrade Program from 2013–14 to 2027–28 to deliver priority upgrades along the state’s key north-south route.”
Federal Member for Dickson Peter Dutton said that the funding would be vital to ease traffic congestion on local roads.
“Luke Howarth and I have been pushing to get Linkfield Road overpass and the Bruce Highway upgraded and I am pleased to see Federal funding accelerated,” Mr Dutton said.
“It is now up to the State Government to bring their funding forward and deliver the projects.
“I will keep the pressure on to make sure our road upgrades get done as soon as possible,” said Mr Dutton.
Luke Howarth, Federal Member for Petrie said the local community desperately needed the Linkfield Road overpass infrastructure project to ease traffic congestion.
“We want motorists on both sides of the Bruce Highway in Minister Dutton’s electorate and my own to get home sooner, to have more family and relaxation time instead of sitting unnecessarily in traffic,” said Mr Howarth.
“The Federal Government has provided $100 million or 80 per cent of the funding and the money is available right now to start immediate construction.
“The Queensland Government just needs to get on with the job and stump up with their 20 per cent.”
$39 million will be accelerated into the forward estimates to secure delivery of the Bruce Highway – Linkfield Road Overpass project:
- This project involves the duplication and upgrade of the Linkfield Road Overpass that will improve capacity at the connection of the Linkfield Road/Gympie Arterial Road to the interchange at Bridgeman Downs, leading to the southern end of the Bruce Highway.
- This project will improve safety, and reduce congestion and travel times.
- The Australian Government has committed up to $100 million towards the project, in partnership with the Queensland Government.
- The delivery schedule will be determined in consultation with the Queensland Government.
$113.6 million will be accelerated into the forward estimates to secure delivery of the Bruce Highway – Pine River to Caloundra Corridor – Future Priorities project:
- The Future Priorities commitment will provide for further upgrades along the Pine River to Caloundra Corridor. These priorities will be determined in consultation with the Queensland Government.
- Consistent with the objectives of the Bruce Highway Upgrade Program, upgrades made through this commitment will focus on reducing congestion and travel times, and improving safety and flood immunity along the Pine River to Caloundra Corridor.
- The Australian Government will contribute up to 80 per cent towards future projects funded through this commitment, capped at $878.4 million.