The funding will support a further 46 road safety projects across the state, including:
- $19 million for regional works such as the Elizabeth Avenue Intersection and Pedestrian upgrade at Clontarf to construct a pedestrian overpass and other intersection works; and
- $10.6 million to seal sections of gravel road to reduce the risk of crashes at Monto – Mt Perry Road.
The upgrades are jointly funded under the Road Safety Program, with the Australian Government contributing $158.55 million and the Queensland Government providing $50.81 million.
The package includes upgrades to roads and roadsides to create safer driving environments, as well as safety improvements for vulnerable road users, including bike riders, pedestrians, and motorcyclists.
These projects will create 1,000 jobs and new opportunities for businesses and suppliers, delivering an important economic boost and helping drive Queensland’s economic recovery.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce said the road upgrades would help keep motorists safe and the economy strong.
“One life lost on Australian roads is one too many, which is why we are delivering this funding to improve roads right across the nation,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.
“We are investing in shovel-ready projects that can get underway quickly, saving lives sooner while supporting local construction jobs, businesses and the economy.
“Better road infrastructure will keep motorists and freight moving safely and efficiently, reducing the number of tragedies on our roads and driving our nation’s productivity.
“This additional funding under the Road Safety Program builds on the $364 million already flowing to 133 projects across Queensland, all of which are already complete or underway.
“The Liberal and ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾s Government is getting the job done for Queenslanders, delivering the infrastructure they need and deserve with almost $32 billion committed towards infrastructure projects in the state since 2013.”
Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said Tranche 3 of the program would significantly improve road safety in Queensland while sparking job growth.
“The Queensland Government is committed to getting Queenslanders home sooner and safer, which is why we’re fast-tracking these critical safety upgrades for roads in our state,” Mr Bailey said.
“With this new funding package, we’re able to get 46 high-priority projects underway, including pavement strengthening and widening on the Landsborough Highway and safety upgrades on Mossman-Daintree Road.
“We now have almost $700 million in joint funding announced since the program started, making Queensland’s roads safer and providing certainty and boosting local economies.
“It comes as part of the Queensland Government’s record $27.5 billion transport plan over the next four years, supporting 24,000 jobs and driving Queensland’s economic recovery from COVID-19.
“We are focused on making roads safety while supporting employment in regional Queensland.”
Federal Assistant Minister for Road Safety and Freight Transport Scott Buchholz said the new projects are expected to be delivered later this year.
“Fast-tracking road safety upgrades means that commuters, truck drivers and freight operators will be enjoying smoother, safer more efficient journeys into the future,” Mr Buchholz said.
“Delivering these upgrades as soon as possible is crucial to protecting motorists while also boosting our economy on the other side of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This is another example of the Australian Government working to reduce the number of Australians missing around the dinner table due to tragedies on our roads.”
Queensland Assistant Minister for Regional Roads Bruce Saunders said the funding would deliver a range of benefits to regional Queensland communities and road users.
“We know a disproportionate number of the lives lost on Queensland roads are on rural and regional roads, so it’s great to see so much funding allocated to these high-priority areas,” Mr Saunders said.
“Queensland has the largest state-controlled road network in Australia, so this funding will go a long way, helping us upgrade intersections, widen, strengthen and pave roads, replace bridges and install guardrails to keep Queenslanders safe.
“It forms part of the Queensland Government’s record $17.8 billion in road and transport projects being delivered in rural and regional Queensland.
“Alongside these joint-funded safety upgrades, the Queensland Government is delivering $4.6 billion in network maintenance works and $1.7 billion in targeted road safety initiatives across the state over the next four years.
“We’re committed to keeping Queenslanders safe, which is why we’re getting on with delivering upgrades to priority locations on our roads.”
Funding under the Road Safety Program is delivering 179 projects across the state and supporting 2,600 jobs.
The Australian Government has committed $783 million overall under the Road Safety Program to make Queensland’s roads safer.
