Western Downs council to spend whopping $45.5 million on roads

The Western Downs Regional Council revealed it will spent over half the entire budget on improving road infrastructure across the region. Here’s a list of roads set to be upgraded:

ROAD WORKS: The Western Downs Regional Council revealed they’ll spent over half of their entire budget on improving road infrastructure across the region. Pic: Peta McEachern

The Western Downs Regional Council revealed it will spend over half its entire 2021/2022 capital budget – a whopping $45.5m – on improving roads, bridges, and footpaths across the region.

The large investment project will include road upgrades, bitumen dust suppressions, gravel re-sheeting program, bitumen reseal program, bridge upgrades, new footpaths and new stormwater infrastructure.

The WDRC announced the project on Wednesday, stating the intention to build safer roads and enhance connectivity within the growing region.

Councillor George Moore said the council was investing in safe, well-maintained road networks to connect the region and support economic activities.

“Our region is home to the second-largest road network in the country stretching across 7500km, so it’s important we continue to invest in projects to ensure our roads are safe and maintained correctly,” Mr Moore said.

“Our region has a diverse and thriving economy which relies on a strong road network to keep business moving.

“As the Western Downs becomes an even more attractive place to live, work and visit, it’s vital we continue to deliver projects to enhance our connectivity to support existing industries, as well as growing sectors like drive tourism.”

ROADS TO FOOTPATHS: Western Downs Regional Council Works and Technical Services Councillor George Moore said the council continued to build connectivity across local towns by investing in new footpath linkages. Pic: Peta McEachern

The council also obtained funding under the Federal Government’s Bridge Renewal Program, which will support upgrades to the bridge crossing over Wandoan Creek on Bundi Road.

“This will entail upgrading the existing timber, single-lane timber bridge to a two-lane bridge offering improved access, safety and immunity for the community to access Wandoan,” Mr Moore said.

Cr Moore said Council also continued to build connectivity across local towns by investing in new footpath linkages.

“Half a million dollars is also being invested in building new and upgraded footpaths which really connect towns and entice more people to head outdoors and be active in the community,” he said.

“Last year we saw the equivalent of five years of funding for footpaths delivered in one year as part of our COVID19 Recovery Package which provided work to around 180 local people, which was a fantastic result.

“We are excited to keep the momentum rolling this coming financial year, with footpaths to be constructed at several locations in Chinchilla, Dalby, Miles and Wandoan, which equates to an additional 1.6 kilometres of footpath for the region.”

Here’s a list of some of the planned upgrades:

•An upgrade to widen a 6km stretch of Glenern Road near Glenmorgan.

•A 4km upgrade of Wilds Road near Dalby from gravel to bitumen which will complete a fully bitumen-sealed route linking Dalby-Cecil Plains Road to the Moonie Highway.

•Upgrading numerous roads in the townships of Condamine, Meandarra, Tara and Jandowae from gravel to bitumen sealed.

•Reconstructing sections of Booral Road near Wandoan, and Nandi Road at Dalby.

•Stormwater infrastructure installed in Alice and Mary Streets, Dalby, as part of a multiyear project to improve stormwater drainage.