LNP’S $16.5m promise to replace ‘dangerous’ CQ bridge
It is estimated the closure of the bridge costs the mining industry more than $12 million a day.
Mackay
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THE Isaac Regional Council has welcomed a funding commitment for one of Central Queensland’s most notorious bridges.
LNP leader Deb Frecklington and Burdekin MP Dale Last have committed to address the Phillips Creek Bridge on Saraji Rd, between Moranbah and Dysart if the party won the state election on October 31.
The bridge fix is expected to make the area safer, more flood resilient and create 50 new local jobs.
It is estimated the closure of the bridge costs the mining industry more than $12 million a day.
“The LNP has already committed to upgrading the Bruce Highway to four lanes along the length of the coast but we haven’t forgotten the inland areas,” Ms Frecklington said.
“The Isaac Regional Council and Dale Last have been strong advocates for this project and I am pleased to deliver for the people who use Saraji Road.
“The LNP will always support resources jobs and the resources communities.”
Mr Last said the bridge was an “accident waiting to happen” during the wet season.
“People are sick and tired of driving on roads that resemble goat tracks and I make no apology for standing shoulder to shoulder with the locals and demanding better roads,” he said.
“The council has previously said this project is shovel-ready so this is a project that an LNP government will get on with delivering as soon as possible.
“It’s not right that all those royalties are generated here but very little is spent on the roads here.”
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Isaac Regional Council Acting Mayor Kelly Vea Vea welcomed the announcement, describing the current infrastructure as “dangerous”.
“The current low-lying bridge is closed on average at least two days a year due to flooding, causing costly delays, disruption and inconvenience to business and community travel,” Cr Vea Vea said.
“For example, it is estimated the closure of the bridge costs the mining industry more than $12 million a day, and that means a loss of flow-on income and benefits for all Queenslanders.
“Remember, too, that the Isaac region produces billions of dollars in coal royalties alone for the Queensland Government to invest throughout the State, so investment in infrastructure here strengthens the return to the Queensland economy.”
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