‘Use it or lose it’: $300 million for shovel-ready road safety projects
The Deputy Prime Minister will announce a $300 million program that will both save lives and create jobs – but the cash has an expiry date.
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Almost 1000 construction jobs will be created in the first of the “use it or lose it” cash for road safety projects to be announced in Queensland today.
The $289 million cash splash comes with a caveat – spend it by the end of June or the money will be reallocated to a different state.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack will announce the works with Queensland’s acting Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Ryan in Rockhampton.
The projects will consist of a plethora of small road safety improvements including shoulder sealing, rumble strips to alert drivers they are moving out of their lane, as well as median strip barriers to prevent head on collisions.
There will by 87 different shovel-ready projects that will share in the money across the state.
Mr McCormack said 90 per cent of the money would be going to regional areas.
“This is all about getting Queenslanders home sooner and safer while we also create more jobs during this difficult economic time,” he said.
There was a 26 per cent increase in deaths on the road in Queensland in 2020, despite the pandemic lockdowns keeping motorists off the streets at times during the year.
More than 270 motorists died in crashes in the state last year, compared to 219 in 2019.
Mr Ryan said as well as road safety, the projects would create economic stimulus and jobs.
Treasurer Josh Frydenberg announced in the October budget there would be $2bn investment nationally in road safety upgrades for “shovel-ready projects” provided to states as a “use it or lose it” deal.
The money announced today is the first tranche for Queensland, with another two rounds expected.
Of the $289 million, the Federal Government is providing $225 million, while the State Government is contributing 64.6 million.
Projects to receive the funding will include upgrading intersections and roadside widening on the Bruce Highway at Nielsen Ave in Rockhampton, as well as safety improvements at various sections of the Bruce Highway.
FIXING THE BRUCE BY THE NUMBERS
Qld 2020 road toll: 276
Qld 2019 road toll: 219
Road safety projects announced today: 87
Funding: $289m
Deadline for projects to be finished: June 30, 2021
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