Extra Federal funding announced for Rockhampton Ring Road, Beef Roads
The Federal Government has announced an additional $200 million to ensure the full delivery of the Rockhampton Ring Road as it revealed the project has blown-out again.
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The Federal Government has announced an additional $200 million to ensure the full delivery of the Rockhampton Ring Road.
The announcement made at a press conference at a Midgee rest stop on the Bruce Highway today, March 19, brings the total amount of money contributed by the Federal Government to $1.4 billion.
Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King, Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Brent Mickelberg, local state MPs and representatives from various stakeholders’ organizations.
Mr Mickelberg wouldn’t elaborate on how much the project cost had blown out, expect to describe it as unacceptable.
“Far too many projects have run over budget and overtime here in Queensland for too many years,” he said.
“I have a very clear directive from the premier which is to end that. Part of that is getting on with the job of finishing the projects that are in train now, another part is ensuring we address the drivers which are driving cost overrun.
“It is an important project that will deliver benefits not only to the people of Central Queensland but all road users who traverse through this part of the world.”
“It is a safety improvement, it will take trucks off the road through the Rockhampton CBD it is an important project that must be delivered.”
Alongside the funding announcement for the Rockhampton Ring Road, it was announced that the Federal Government would be releasing $38 million to kick off early works for the Beef Roads, $188 million to get started on the Bruce Highway – Gladstone to Rockhampton upgrades and $37 million to get started on upgrading sections of the Capricorn Highway.
The Central Queensland Beef Roads is a strategic road network that covers 218,000 square kilometres and supports the movement of about $1.7 billion in freight and agricultural produce each year from inland areas to saleyards, processing facilities and ports across the region.
The network also supports other industries such as tourism, critical minerals and renewable energy.
Work on the Beef Roads will comprise upgrading 2.7km of Clermont-Alpha Road East, upgrading 3km of Clermont-Alpha Road West, upgrading 4.8km of Fitzroy Developmental Rd, upgrading 5.7km of Alpha-Tambo Rd and upgrading 7.6km of May Downs Rd.
Work is set to commence in mid-2025 and be completed mid-2027.
“Queensland’s Beef Roads are as essential to the state as the cattle industry itself, which is why we’re getting on with delivering these critical upgrades,” Ms King said.
Mr Mickelberg and Ms King also announced that works have commenced on the first set of safety upgrades in the $9 billion Bruce Highway Safety Package.
An initial $300 million will be invested in early works and planning including 16 new projects between Gympie and Innisfail that include wide centre line treatments between Rungoo and Mourilyan, overtaking lanes between Ayr and Brandon and a new heavy vehicle rest area in Gin Gin as well as pavement and culvert strengthening works .
Ms King said the Federal Government is working hand-in-hand with the State Government.
“Queenslanders deserve a long-term plan for essential infrastructure, and the Albanese Government is delivering that certainty as we build Australia’s future,” she said.
“Enough is enough, and it’s time to fix this road which is why we’re coming together with the Queensland Government to get it done.”
Mr Mickelberg welcomed the funding.
“The Bruce Highway is the spine of Queensland’s road network and we have worked with the Australian Government to unlock funding and fast-track key safety improvements on priority sections of the highway,” he said.
Originally published as Extra Federal funding announced for Rockhampton Ring Road, Beef Roads
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