Early works set to continue on stalled Rocky Ring Road project

A new development in the $1.1 billion Rockhampton Ring Road project signals all is not yet lost despite the handbrake being put on major construction works.

Rockhampton business owners drove to Canberra to try and meet with the Prime Minister over Labor’s decision to delay the $1.1 billion Rockhampton Ring Road Project where tendering was almost complete and work was due to begin in January 2023. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gary Ramage

In a sign that all is not lost, it has been revealed that early works will continue on the stalled $1.1 billion Rockhampton Ring Road project.

Rockhampton MP Barry O’Rourke said $12 million preparation works would get underway this month, despite the federal government’s recent decision to delay the project that was due to start construction in January 2023.

It was exclusively reported by this publication last month that a perfect storm of surging construction supply costs and decisions around employee agreements had contributed to tender quotes for the project blowing out by $700 million.

Member for Rockhampton Barry O’Rourke.

Days later, Federal Transport and Infrastructure Minister Catherine King confirmed the project, including a third bridge over the Fitzroy River, would not be delivered on time by 2026.

The works set to start this month include utilities disconnections/reconnections in the corridor to get set up for the new road – things like power connections, water connections and telecommunications.

Contracts have been awarded to utilities companies to carry out this work.

Mr O’Rourke also this week continued to throw the political punches in a bid to restore pride for Labor who had copped it from all quarters following October’s revelations.

“Despite misinformation being peddled by the LNP, the Rockhampton Ring Road has not been cut and will be going ahead, which is why these early works will continue,” Mr O’Rourke said.

“These works will be focused on relocating utilities and other preparation works, which will mean we can get on with the job faster once heavy construction gets underway.

“The LNP federal government, which included Michelle Landry and Matt Canavan, was in office for almost a decade and did absolutely nothing on this road.

“But I’m glad to say the Palaszczuk government will get the early works going.

“And I’ll continue fighting to bring the start date for construction forward.”

An artist’s impression of the Rockhampton Ring Road - Alexandra Street overpass. Picture: TMR.

Previously LNP Senator Matt Canavan said all the delay would do is push up the cost of the project until Labor put it in the “too hard” basket.

But on this week’s announcement, Keppel MP Brittany Lauga said it was good news for the Central Queensland community to have boots on the ground.

“These early works are an important part of the Rockhampton Ring Road project, and will help us get on the job faster once heavy construction starts,” Ms Lauga said.

“The Palaszczuk government will be funding these early works, which will get underway this month.

“It shows both the state and federal governments remain committed to the Rockhampton Ring Road.

“This will help support local jobs and the project long term.”

An artist’s impression of a new third bridge over the Fitzroy River as part of the Rockhampton Ring Road project. Picture: TMR

Ms Lauga said the works were part of a huge infrastructure pipeline in Central Queensland, which included the $80 million Rockhampton – Yeppoon Road upgrade, and the $19 million upgrade of Rockhampton – Emu Park Road, with heavy construction on both projects “just around the corner”.

“The federal budget also delivered $200 million in new funding for the Bruce Highway between Rockhampton and Gladstone, and $400 million in new funding for beef and cattle corridors which will include roads in Central Queensland,” Ms Lauga said.

“Along with another $400 million towards the Inland Freight Route, the second Bruce Highway – taking the total to $800 million, plenty of which will go towards key roads in Central Queensland.

“This means there is work on the way for our local contractors and suppliers, and the project will be supporting jobs over the next 12 months.”

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Keppel MP Brittany Lauga.

Early works on the Rockhampton Ring Road will start this month and continue through until late 2023.

Previously Australian Constructors Association chief executive officer Jon Davies slammed the Queensland Government, saying most of the cost blowout with the Rockhampton Ring Road project was avoidable.

Originally published as Early works set to continue on stalled Rocky Ring Road project