The Queensland government has confirmed that works are underway for a $25 million Flinders Highway project to replace seven ageing culverts between Charters Towers and Richmond to improve freight movement in the area.
Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Darren Chester, was onsite to help get work underway on the project, which is being delivered under the $600 million Northern Australia Roads Programme.
“These works are a prime example of the Australian Government improving key roads essential to the movement of people and freight in the north, which contributes almost 12 per cent of the value of our national economy,” said Mr. Chester.
“This is the type of investment that will help us leverage every opportunity that presents itself in coming years, with the Flinders Highway being a nationally significant link for mining and agriculture freight between the Port of Townsville and the Mount Isa –Townsville Economic Zone.
“The region’s future economic and social growth relies on fit-for-purpose road infrastructure to link communities to jobs and essential services. Replacing these culverts will bring them up to current standards, which is critical to shifting the region’s freight and product to markets.”
Acting Queensland Minister for Main Roads, Road Safety and Ports, Steven Miles, has said the project would create and sustain local jobs, boosting economic confidence in northern Queensland.
“An average of 65 direct jobs will be supported over the life of this project, which begins this week and is expected to be complete by June 2019, weather permitting,” said Mr. Miles.