$21 billion outlined for Queensland Roads

Queensland’s latest state budget has outlined a record spend of close to $21 billion over four years for the Transport and Roads Investment Program (QTRIP).

Deputy Premier and Minister for Transport, Jackie Trad, and Minister for Main Roads, Road Safety and Ports, Mark Bailey, said the $21 billion funding was around $1 billion higher than the previous QTRIP.

“This year’s Budget reiterates the Palaszczuk Government’s absolute commitment to providing a great public transport and road network for all Queenslanders,” Ms. Trad said.

“QTRIP doesn’t just deliver great transport, it will also support nearly 17,000 direct jobs over the life of the four year program. In the 2017-18 financial year we will invest $4.32 billion to continue the great work across the state and ensure we have the infrastructure to address the needs of our growing state.”

Mr. Bailey said the Budget showed the Palaszczuk Government’s commitment to key infrastructure projects across the state.

“The Palaszczuk Government has reaffirmed its commitment to our road infrastructure network across the State, delivering key road projects such as the two Pacific Motorway upgrades (Gateway Motorway Merge and Mudgeeraba to Varsity Lakes), Ipswich Motorway Rocklea to Darra upgrade, Gateway Upgrade North, Bruce Highway upgrades, Toowoomba Second Range Crossing, Gold Coast Commonwealth Games Road Upgrades and Cape York Regional Package,” Mr. Bailey said.

“With the significant impacts from Cyclone Debbie felt earlier this year, funding of $105 million has been allocated in 2017-18 to undertake restoration works to the transport network across Queensland.

“We continue to support the Northern Australian Roads Programme and Northern Australia Beef Roads Programme to deliver high priority projects to support the economic development in Northern Queensland.

“This is on top of funding for Mackay Ring Road (Stage 1), realignment of the Peak Downs Highway at Eton Range, and upgrading of timber bridges on the Dawson Highway.”

The Palaszczuk Government is also continuing to provide a boost to local governments and confidence to plan infrastructure that sustains local employment, with a commitment of $280 million over four years to the 50:50 state/local government Transport Infrastructure Development Scheme.