Bitumen works boost Queensland's cattle industry

Bitumen works boost Queensland’s cattle industry

Works to seal almost 17 kilometres of the Clermont-Alpha Road in central west Queensland are now complete.

The Barcaldine Regional Council and RoadTek delivered the $8.71 million project.

It was part of the Northern Australia Beef Roads program, jointly funded on an 80:20 basis by federal and state governments.

The road, which links the towns of Clermont and Alpha, has now been fully upgraded to a two-lane sealed standard.

It will allow for shorter travel times, reduced damage and stress to live stock from roughness and dust generation, improved safety with an eight metre seal and an improved surface to reduce road wear and heavy vehicle damage.

Deputy Prime Minister and Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the project presents an important step in further unlocking Australia’s livestock commodity potential.

“We understand primary producers face real challenges with transporting cattle to market which is why the $100 million Beef Roads Program was established,” he said.

“By providing targeted upgrades to key routes, we are alleviating some of those pressures and securing the future success of an important industry.”

Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said sealing sections of the Clermont-Alpha Road would deliver benefits to both the broader beef industry and at a local level.

“The small businesses in and around Clermont and Alpha, and those along connected transport links, will experience an income boost from increased activity in tourism, agriculture and resource sectors,” Mr. Bailey said.