Queensland’s road construction industry has received funding and support from two government-backed schemes this week.
Major road upgrade projects in Queensland have received support from the first round of the Newman government’s program to improve road conditions.
The $280 million industry boost involves three five-year contracts for road asset management, awarded to Leighton Boral Amey Joint Venture in the Gold Coast area, Road Infrastructure Services in Brisbane and Downermouchel of the Sunshine Coast.
These contracts should be encouraging for those seeking construction apprenticeships in Queensland, as the funding will “stimulate the local road construction industry” and “underpin local jobs” according to Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson.
The companies awarded contracts are Australian businesses with a strong Queensland presence that, with the commencement of the projects, will create valuable local employment and apprenticeship opportunities in the state.
Road improvements in Gladstone have also received government support as $12.5 million has been invested in the Kin Kora roundabout upgrade, through the Royalties for the Regions (RR) program.
The project will transform the roundabout into a four-way signalled traffic intersection, easing congestion and improving safety, Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jeff Seeney said in an October 28 statement.
“Gladstone has experienced significant growth as a result of the new residents servicing the resources sector, which has caused traffic congestion to worsen,” he said.
The RR program has been organised to make sure regional communities are given a fair share of the royalties generated in regional areas by resource production.
“The Royalties for the Regions program has ensured that, for the first time, a share of the royalties generated in regional areas is given back to the communities in those areas to improve local amenities and services,” Mr Seeney said.
These government-supported projects are set to deliver improved road infrastructure in Queensland, while also easing the burden on taxpayers in the state.
“During the past ten years taxpayers have been slugged far too much for roadworks, with the cost of building and maintaining roads in Queensland increasing at well above the national average,” Mr Emerson said.
The funding and support awarded this week will deliver increased development for investment, as well as encourage innovation to help deliver better infrastructure and planning in Queensland.
