A number of key roads across Queensland are to be given a new lease of life, thanks to funds made available through the Royalties for Regions scheme.
Over the next 18 months, roads such as the Brisbane Valley and D’Aguilar Highways, and Blakeys Crossing in Townsville, will be prioritised for the spending.
Jeff Seeney, deputy premier and minister for state development, infrastructure and planning, explained how much of a difference these changes will make.
“Relieving traffic pressure in Toowoomba city centre with the CBD ring-road and ending the chaos caused by flooding of Blakeys Crossing are vital roadworks that we promised to act upon and want to see underway,” he commented.
The Department of Transport and Main Roads is working alongside communities and local councils to finalise the plans, which should also lead to the creation of jobs in Queensland.
So far, more than $40 million has been allocated for regional roads over the coming six months, while the further $65 million will be available from July next year.
Opportunities for employment were recently given another boost, as it was announced that a new contract had been awarded for the installation of more than 90km of steel pipelines.
This is expected to create around 250 jobs in the state with Brisbane-based Murphy Pipe and Civil Constructions Pty Ltd.
