The Palaszczuk Government continues to deliver road infrastructure across the state which is creating jobs and providing an integrated, safe and efficient transport system connecting all Queenslanders.
Minister for Main Roads and Road Safety Mark Bailey told Parliament today that over the last two budgets, nearly $7 billion of investment had been rolled out by Transport and Main Roads on road and transport infrastructure.
“That's more than 3,000 road kilometres newly sealed and 250 kilometres of road pavement constructed or rehabilitated,” Mr Bailey said.
“Our record $20 billion four year Queensland Transport and Roads Investment Program (QTRIP) is supporting 15,900 jobs over the life of the program.
“Whether it’s announcing the contract for the $400 million Ipswich Motorway Upgrade from Rocklea to Darra Stage 1, to striking a deal for the M1 upgades or turning the sod on the $929 million Bruce Highway Caloundra to Sunshine Motorway project, the Palaszczuk Government is delivering on these jointly funded projects.
“The Palaszczuk Government also committed $40 million to the Western Roads Upgrade Program (WRUP) to support economic development and job sustainability in western Queensland.
Some significant road projects over the past two budgets include:
“It’s the Palaszczuk Government that is creating jobs and delivering for Queensland after the Newman-Nicholls Government slashed roads funding by $600 million and stalled road infrastructure across Queensland,” Mr Bailey said.
“This includes a 37 per cent cut to the Transport Infrastructure Development Scheme (TIDS) which provides vital funding to local governments for the development of transport related infrastructure.
“In our first budget, the Palaszczuk Government committed an additional $30 million per year for TIDS which increased the ongoing base investment to $70 million per year. That commitment was extended for a further three years in last year’s budget.
“We’re also committed to creating local jobs and training across the state and that is why TMR has accelerated $144.6 million in directly delivered infrastructure projects as part of this Accelerated Works Program to help promote local contractor engagement and employment.
“Our record is clear. The Palaszczuk Government builds while the LNP cuts.
“I look forward to announcing further roads projects in our upcoming Budget which will have a strong focus on creating and supporting Queensland jobs.”