The Queensland State Government will provide $5 million in funding to seal sections of local roads, supplementing the $40 million Western Road Upgrade Package to improve safety and productivity.
“In the Blackall – Tambo Shire Council area, more than six kilometres of the Blackall – Jericho Road will be paved and surfaced through a $3 million project,” Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Mark Bailey, said.
“This project is in addition to more than $850,000 of resurface works and maintenance delivered on this road in 2017-18.”
There is also planned allocations of $1 million by the Outback Regional Roads and Transport Group (ORRTG) from the State Government funded Transport and Development Scheme (TIDS) for more pave and surface works over the next four years.
In the Barcoo Shire Council area, a further 4km will be paved and surfaced on the Jundah – Quilpie Road, with $2 million committed for this project.
Barcoo Shire Mayor, Bruce Scott, said, “It’s certainly going to enhance travel times for tourists and industry along these roads as well as addressing safety issues.
“It’s wonderful news for the continuity of employment in the Barcoo shire and will help build the Central West’s economic viability.”
Minister Bailey said the investment in regional infrastructure would improve travel times and safety by reducing the length of unsealed sections on these roads.
“There will be less dust and better visibility, providing more resilient roads between communities,” Mr Bailey said.
“The additional surface sections will also support the movements of cattle-loaded road trains, providing improved access from organic sale and spelling yards in Blackall to markets and export facilities further east.
“Infrastructure projects are important for the continuity of employment in regional and rural communities. This $5 million investment will support jobs in the Blackall-Tambo Regional Council and Barcoo Shire Council areas.”
