Record spend two years in a row on road and transport projects
21 June 2017
The Palaszczuk Government is delivering a record spend on road and transport infrastructure for the second year in a row with today’s Queensland Transport and Roads Investment Program (QTRIP) 2017-18 to 2020-21 outlining close to $21 billion of investment over the next four years.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Transport Jackie Trad and Minister for Main Roads, Road Safety and Ports Mark Bailey said the $21 billion funding through QTRIP was a massive investment in the state’s transport future and job creation and was around $1 billion higher than the previous QTRIP.
“This year’s Budget reiterates the Palaszczuk Government’s absolute commitment to providing a great public transport and road network for all Queenslanders,” Ms Trad said.
“QTRIP doesn’t just deliver great transport, it will also support nearly 17,000 direct jobs over the life of the four year program.
“In the 2017-18 financial year we will invest $4.32 billion to continue the great work across the state and ensure we have the infrastructure to address the needs of our growing state.
“In my portfolio we are heavily investing in public transport with the 2017-18 Budget allocating $233.5 million to complete Stage 2 of the Gold Coast Light Rail.
“There will be a $240 million injection over four years to deliver the infrastructure that will ensure a more reliable, safe and accessible public transport network.
“There will also be $16.6 million for eligible bus operators as part of the Queensland School Bus Upgrade Scheme.”
Mr Bailey said the Budget showed the Palaszczuk Government’s commitment to key infrastructure projects across the state.
“The Palaszczuk Government has reaffirmed its commitment to our road infrastructure network across the State, delivering key road projects such as the two Pacific Motorway upgrades (Gateway Motorway Merge and Mudgeeraba to Varsity Lakes), Ipswich Motorway Rocklea to Darra upgrade, Gateway Upgrade North, Bruce Highway upgrades, Toowoomba Second Range Crossing, Gold Coast Commonwealth Games Road Upgrades and Cape York Regional Package,” Mr Bailey said.
“With the significant impacts from Cyclone Debbie felt earlier this year, funding of $105 million has been allocated in 2017-18 to undertake restoration works to the transport network across Queensland.
“We continue to support the Northern Australian Roads Programme and Northern Australia Beefs Roads Programme to deliver high priority projects to support the economic development in Northern Queensland.
“This is on top of funding for Mackay Ring Road (Stage 1), realignment of the Peak Downs Highway at Eton Range, and upgrading of timber bridges on the Dawson Highway.
The Palaszczuk Government is also continuing to provide a boost to local governments and confidence to plan infrastructure that sustains local employment, with a commitment of $280 million over four years to the 50:50 state/local government Transport Infrastructure Development Scheme.
Budget highlights:
- Queensland Transport and Roads Investment Program (QTRIP) – approximately $21 billion over four years ($4.32 billion for 2017-18)
- Bruce Highway Upgrades - $5.59 billion over four years in joint funding ($510.5 million for 2017-18)
- Targeted road safety programs - $538 million over four years ($127.7 million for 2017-18)
- More than $6 million for extension of Local Fare Scheme for further two years
- $2 million to expand the Local Fare Scheme to Weipa, Mornington Island and Doomadgee for a one year trial.
2017-18 QTRIP Major Projects:
- $252.5 million towards the Toowoomba Second Range Crossing, totalling $1.606 billion
- $236.3 million towards the Gateway Motorway North six laning, totalling $1.143 billion
- $233.5 million to deliver Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 2, totalling $420 million
- $120 million to duplicate Bruce Highway between Caloundra Road and Sunshine Motorway, totalling $929.3 million
- $105 million to undertake restoration works under Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements
- $70 million towards construction of Mackay Ring Road (Stage 1), total estimated $497.8 million
- $39.7 million to complete upgrading of various Gold Coast roads in preparation for Commonwealth Games, totalling $160.7 million
- $44.4 million to duplicate the Warrego Highway, Charlton to Kingsthorpe, totalling $160 million
- $36 million to construct additional lanes on Stage 1 of the Ipswich Motorway between Rocklea to Darra, totalling $400 million
- $5 million towards duplicating the Capricorn Highway between Rockhampton and Gracemere, totalling $75 million
- $18.6 million to construction additional lanes on the Pacific Motorway between Mudgeeraba and Varsity Lakes
- $10 million to upgrade the Pacific Motorway/Gateway Motorway merge
- $16 million to seal sections of the Kennedy Developmental Road between Hughenden and The Lynd, totalling $50 million
- $16.3 million to replace the bridge and approaches for flood immunity at Cape River on the Gregory Developmental Road, totally $34.6 million
- $16.8 million to replace timber bridges on the Dawson Highway, totalling $40 million under our State Infrastructure Fund
- $39.1 million to continue upgrades to Peninsula Developmental Road as part of the $260.5 million Cape York Regional Package
- $14.4 million upgrade of the Helensvale Bus Facility
- $500,000 to continue preliminary design of the $150 million Walkerston Bypass, on the Peak Downs Highway west of Mackay
- $4 million towards the $20 million Mount Lindesay Highway upgrades between Browns Plains and Beaudesert, with a further $20 million state funding committed to widen the highway to four lanes between Rosia Road and Stoney Camp Road in QTRIP.
--ENDS--
Source: Queensland Government - www.statements.qld.gov.au
Contact:
Deputy Premier’s Office Anna Jabour 0429 890 942
Minister Bailey’s Office Zoe Russell 0428 073 640
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