The Australian and Queensland governments are continuing to invest in road safety with more than $18 million in joint funding unlocked to upgrade Beaudesert Beenleigh Road in Queensland.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the Australian Government committed $14.4 million to the project, which will deliver a series of targeted road safety works between Beaudesert and Wolffdene.
“This project highlights the Australian Government’s commitment to improving local roads under the $500 million Targeted Road Safety Works Program we announced in response to COVID-19,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.
“The improvements, which include improved signage and road widening, will benefit all residents, farmers and tourists who travel along Beaudesert Beenleigh Road.
“This funding is part of the Australian Government’s $100 billion, 10-year infrastructure pipeline which will support our economy and create jobs for Queensland as it bounces back from COVID-19.”
Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey said the region would reap the benefits of jobs generated from these works as well as other major projects like the $165 million Mount Lindesay Highway upgrades and $2.3 billion M1 upgrades.
“This project is expected to support around 60 jobs over the course of construction, which is crucial to easing the economic impact of COVID-19,” Mr Bailey said.
“Across the globe, economies including Queensland’s have felt the brunt of COVID-19 but because we’re managing those health impacts, we’re able to continue rolling out a record $23 billion pipeline of transport and road upgrades to create jobs throughout Queensland.”
Assistant Minister for Road Safety and Federal Member for Wright Scott Buchholz said the key benefits of this project included improving road safety, improving connectivity and improving freight efficiency.
“These improvements are about getting local residents home sooner and safer and reducing fatalities and serious injuries on our roads,” Mr Buchholz said.
“Unlocking this funding will mean shovels can hit the ground soon, with completion expected by mid-2021, weather permitting.”
Queensland Regional Development and Manufacturing Minister Glenn Butcher said there’s a long road ahead when it comes to COVID-19, and that the state government is focussed on Queensland’s plan for economic recovery – a laser-like focus on infrastructure, jobs, industry and business.
“Road transport is an important part of regional Queensland’s supply network and projects like this support freight, business and local communities to improve productivity, drive economic growth and create more local jobs,” Mr Butcher said.
Federal Member for Forde Bert van Manen said this was a great example of the Australian and Queensland governments working together for the public.
“Road safety is a national problem and I am proud that we are working together to decrease road trauma on our roads,” Mr van Manen said.
The project is jointly funded with the Australian Government committing $14.4 million and the Queensland Government committing $3.6 million.
