Upgrades to some of the region’s most important roads have been given the green light today with more than $4.5 million in funding allocated as part of the Morrison Government’s Roads to Recovery Program.
Federal Leichhardt MP Warren Entsch said the latest round of funding was welcome news for residents across Far North Queensland who will be home sooner and safer with better-maintained roads throughout the region.
He said projects under the latest round of funding are due to be completed by June, 2020.
“The Roads to Recovery funding in Far North Queensland will allow councils across the area to progress a number of high-priority projects, using local knowledge to deliver the best local roads,” Mr Entsch said.
“The best aspect of this program is it is the councils that choose the road projects on which to spend their Roads to Recovery funding.
“These investments will deliver safer roads in local government areas throughout Far North Queensland.
“Good, safe roads are vital for our communities. They ensure our freight moves more efficiently, our traffic moves more smoothly and our drivers get to their destinations without accident or injury.”
Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack said the Morrison Government has committed an additional $100 million per year to the Roads to Recovery Program from 2019–20.
“From 2013–24, the government will deliver $6.1 billion under the Roads to Recovery Program, with an ongoing commitment of $500 million each year following,” Mr McCormack said.
“Whether it is roundabouts, turning lanes or traffic lights, this is real money to fix local roads, which local councils can spend on local priorities.”
The Australian Government supports local governments to provide vital infrastructure and services through Financial Assistance Grants, and the Bridges Renewal, Black Spot, Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity and Roads to Recovery programs.
The following projects have received funding in the latest round of the Roads to Recovery Program:
Aurukun Shire Council:
Tal Tal Street $67,186
Cairns Regional Council:
Balaclava Rd (between Mulgrave Rd and Watson St) $800,000
Swallow St (between Callum and Cochrane Sts) $500,000
Cairns Rd, (between Kern and George Sts) $530,000
Cook Shire Council:
Poison Creek Road $808,916
Oakey Creek Road $400,000
Jensens Crossing Road $70,000
Douglas Shire Council:
Warner Street $150,000
Melaleuca Drive, Cooya $124,337
Hope Vale Aboriginal Council:
Muni Street $63,728
Lockhart River Aboriginal Shire Council:
Taylors Boat Ramp Access Road $80,743
NPA Regional Council:
Ferry Road $80,000
Pormpuraaw Aboriginal Shire Council:
Pupwarrangan Street $73,203
Torres Strait Island Regional Council:
Airport Road, Erub Island $771,151