Critical funding to upgrade Phillips Creek Bridge on Saraji Road near Dysart is facing the axe under Labor’s 90 Day Infrastructure Pipeline Review.
In February 2022, Federal Member for Capricornia, Michelle Landry, announced a $14.4 million commitment for the much-needed safety upgrades to the Phillips Creek Bridge.
The bridge is a key link between Dysart and Moranbah, with mining and agriculture businesses relying heavily on the key piece of infrastructure for the movement of commodities.
Phillips Creek Bridge, just one of hundreds of projects, is now heading towards the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development’s chopping block as part of her 90 Day Infrastructure Pipeline Review.
Member for Capricornia, Michelle Landry said Labor is demonstrating it doesn’t have a plan for the sustainable growth of our regions or the safety of our roads by threatening to cut local infrastructure projects.
“The Phillips Creek bridge is susceptible to not just flooding but is also a particularly dangerous stretch of road in western Capricornia. Just this morning there was a major accident on this section of road.
“A replacement bridge will support year-round access for the benefit of the businesses that depend on this key freight route. These improvements to safety and year-round accessibility would help our area to grow and prosper.
“The project would also provide an important economic boost for local communities, supporting an expected 42 jobs during construction and helping drive our region’s economic recovery.
“Unfortunately, the importance of keeping motorists safe and continuing the flow of our valuable assets is lost on the Federal Labor Government,” Ms Landry said.
Between 2013 and 2022, the Coalition committed more than $35.9 billion towards infrastructure projects in Queensland.
Funding programs up for review under the Labor razor gang include the Roads to Recovery, Bridges Renewal Program, Black Spot Program and the Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program.
“These programs are designed to help reduce vehicle accidents and eliminate dangerous sections of road. Unfortunately, we are seeing Labor’s clear contempt for regional Australians by cutting funding that would get them safely home to their family,” Ms Landry said.
Other projects under review in Capricornia include:
- Artillery Road and Greenlake Road Upgrades – Various upgrades for Artillery Road and Greenlake Road, including pavement widening and floodway upgrades. $6.2 million of funding delivered through Roads of Strategic importance.
- Dysart-Clermont Road Upgrade – Project includes pavement strengthening and widening. $1.3 million of funding delivered through Roads of Strategic Importance.
