Federal Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry is calling on the Federal Government to deliver on the funding for the construction of the Rockhampton Ring Road and stop playing politics.
Labor’s first Budget has failed to deliver on $1.5 billion in regional and rural projects across Capricornia.
Central Queensland’s industry leaders who have already invested heavily in both equipment and staff in preparation for the vital project to start early in 2023, are outraged at the announcement.
“The failure of the Federal Government to deliver on this vital project is outrageous. This project has been coming for the past few years and for the Labor Government to announce that it will now be delayed by three years is completely unacceptable.
“The Prime Minister told Australians in 2019 that funding for the Rockhampton Ring Road was a certainty, he is now using the excuse of construction costs blowing out from $1 billion to $1.7 billion as to why it has been delayed. Well, I can assure Treasurer Chalmers that construction costs will be well and truly blown out in three years’ time.
“I met with the Department of Main Roads a few weeks ago and the project was set to go ahead on time.
“The royalties from the commodities in Central Queensland, coal, gas, and cattle fund the state of Queensland. A fair portion of that money needs to be poured back into the region and into important infrastructure projects such as the Rockhampton Ring Road. We are the only major city along the east coast that does not have a bypass or ring road.
“Given that 2600 trucks pass through Rockhampton during peak traffic times each day, the ring road will alleviate the traffic congestion for people driving to work or taking their children to and from school.
“The Labor Government have underestimated the community of Capricornia, in particular the local businesses that have spent their hard-earned money and time preparing for the job to start.
“I am encouraging the community of Capricornia to attend the Rockhampton Ring Road Rally that will be held on Friday 4th November at 777 Yaamba Road, Parkhurst at 10.30am. Come along and support the region’s efforts to see the delivery of this much needed funding,” Ms Landry said.
