The Australian Government has unlocked $14,400,000 in funding to upgrade the Peak Downs Highway between Mackay and Eton, paving the way for construction to begin later this year.
The Australian and Queensland Governments have unlocked $18 million in total funding, with the Queensland Government contributing $3,600,000.
Federal Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry said the road between Mackay and Eton had a reputation for being dangerous and the Federal Government’s 80 per cent funding is going a long way in making regional roads safer.
“Since I was elected in 2013 to represent Capricornia, motorists have told me how dangers and precarious this stretch of road is and the Federal Government is leading the charge to fix this problem road.
“Improving safety and access along the highway will provide a much-needed boost to key Queensland industries such as mining and agriculture while ensuring locals remain reliably connected to jobs and services.
“The Peak Downs Highway is a critical commuter and freight link that connects key mining and agricultural communities and businesses in the Central Highlands and Bowen Basin districts to markets and service industries,” Ms Landry said.
“We see a significant volume of freight, including oversize and over-mass vehicles, along this road – meaning this upgrade will help ensure they get home safely at the end of each day after their critical work keeping our state’s economy moving and shelves stocked.”
The $18 million Peak Downs Highway (Mackay to Eton) project is jointly funded, with the Australian Government committing $14.4 million and the Queensland Government $3.6 million.
The project is part of the Australian Government’s $500 million nationwide Targeted Road Safety Works package, which is funding projects on state or territory roads to improve road user safety that can be completed within 12 months, providing an immediate boost to the economy and local jobs.
Federal funding for road projects in the Mackay region include:
- $189 million Peak Downs Highway Safety Works project is expected to wrap up construction later this year
- $166.2 million federally funded.
- $166.2 million federally funded.
- The $18 million Mackay and Eton connection of the Peak Downs Highway is starting construction in late 2020.
- $14.4 million federally funded.
- $14.4 million federally funded.
- The jointly funded $150 million Walkerston Bypass project is expected to commence construction early next year.
- $120 million federally funded.
For more information, visit https://investment.infrastructure.gov.au/infrastructure_investment/infrastructure_investment_response_covid-19/targeted_road_safety_works.aspx
