Federal Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry has called on the Member for Keppel Brittany Lauga and Queensland Labor Senator for Queensland Murray Watt to explain their calls for federal funding to be brought forward for construction of the Rockhampton Yeppoon Road Duplication, when the Queensland Government hasn’t completed the business case for the project.
According to the Department of Transport and Main Roads website, the Rockhampton Yeppoon Road Duplication Project’s business case is expected to be finished between February 2021 and August 2021 (Read more: https://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/projects/yeppoon-road-upgrade-project).
Federal Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry questioned the claims made by both the Member and Senator.
“The Member for Keppel’s claims that construction on the Rocky Yeppoon Road can start this year is questionable, given the business case hasn’t even been completed yet.
“The falsehoods peddled by the Member for Keppel and Senator Watt regarding the Rocky Yeppoon Road is a new low.
“Federal funding is already flowing for projects across Capricornia, including $8 million for the Rocky Yeppoon Road Upgrade. This funding is approved, and it was at the request of Queensland Government. We approved what they asked for,” Ms Landry said.
Ms Landry said she will be writing a formal letter to Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey to clarify the delivery schedule of the Rocky Yeppoon Road.
“If the Queensland Government believe that federal funding will help expedite the construction process, the Minister needs to clarify the delivery schedule for the Rocky Yeppoon Road with the Deputy Prime Minister in formal communication channels.
“The rest of our funding stands ready to be delivered as required by the Queensland Government. Should they be able to deliver the project faster, we can align our funding to match the delivery schedule.
“This is not a matter of federal funding not being available, it is a matter of how fast the Queensland Government can actually deliver the project.
“If they need more federal funding, I am asking for Minister Bailey and the Member for Keppel to formally respond to my letter and tell the Federal Government of more opportunities for joint funding to be brought forward.
More Information
In late April, the Australian and Queensland governments announced the fast-tracking of 22 jointly funded projects worth $185 million as part of ROSI. Key regional routes targeted for works include the Flinders Highway, Kennedy Developmental Road (Hann Highway), Carnarvon Highway, Dawson Highway and Dawson Developmental Road (Springsure – Tambo), Gulf Developmental Road, Gregory Highway and Gregory Developmental Road, Balonne Highway, Gore Highway, Proserpine – Shute Harbour Road and the local government-controlled Floraville Road in Burke Shire. Of these early works, the Australian Government has already approved the following projects for delivery:
- Dawson Highway (Banana – Rolleston) Pavement Strengthening and Widening
- Dawson Developmental Road (Springsure – Tambo) Upgrade
- Carnarvon Highway and Arcadia Valley Road Intersection Upgrade
- Carnarvon Highway and Salmon Road Intersection Upgrade
- Carnarvon Highway and Castlereagh Highway Intersection Upgrade
- Carnarvon Highway – Orange Hill Safety Treatments
- Floraville Road – Culvert Replacement, and
- Kennedy Developmental Road – Progressive Sealing.
By bringing forward these important road projects we will drive jobs, boost the economy and make Queensland roads and highways safer, while reducing travel times so people can be with their families instead of being stuck in traffic. These infrastructure projects will also be crucial in helping us bounce back after the COVID-19 crisis by ensuring we have the safe transport connections needed for all of Australia to keep moving.
