FEDERAL GOVERNMENT FUNDING FOR THE BRUCE HIGHWAY

Following Queensland Labor's announcement today on a potential “Second Bruce Highway”, the Australian Government is seeking further details on how and from where it would be funded.

The Australian Government has a strong $10 billion commitment to the existing Bruce Highway – money which is already allocated to several upgrades and projects.

That Federal money has already been committed – it is for Queensland Labor to explain which part of the existing Bruce Highway it wants to rip money from to fund today’s thought bubble.

In addition to $10 billion for the Bruce Highway, the Australian Government has invested significantly in the inland road network in Queensland to support the efficient and safe movement of people and freight, including more than $1 billion under the popular Roads of Strategic Importance program (ROSI).

We are investing in the infrastructure Queenslanders want, need, expect and deserve, including:

  • $100 million for the Townsville to Roma corridor – upgrading the Gregory and Carnarvon highways and feeder roads

  • $200 million for the Queensland section of the Tennant Creek to Townsville corridor – including the Kennedy Developmental Road

  • $254 million for the Mount Isa to Rockhampton corridor

  • $50 million for the Queensland section of the Toowoomba to Seymour corridor

  • $60 million for the Toowoomba to Ipswich corridor

  • $280 million towards 25 projects in Queensland under the Northern Australia Roads programs, including $40 million for the Kennedy Developmental Road.

  • $1.1 billion towards the recently completed Toowoomba Second Range Crossing

  • $828 million towards the Warrego Highway.

Making elections commitments is fine, but when you promise to spend money already allocated to existing projects, you need to be transparent about the communities from which you intend on stripping funding.

Shane Manning