The Coalition Government has committed $400 million to seal more than 450 kilometres of Queensland roads and contribute to upgrading heavy vehicle corridors critical to the transport of cattle and beef.
Improving the roads will improve supply chains and means suppliers will be able to enter more markets faster, generate more economic activity and create more jobs.
Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce said the Central Queensland region was home to one quarter of Australia’s beef herd with economic activity and jobs covering all aspects of the beef production system.
“The value of beef production in Australia is forecast to increase 8 per cent to a record $15.7 billion in 2021-22 and it is essential that we put the infrastructure in place to support this massive industry,” the Deputy Prime Minister.
“Central Queensland is incredibly important to the success of our nation’s beef industry and sealing these roads will unlock greater economic opportunities for the region.”
Seven Queensland Councils critical to Australia’s beef industry have worked closely together to prioritise the most important roads that will make the biggest difference to supply chains in the region: Central Highlands Regional Council, Banana Shire, Barcaldine Regional Council, Woorabinda Aboriginal Shire Council, Gladstone Regional Council, Rockhampton Regional Council and Isaac Regional Council.
“I congratulate the Councils for their vision and collaboration to develop a strategic plan that will grow Central Queensland’s massive beef industry for years to come,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.
“Only a Coalition Government truly values the enormous contribution that regional Australia makes to our economy and will commit to the major infrastructure required to maximise economic opportunities in our regions.”
$300 million will be provided to seal 457 kilometres of partially unsealed roads, with the remaining $100 million to extend heavy vehicle corridors along the Dawson, Leichhardt and Burnett Highways.
The Coalition Government will fund up to 80 per cent of the total project costs in partnership with the Queensland Government and local governments.
Minister for Agriculture and Northern Australia David Littleproud said getting produce to market quicker and safer means farmers will have reduced costs and greater returns.
“A Coalition Government will continue to give regional and rural Australia the tools to thrive so they can provide the best food and fibre in the world,” Minister Littleproud said.
Federal Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry said the beef road corridors form a strategic web of resources and agricultural supply chains from east to west.
“Queensland is a resources and agricultural powerhouse. Sealing and upgrading will unlock more cotton, grain, cattle, fresh produce, coal, oil, gas and other valuable commodities for exporting,” Ms Landry said.
“The Coalition commitment of $400 million to seal and upgrade these critical roads is a massive boost for not only Capricornia but all of Central Queensland.”
LNP Candidate for Flynn Colin Boyce welcomed the funding announcement.
“Every day I am out there fighting for more investment in Flynn’s road infrastructure because I know how important it is to this region,” Mr Boyce said.
“From north to south, east to west, the beef industry is a major economic contributor to communities throughout Flynn and its success depends on being able to transport stock efficiently and safely from point A to point B.
“Upgrading these key roads is an important investment in the sustainability and ongoing success of the region’s beef sector and will help maintain and create jobs in every single one of our communities.”
This commitment forms part of the Coalition Government’s $7.1 billion Energy Security and Regional Development Plan, which includes $1.7 billion for projects to drive economic growth across North and Central Queensland.
This funding also builds on $35.9 billion for Queensland infrastructure committed by the Coalition Government since 2013-14.
$3.9 billion was committed to Queensland infrastructure projects in the 2022-23 Budget which is expected to support more than 11,000 jobs over the life of the projects.
Only the Coalition Government has a plan to continue delivering a strong economy and a stronger future for rural and regional Australia.
In contrast, Labor has no plans to increase employment opportunities, infrastructure or the cost of living in Queensland.
Roads to be upgraded and sealed:
| Name of road |
| Clermont – Alpha Rd |
| May Downs Road |
| Kilcummin – Diamond Downs Road |
| Alpha – Tambo Rd |
| Dawson Developmental Rd |
| Fitzroy Developmental Rd (Bauhinia – Duaringa) |
| Fitzroy Developmental Rd (Taroom – Bauhinia) |
| Duaringa – Apis Creek Rd |
| Glenroy Road Corridor (incl. Crossing) |
