Motorists and heavy vehicle drivers travelling along the around 450 kilometre stretch of the Carnarvon Highway between St George, Surat, Injune and Rolleston in Queensland are now benefitting from a suite of safety works recently completed under Round Five of the Australian Government’s Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the completion of the works was a major milestone for users of the highway – a major inland freight route alternative to the Bruce Highway.
"The $28.54 million worth of upgrades to this key freight route have delivered a wider and safer two-lane highway," Mr McCormack said.
"The improvements are in line with Australian Government’s commitment to delivering projects that improve the productivity and safety of heavy vehicle operations in this area of Queensland."
Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey said the upgrades were funded under a joint agreement with the Australian Government.
"This is another good example of two levels of government working together for the community, local industry and Queensland jobs," Mr Bailey said.
"Between St George and Surat, sections of the road have been widening to nine metres with a further 16 kilometres of highway between Injune and Rolleston widened to 10 metres.
"This upgrade of the Carnarvon Highway supported 47 jobs during construction and delivers a safer, more efficient highway for local motorists and the freight operators who help keep Queensland’s economy moving."
Federal Member for Maranoa David Littleproud said the Australian Government was pleased to be able to contribute $14.27 million towards the upgrades.
"Helping regional communities is what we do and we’re proud to do it," Mr Littleproud said.
"These were important projects for our region because efficient transport links are essential to keep local industries and businesses in our regional economies thriving.
"These works also help to reduce transport costs, resulting in cheaper products for consumers."
Queensland’s Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries Mark Furner said a safer, more efficient Carnarvon Highway would help boost Queensland’s export productivity.
"The Carnarvon Highway is critical infrastructure for local farmers and freight operators," Mr Furner said.
"Our partnership with the Australian Government delivers reliability for producers who can now get their goods to market faster to ensure Queensland’s produce maintains its world-wide reputation for freshness and competitiveness."
The $28.54 million safety upgrades were jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland governments on a 50:50 basis.
The Australian and Queensland governments have each committed a further $3.64 million towards additional improvements on the Carnarvon Highway at Upper Dawson and St George under Round Six of the Australian Government’s Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program.
