The Mining and Energy Union has welcomed a $157 million royalties-funded election commitment for Peak Downs Highway and Dysart-Middlemount Road announced by Labor candidate for Burdekin, Anne Baker.
Queensland District President Mitch Hughes said the proposal to strengthen and widen both roads, as well as build overtaking lanes on Peak Downs was a positive first step to fixing the state's most dangerous highways.
The union has been campaigning on this issue due to the dangers and other difficulties on Peak Downs Highway and other regional roads in and out of mining towns.
"Roads will be front of mind for mining communities in the lead up to the state election.
"Currently residents and commuting workers face the constant challenge of driving and dealing with a range of issues such as police escorted wide loads, road accidents, and other delays on deteriorating single-lane highways.
"There are an unacceptable number of dangerous accidents.
"The Union welcomes today's commitment as a first step to upgrading these key public roads, because multi-lane highways shouldn't only be for South East Queensland."
Mr Hughes said that ultimately the MEU would like to see a fit-for-purpose highway linking Central Queensland coastal centres to Moranbah and other mining towns.
"We will continue to campaign to ensure that the enormous value provided by mining regions is recognised and that coal royalties are invested back into our communities.
"Anne Baker has a lifetime of living in and representing mining communities and is well aware of the challenges. We welcome her announcement as a positive step forward to fixing our roads and supporting our mining communities."
