The sealing of key cattle supply routes in North Queensland continues apace, with works under way on the Burke Developmental Road between Chillagoe and Almaden.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development
Michael McCormack said the works were part of the $100 million Northern Australia Beef Roads Program and jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland governments on an 80:20 basis.
"The Burke Developmental Road is a key route for cattle transport in northern Queensland, servicing a number of cattle producers in the region between Chillagoe and Almaden," Mr McCormack said.
Senator for Queensland Susan McDonald said once the project is completed, it will improve the efficiency of cattle supply chains by enhancing safety and reducing vehicle operating and maintenance costs.
"The bitumen seal will reduce the amount of loose stones that are propelled into passing vehicles, and increase livestock welfare by lessening stress that can be caused by road roughness and dust generation," Senator McDonald said.
Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said local residents and businesses would benefit from the project.
"The extended sealing of the Burke Developmental Road will improve reliability, reducing road closures and load limits during the wet season," Mr Bailey said.
Queensland Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries Mark Furner said Queensland's cattle industry is worth approximately $5 billion, and the beef processing sector alone supports 18,000 jobs.
"This industry is dependent on a reliable and efficient supply chain so our world-renowned produce can get to dinner tables here in Queensland and around the world," Mr Furner said.
The upgrade of the Burke Developmental Road between Chillagoe and Almaden will be delivered in two stages.
Stage 1 involves 3.45 kilometres of progressive sealing works on unsealed sections of the road between Chillagoe and Almaden. Stage 2 will seal 1.8 kilometres of the road to further improve safety and productivity on this important supply route in North Queensland.
Works are scheduled to be completed by December 2019, weather permitting.
The project is jointly funded with the Australian Government committing $5.97 million and the Queensland Government committing $1.49 million.
