The Federal Government has committed $33.7 million for 16 regional road improvement projects, from the Lower Eyre Peninsula in South Australia, Rockhampton in Queensland, through to the Shire of Merredin in Western Australia.
More than $18.8 million will support the upgrade of old and worn timber bridges to modern structures that can take more weight, are better equipped for major weather events, and are safer for both vehicles and pedestrians, said Minister for Regional Development and Local Government, Kristy McBain.
“Our regional road networks are ageing and under growing demand, which is why we continue to partner with local governments to get their targeted road improvements off the ground,” said Ms McBain.
“Projects sharing in this $33.7 million will make these local road networks safer, and also ensure that heavier freight vehicles can utilise direct routes to deliver essential products and services.
“When we work together, we get better outcomes, which is why we’ve significantly increased the road funding available to local councils.”
The projects earmarked for funding include:
- $5 million to replace the timber bridge on Purga School Road with an industry-standard two-lane structure in Purga, Queensland;
- Over $3 million to replace four single-lane bridges on Bass Valley Road in Poowong, Victoria;
- Over $1 million to construct a two-way concrete bridge on Brownlow Hill Loop Road in Brownlow Hill, NSW.
More than $14.8 million will support improvements to roads used in freight routes, including the installation of intersections, widening roads, sealing roads and installing safety barriers – to increase the productivity and safety of heavy vehicle operations.
Projects include:
- Almost $3 million to upgrade Carcuma Road in Coorong District, South Australia, allowing larger, more efficient trucks to use the road;
- Over $2.6 million to upgrade the Merredin Wheat Precinct in Western Australia, including intersection widening, closure of an intersection, auxiliary turning lanes, railway crossing widening and pavement strengthening;
- Over $2.5 million to upgrade a 3.4 kilometre section of Golconda Road between Little Forester River and North Blumont Road in Tasmania, including rebuilding key sections along with widening and other safety improvements.
“Without our truckies, Australia stops. That’s why we are investing in keeping them safe on our roads,” said Assistant Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Senator Carol Brown.
“Road safety is a shared responsibility. We all must do our part to ensure every road user gets home safely.
“We want to make our busiest freight routes safer for truckies and everyone using our roads.
“I am pleased to see another seven heavy vehicle safety projects come to life, which will increase safety and reliability for the trucking industry across Australia while bolstering access through local rural communities.”
The Government has established the $200 million Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program – which includes $50 million in additional funding – to support local councils continue to deliver high-priority road safety improvements. The program is now open for applications.
For more information, including the full list of successful projects, visit: Bridge Projects, Heavy Vehicle Safety Projects, Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program.
