The Queensland Government is breaking ground on its first Country Roads Connect Project with sealing work commencing on the Jakelwar Goodooga Road North in the Balonne Shire, one of 22 roads roads to be upgraded across the state.
“Regional Queenslanders have told us they need roads they can count on in good weather and bad, and unlike Labor, we’re getting on with the job of delivering this for communities who rely on the road network every single day,” said Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Brent Mickelberg.
“Better roads mean better connectivity for producers and the freight industry, resulting in stronger economies for the regions.
“By sealing the final unsealed section near St George we are also giving the community piece of mind they can stay connected to school, work and local shops during the wet season, creating a better lifestyle for locals across the year.”
Minister for Regional and Rural Development, Dale Last said sealing roads was future proofing the lifelines of regional Queensland.
“Regional Queensland delivers so much for the state’s economy from mining to manufacturing and agriculture, and these country roads are the arteries that keep our vital industries connected and support thousands of jobs,” Minister Last said.
“Country Roads Connect is about improving the resilience and connectivity of the regional roads that were left to deteriorate for a decade under the former Labor Government.”
Balonne Shire Mayor, Samantha O’Toole welcomed the roads upgrade.
“Upgrading this route to a sealed standard will reduce ongoing repair costs, make freight movement more reliable and improve access for residents in all weather conditions, as well as for emergency crews in situations when every second counts,” Mayor O’Toole said.
The Country Roads Connect projects are as follows:
- Anderleigh Road, Gympie Regional Council
- Barmaryee Road, Livingstone Shire Council
- Bowen Developmental Road, Whitsunday Regional Council
- China Camp Road, Wujal Wujal Aboriginal Shire Council
- Cloncurry-Dajarra Road, Cloncurry Shire Council
- Cotherstone-Capella Road, Isaac Regional Council
- Daymar-Weengallon Road, Goondiwindi Regional Council
- Diamantina Developmental Road, Barcoo Shire Council
- Gayndah Mount Perry Road, North Burnett Regional Council
- Injune Road Project, Banana Shire Council
- Jakelwar – Goodooga Rd (North), Balonne Shire Council
- Jobs Gate Road, Paroo Shire Council
- Julia Creek-Taldora Road, McKinlay Shire Council
- Memerambi Barkers Creek Road, South Burnett Regional Council
- Murray Road, Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire Council
- Ootann Road, Mareeba Shire Council
- Richmond Winton Road, Richmond Shire Council
- Stanwell-Waroula Road, Rockhampton Regional Council
- Warra-Canaga Creek Road, Western Downs Regional Council
- Warri Gate Road, Bulloo Shire Council
- Wyntoon-Springton Road, Central Highlands Regional Council
- Yuleba Surat Road, Maranoa Shire Council.
