Rockhampton Regional Council has welcomed today’s agreement between the Federal and Queensland Governments on a schedule for the start of construction of the Rockhampton Ring Road.
Mayor, Tony Williams said the agreement to commence the first phase of construction in 2023 was a “wonderful result for Council, community members, local politicians, and business leaders alike”.
“The Ring Road is vital for Rockhampton and vital to improve traffic and network flow along the Bruce Highway,” Mayor Williams said.
“Council has had a crystal-clear position on the importance of the Ring Road and why we need it to proceed as soon as practicable and be delivered in full.
“I was in Canberra only a fortnight ago meeting with Ministers, Senators and Shadow Ministers to lobby for this project.
“I was encouraged by those discussions and am very pleased with today’s announcement and the Government’s commitment for a $280 million package of construction works kicking off next year, including the upgrade of several connecting roads.
The agreement will see a $280 million package of construction works kick-off next year, including the upgrading of several connecting roads.
This will include upgrades to Boundary Road, McLaughlin Street, Monier Road Overpass and the Rockhampton-Yeppoon Road intersection.
It will also provide a connection for the future project to West Rockhampton, which will include an upgrade to Lion Creek Bridge plus connections to local roads.
“A huge thank you goes out to Minister Murray Watt, Federal Minister Catherine King, Queensland Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey and all of our local MPs that have gotten us to this stage,” said Mayor Williams.
“I would also like to acknowledge and thank our passionate community and industry leaders who have been standing by our sides and calling for this project to come to fruition.
“We have worked so hard for this, and now together we will see the long-lasting benefits this project will have on our economy and community over the next 100 years.”
Minister King said the package of works represent the start of a new construction phase for the project.
“We’ve always been committed to this project, and that’s why we kept funding in the forward estimates for it,” she said.
Minister Bailey said the new agreement was a clear sign of both governments’ commitment to the project.
“Barry O’Rourke and Brittany Lauga have advocated strongly for this project to get underway as soon as possible,” he said.
