Confirmation on Rockhampton Ring Road deal

The Australian and Queensland governments have set out initial details of a deal flagged late last week to allow the first phase of construction for the Rockhampton Ring Road to get underway in 2023. 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 Rd, McLaughlin St, Monier Rd 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. The package of works follows talks between the two governments after Budget support was pulled from the $1 billion-plus project in October. The Federal Government stated at that time that it could not be delivered in the expected timeframe, from 2023. Rockhampton Region Mayor Tony Williams said the governments’ agreement to commence the first phase of construction in 2023 was a wonderful result for the 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,” Cr 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." State Member for Keppel Brittany Lauga said the Palaszczuk Government was funding early works, which were getting underway now and would continue into next year. This includes the standing up of power poles at Pink Lily to ready the new road corridor for construction. “This will help support local jobs and contractors, and the project long term – a brilliant outcome for our local community," Ms Lauga said. “It’s also great to see a new agreement between the state and federal government for the Rockhampton Ring Road which will see the first phase of construction getting underway next year. “The works are part of a huge infrastructure pipeline in Central Queensland, which includes the $80 million Rockhampton – Yeppoon Road upgrade, and the $19 million upgrade of Rockhampton – Emu Park Road, with construction on both projects just around the corner. “This means there is work on the way for our local contractors, and suppliers, and the project will be supporting jobs over the next 12 months.” Keppel MP Brittany Lauga, Rockhampton Region Mayor Tony Williams,and Rockhampton MP Barry O’Rourke with Queensland Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey and Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King.

Confirmation on Rockhampton Ring Road deal

Industry Queensland

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