AgForce Queensland has laid out its priorities for the the next Queensland election.

Unlocking key strategic trade routes was the big ticket item said Agforce Queensland CEO, Mike Guerin. 

This required further infrastructure investment and maintenance into Queensland’s priority roads and bridges, said Mr Geurin.

“The truth is that Government investment in road infrastructure hasn’t kept pace with development in regional communities, rural industries, or farm machinery and technology – astonishing, considering that nearly half of the State’s economy is generated outside greater Brisbane” he said. 

“At this difficult time in our economy, continuing investment into strategic freight networks will be important for jobs as well as industry, tourism and communities.

“Further investment commitments will allow the vision of IQ-RAP to be realized. The IQ-RAP (Inland Queensland Roads Action Project) vision is to increase the quality and accessibility of the inland Queensland road network, contributing to Australia’s productivity, quality of life, safety and equity outcomes.”

The ability to access markets when the price was right and the produce ready was essential for financial success” said Jane McNamara, Deputy Chair, IQ-RAP Working Group. 

“Investment into roads has a very significant multiplier effect in terms of benefits,” she said.

“Investment can immediately catalyse local construction jobs in each of our communities; businesses will benefit through better and more reliable road quality that ensures greater productivity and efficiency; more areas will open up to tourists; and there will be better safety outcomes for all road users.”

IQ-RAP Partners have requested commitments from each Party to endorse the Inland Queensland Road Network Strategy, invest $200m into currently unfunded priorities across the 28 local government areas, and progress detailed planning for the identified priorities. 

Regional Development Australia Townsville and North West Queensland (RDA) has provided secretariat and project management to IQ-RAP since 2013.

The project covers 70 per cent of Queensland across 28 local government areas. Partners include 28 local governments, five Regional Development Australia committees and RACQ.