THE federal election campaign came to Mount Isa on Tuesday with deputy prime minister Barnaby Joyce and Northern Australian minister Senator Matt Canavan in town to announce funding to upgrade the Barkly Highway at city intersections.
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“This five million dollars allows for people travelling through the town of Mount Isa to have the same road conditions they would expect in other parts of Australia,” Mr Joyce said.
“This is to ensure tourists don’t put themselves or others in Mount Isa in danger.”
The upgrades will include the provision of new pedestrian facilities, westbound right hand turning lanes, improvements to eastbound right-hand turning lanes, improved line markings and median strip reconfiguration.
New signalisation and signal reprogramming would also improve heavy vehicle movements through the city.
Mr Joyce said the improvements built on the Coalition’s investment for northern Queensland on the back on the announcement to upgrade the Hann Hwy (see page 3).
Senator Canavan said they were strengthening economic development and creating jobs in the north.
“There’s a lot of people talking about building roads and building dams but we’ve got a team that’s actually putting money on the table to do it,” Senator Canavan said.
“We need to take the next step and invest in places like Cave Hill (dam) and also the Mount Isa Tennant Creek railway line which we’re looking into.”
Mount Isa Mayor Joyce McCulloch said she welcomed the Coalition election promise of improved road conditions for the region.
“It is certainly time that both major parties acknowledge the importance of delivering services and infrastructure to North Queensland,” Cr McCulloch said.
“Mount Isa and the North deserve greater recognition from the Federal Government in terms of roads and water storage projects, with both being critical in Northern Development.
“The commitment was a positive step forward, but promises must be kept following election if we are serious about developing the massive potential in North Queensland’s agriculture, freight and tourism industries.”
Derek Barry
Editor of the North West Star Mount Isa since January 2016. Prior to that, an editor at several regional southern Queensland newspapers. Passionate about telling local stories. Comes with a strange accent to due an Irish accident of birth.
Editor of the North West Star Mount Isa since January 2016. Prior to that, an editor at several regional southern Queensland newspapers. Passionate about telling local stories. Comes with a strange accent to due an Irish accident of birth.
