INDUSTRY, jobs and rural economies will be the big winners from the Hann Hwy sealing project, according to Robbie Katter.
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The State Member for Mount Isa said the long-awaited funding announcement had wide-ranging benefits and was a “critical piece of nation-building infrastructure.”
“Rural towns along the route will also receive a much-needed boost to their economies - both in construction jobs, but also through traffic along the road in the long-term,” Mr Katter said.
Mr Katter said many industries would reap reward from the project.
“This investment spans across a number of industries and issues – from boosting employment, tourism, agriculture and horticulture to road safety and fatigue management of our long-haul drivers,” he said.
He said the safety and long-term financial benefits of the inland route were huge.
“One triple road train on the Hann Highway can take two B-Doubles off the Bruce Highway,” he said.
“This will lead to significant savings in road maintenance from Government, and also cutting costs for wear and tear on the vehicles of transporters.”
“Investing in the Hann Highway will no doubt pay for itself in the long run.”
Road Minister Mark Bailey said the work would seal the Hann Highway from The Lynd to Hughenden progressively over the next five years and would result in more than 50% of the road being sealed.
Mr Katter thanked Mr Bailey for committing $19.6 million to the project.
“This is real money in a budget, not a hollow promise at election time, like the Federal Government announcement,” he said.
“Investing in the Hann Highway spans across a number of industries and issues – from boosting employment, tourism, agriculture and horticulture to road safety and fatigue management of our long-haul drivers.”
“There is also the much-needed boost to the economies of our rural towns along the route.”
“I thank Minister Bailey for the vital contribution and also congratulate the hard work of key stakeholders such as the former mayors of Flinders and Etheridge Councils, Hughenden Chamber of Commerce and Advance Cairns, Hann Highway Action Group and NorthBEEF. There has been a huge amount of effort which has gone into reaching the commitment.”
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.
