Chair of the Inland Queensland Roads Action Plan (IQ-RAP) Working Group Cr Rick Britton has welcomed the Australian Government’s additional $160 million investment into the Outback Way.
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The Australian Government announced it will deliver another $160 million to seal and widen priority sections of the iconic Outback Way, taking the government’s total commitment to the route to $330 million over the past 20 years – a total of $390 million has been secured.
Cr Rick Britton said it demonstrated the importance of having a big vision to change things.
Cr Britton has been involved with the Outback Highway Development Council Inc. for the past decade in his role as Deputy Chair of the organisation and as Mayor of Boulia Council.
The Boulia Shire Council has also been involved with the organisation since it was formed in 1998.
“This also shows what can be achieved when stakeholders unite together around a common goal,” Cr Britton said.
The group of councils that make up the Outback Highway Development Council Inc. have continuously supported the development through both financial and in-kind support.
The organisation continuously lobbies for road upgrades and promotes tourism on the Outback Way.
“The IQ-RAP similarly addresses infrastructure needs and opportunities to drive productivity and develop new tourism,” Cr Britton said.
“The IQ-RAP project commenced in 2013 and has identified the 16,000 km of strategic freight and tourism routes across inland Queensland and the 3,000 km and 300 bridges that require upgrading over the next 18 years.
“The partnership and support of eight Regional Roads and Transport Groups, 33 local governments, five RDA Committees and RACQ to develop the IQ-RAP is a great example of united leadership and commitment to change.”
