The federal and Queensland government have fast-tracked $185 million in regional Queensland roadworks.
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Works to seal roads, build overtaking lanes, upgrade intersections and improve safety will start sooner under an agreement on 22 jointly-funded regional roads projects.
Key regional routes targeted for works include the Flinders Highway, Kennedy Developmental Road (Hann Highway), Carnarvon Highway, Dawson Highway and Dawson Developmental Road (Springsure - Tambo), Gulf Developmental Road, Gregory Highway and Gregory Developmental Road, Balonne Highway, Gore Highway, Proserpine - Shute Harbour Road and the local government-controlled Floraville Road in Burke Shire.
Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack said the early works projects would be delivered on corridors identified under the Roads of Strategic Importance initiative.
"As the effects of COVID-19 ripple through our economy, it is vital all levels of Government work together to support jobs, drive economic growth and build stronger and safer regional communities," Mr McCormack said.
"Delivering early works through the ROSI initiative will give regional Queensland communities access to new projects and jobs."
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the agreement reached in November last year meant this infrastructure could be brought forward.
"The combined value of these early works upgrades on Queensland's key inland freight corridors is worth about $185 million over the next four years," the Premier said.
"We'll talk with the local councils through the Regional Roads and Transport Groups and other key industry stakeholders who use those corridors to identify projects that can be prioritised within the remaining ROSI corridor allocations."
Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said the Queensland Government had identified projects which could start in the coming 12 months, while further consultation continued to develop 10-year ROSI corridor investment strategies.
"My department has identified a range of critical projects on each of those corridors including bridge replacements, road sealing and widening and intersection upgrades that can get started earlier while we're consulting on the longer-term priorities," he said.
"Council workforces and local contractors will benefit from these contracts too.
"It's also good news for the freight industry which relies heavily on key inland corridors because it means earlier investment will make these roads safer and more flood resilient."
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