Almost $20 million has been locked in for Cloncurry roads as part of the Palaszczuk Government's recently announced multi-million dollar COVID-19 roads package.
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Close to $11 million will be invested to upgrade the Burke Developmental Road bridge at Butcher Creek while another $8.5 million will go towards sealing Cloncurry-Dajarra Road, supporting 32 jobs as Queensland looks to supercharge its economy.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk visited the Butcher Creek bridge last year after the region was ravaged by severe weather, and said investing infrastructure was vital to the region's bounce back from both a flood recovery and COVID-19 perspective.
"Across government, we've been speaking to councils, industry and local businesses to energise our state's economy and create jobs crucial to tackling COVID-19's economic impacts head-on," Ms Palaszczuk said.
"Our $880 million Unite and Recover for Queensland Jobs plan, which also includes an additional $200 million for our signature Works for Queensland program, is about investing in Queensland infrastructure to create Queensland jobs."
Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said it built on $3 million already committed to sealing Cloncurry-Dajarra Road, and ongoing works along the Flinders Highway between Cloncurry and Julia Creek and major repairs to the Mount Isa railway line.
"Construction plays an essential role in keeping regional and remote communities like Cloncurry moving, and it's important for our farmers, truck drivers and rural communities that we don't lose that momentum."
Cloncurry Shire Mayor Greg Campbell said this funding would keep local civil contractors busy and greatly improve the safety and efficiency of the road network.
"It makes sense to focus on projects in the Cloncurry Shire, as we are a key area powering the State's economy recovery," Cr Campbell said.
"I am looking forward to Council delivering these projects for the benefit of our entire region."
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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.
