The Australian and Queensland Governments have reached an agreement to get the first phase of construction for the Rockhampton Ring Road started in 2023, following the early works currently underway.
The agreement will see a $280 million package of construction works kick-off next year, including the upgrading of several connecting roads.
This will include upgrades to Boundary Road, McLaughlin Street, Monier Road Overpass and the Rockhampton-Yeppoon Road intersection.
It will also provide a connection for the future project to West Rockhampton, which will include an upgrade to Lion Creek Bridge plus connections to local roads.
The large package of works represent the start of a new construction phase for the project, and follows several months of close cooperation between the two governments to assess the best way to get the project moving. Construction will start in 2023.
This positive step for the project comes as early works for the Rockhampton Ring Road ramp up today, with standing up of power poles underway at Pink Lily to ready the new road corridor for construction.
After nearly a decade in Government, the Federal Liberals and Nationals failed to even start construction on the Ring Road.
The Albanese and Palaszczuk Governments have worked together since the October budget on this measure and are pleased to be able to deliver the new phase of this project.
Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King:
“We’ve always been committed to this project, and that’s why we kept funding in the forward estimates for it.
“I’m pleased to say we’ve reached a new funding agreement between the Queensland and Federal Governments to get the project underway.
“The Albanese Government is committed to Central Queensland, which is why the federal budget delivered $200 million in new funding for the Bruce Highway between Rockhampton and Gladstone, and $400 million in new funding for beef and cattle corridors which will include roads in Central Queensland.
“Our budget also delivered another $400 million towards the Inland Freight Route, the second Bruce Highway – taking the total to $800 million, plenty of which will go towards key roads in Central Queensland.”
Quotes attributable to Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey:
“Barry O’Rourke and Brittany Lauga have advocated strongly for this project to get underway as soon as possible.
“The reality is, we had a Federal LNP Government in power for almost a decade who did nothing but drag their feet on this road.
“Both the state and federal governments remain committed to the project and this new agreement is a very clear sign of that.
“I’d like to once against acknowledge the work Barry and Brittany have been doing behind the scenes to get work going on this project, our new plans wouldn’t be anywhere near as advanced as they are without their advocacy and hard work.”
Quotes attributable to State Member for Rockhampton Barry O’Rourke:
“I haven’t stopped fighting to bring the start date for major construction forward, so this new agreement between the State and Federal Governments is exciting to see.
“It’ll be a great sight to see these huge power poles going up in the corridor today, where the Rockhampton Ring Road will be built.
“Starting these major utilities works now means that we can get on with the job faster.
“The LNP Federal Government, which included Michelle Landry and Matt Canavan, was in office for almost a decade and did absolutely nothing on this road.
“But I’m glad to say the Palaszczuk Government is getting the early works going today.
“I want to see this project support as many local workers and contractors as possible, and this new agreement secures that.”
Quotes attributable to State Member for Keppel Brittany Lauga:
“These early works are key to the Rockhampton Ring Road project, and will help us get on the job faster once heavy construction starts.
“The Palaszczuk Government is funding the early works which get underway today and will continue into next year.
“This will help support local jobs and contractors, and the project long term – a brilliant outcome for our local community.
“It’s also great to see a new agreement between the state and federal government for the Rockhampton Ring Road which will see the first phase of construction getting underway next year.
“The works are part of a huge infrastructure pipeline in Central Queensland, which includes the $80 million Rockhampton – Yeppoon Road upgrade, and the $19 million upgrade of Rockhampton – Emu Park Road, with construction on both projects just around the corner.
“This means there is work on the way for our local contractors, and suppliers, and the project will be supporting jobs over the next 12 months.”
