Proposed projects aims to provide alternative for freight transport when Bruce Highway floods.
The Liberal National Party (LNP) in Queensland has promised a series of road upgrades that it says will create a viable inland alternative to the flood-prone Bruce Highway.
Premier Campbell Newman says one focus of his party’s bid for re-election at the January 31 state poll is the need to keep Queensland’s communities connected at all times.
“While we are working closely with the Federal Government to upgrade the Bruce Highway, another route is vital for families and freight when the highway is cut along the coast,” he says.
“That’s why a re-elected LNP Government will deliver upgrades to the Gregory Developmental Road, Gregory, Burnett and New England highways, creating jobs in regional communities and securing a new safe year-round travel option.
“These projects will ensure crucial freight and emergency assistance can be delivered when the Bruce Highway is cut off due to flooding or [when] a natural disaster strikes.”
But the Labor opposition says it doubts the LNP’s ability to fund its infrastructure plans.
“The Newman Government continues to make these grand promises that are all predicated on asset sales,” Labor’s deputy leader Tim Mulherin says.
“The problem is the Premier has admitted that he may not be able to sell all of the assets he wants – that means projects like this are far from guaranteed.”