The development of better routes is on the government’s agenda
The Federal Government says it’s committed to enhancing freight routes across Australia, particularly improving access for the livestock industry.
After addressing members at the livestock and rural transporters association of Queensland recently, the federal government has committed $4.9 billion over 12 years until 2029-30 to upgrade key freight routes through the roads of strategic performance (ROSI) initiative.
The announcement comes after many of Australia’s key freight routes have been deemed impassable, particularly along the east coast, as torrential rainfall and floods decimated freight routes.
“Our government has not only committed to better infrastructure but has delivered it and we continue to deliver it,” federal assistant minister for freight transport Scott Buccholz says.
“Across the heavy vehicle sector the Federal Government is working hard to build better roads, improve safety, drive productivity and support profitability for the road transport sector.”
The federal government’s recent $1.137 billion investment into the Toowoomba Bypass is one example of their funding drive, as the upgrades removed the need for livestock and rural transport to travel through Toowoomba’s CBD.
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Other projects on the horizon under the pledge include an $800 million upgrade of the Bruce Highway from Cooroy to Curra and more work with the Queensland government to duplicate and upgrade the safety of the Capricorn Highway between Gracemere and Rockhampton.
“These works and the $600 million northern Australian roads program is delivering upgrades to high priority roads in northern Australia essential to the movement of people and particularly livestock,” Buccholz says.