Mayors from across Queensland are calling for increased regional road funding, warning that many rural roads are deteriorating and need urgent upgrades.
Local government leaders have backed a campaign by the Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) urging the State Government to permanently increase funding for the Transport and Infrastructure Development Scheme (TIDS).
The LGAQ is seeking a long-term commitment to lift TIDS funding to $100 million annually in the upcoming State Budget.
The association says additional funding is needed to improve road safety, strengthen freight connections and support regional economic growth.
LGAQ chief executive Alison Smith said recent research highlighted the scale of the problem across Queensland’s road network.
“We need a long-term funding commitment to allow councils to work in genuine partnership with the State to build safer, more resilient road networks in the regions.”
“Well-maintained roads sit at the heart of a strong transport network that keeps people and freight moving efficiently, helping to underpin economic development.”
Regional roads under growing pressure
The call for increased regional road funding follows new data showing that the condition of many local roads is deteriorating.
According to the Queensland State of the Assets Report, nearly half of the State’s unsealed roads are either in poor condition or require repair.
The report also highlights concerns about ageing timber bridges and other infrastructure that present ongoing safety risks.
Smith said councils welcomed the State’s existing commitment of $75.95 million in TIDS funding through to 2027–28, but warned it was not enough to address the growing maintenance backlog.
“TIDS plays a vital role in supporting pavement rehabilitation and widening, new and upgraded pathways, the progressive sealing of unsealed roads, and targeted safety improvements across the state.”
“These projects improve access and reliability for agricultural producers, freight operators and regional industries by strengthening links to markets, processing facilities and transport hubs.”
Mayors warn safety and freight access are at risk
Regional mayors say road upgrades are critical to maintaining safe transport routes across Queensland.
Longreach Regional Council Mayor Tony Rayner said growing traffic volumes in western Queensland were placing additional pressure on the road network.
“Continuing to improve each of those roads is very important to enable people to drive safely to their destinations.”
Diamantina Shire Mayor Francis Murray said sealing gravel roads remained a priority in remote regions.
“We still have gravel roads out here. The sooner they’re sealed, the better.”
“It’s costing at least $1 million a kilometre to seal roads out here – and that keeps going up.”
Boulia Shire Mayor Rick Britton said narrow rural roads used by triple road trains, caravans and passenger vehicles created challenging conditions for motorists.
“It’s all about road safety… for some people, it’s pretty daunting when you leave Brisbane and come out here onto narrow roads with a car and caravan, and you see these massive triple road trains.”
Growing demand from population and tourism
Mayors across Queensland say infrastructure funding has not kept pace with rising costs, population growth and increasing tourism.
Somerset Regional Council Mayor Jason Wendt said construction costs had risen sharply in recent years.
“Road construction costs have increased around 30–40 per cent in the last three years in our region – this means that to build the same road, we need more funding.”
Logan City Council Mayor Jon Raven said population growth was also placing additional pressure on road networks.
“Both our long-term and new residents are crying out for more upgrades to our roads than rates alone can afford.”
In regional and remote areas, councils say roads remain the lifeblood of local communities.
Winton Shire Mayor Cathy White said road access was essential for agriculture and freight transport across the region.
“Our major industry is agriculture. Having safe roads to deliver our product across Queensland is vital for us. We all want to get home safe.”