A $38 million package to get started on early works on the Central Queensland Beef Roads project has been released as part of an overall half-billion commitment from the state and federal governments.
The network covers roughly 218,000 square kilometres and helps support the movement of $1.7 billion of freight and agricultural produce – largely beef – each year, while also aiding the tourism, critical minerals and renewable energy sectors.
The first round of projects selected as part of the wider package address immediate critical needs through the widening and sealing of road to provide all-weather access and improve productivity and safety.
The early works package consists of the upgrade of:
- 2.7 kilometres of Clermont-Alpha Road East
- 3.0 kilometres of Clermont-Alpha Road West
- 4.8 kilometres of Fitzroy Developmental Road
- 5.7 kilometres of Alpha-Tambo Road
- 7.6 kilometres of May Downs Road
“Queensland’s beef roads are as essential to the state as the cattle industry itself, which is why we’re getting on with delivering these critical upgrades,” Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King says.
“We know there is still work to do, but this first set of projects will make the roads wider, smoother and above all, safer for all road users.
“This is good for our nation’s freight productivity, good for central Queenslanders, and good for our truckies who use these roads every day.”
A 10-year investment strategy is being developed for the Beef Roads project that will identify short, medium and long-term priorities and guide future investment decisions in consultation with local councils, industry stakeholders and the state government.
Construction on this package is expected to begin in mid-2025 and be completed by mid-2027.
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