The Blackwater-Rolleston Road is now fully sealed, thanks to an $8.1 million jointly funded investment by the Queensland Government and Central Highlands Regional Council (CHRC).
Minister for Rural Economic Development Bill Byrne said improved road safety and accessibility for all road users were the drivers behind the Central Queensland works.
“The project included not only surfacing the Blackwater-Rolleston Road, but also improving drainage during wet weather, and roadside vegetation clearing for better visibility for motorists,” Mr Byrne said.
“This major inland arterial route is used by locals, tourists and industry alike, and ensuring accessibility year round will be of great benefit to the region.”
Minister Byrne said the government directly invested $5.4 million, with a further $1.6 million sourced from the Queensland Government’s Transport Infrastructure Development Scheme (TIDS).
“TIDS provides regional councils like CHRC with another avenue to jointly fund important local projects which promote regional development,” he said.
“The Palaszczuk Government reconfirmed its commitment to TIDS in this year’s Budget after the previous LNP government gutted the program.
“$70 million will be invested in 2017-18 and $280 million over four years across the state which means local governments will be able to fund the development of transport related infrastructure.
“This is more than a 90 per cent increase in funding compared to what the LNP committed in their last budget.”
CHRC Mayor Kerry Hayes, said the full surfacing of the Blackwater-Rolleston Road was a priority project for Council and they had invested $1.1 million in the project.
“Council recognise the link as a road of regional significance,” Cr Hayes said
“It will be particularly beneficial in times of flood, with the Blackwater-Rolleston Road an important access to Rolleston when the road is cut between Moura and Springsure.
“Stakeholders in the local beef and mining industries have welcomed the upgrade as it provides them with improved and more reliable access in and out of the region.”
“The final sealing of the Blackwater-Rolleston Road is a project which will have ongoing benefits for local communities and for Queensland overall,” Cr Hayes said.
The project to surface the Blackwater-Rolleston Road was delivered by CHRC on behalf of the Queensland Government.
Image: RACQ
