Federal Member for Fisher Andrew Wallace said that this was yet another example of the Federal Government moving quickly to support jobs on the Sunshine Coast with meaningful investments that will improve safety.
“The Morrison Government has mandated that these upgrades on some of our region’s most heavily used roads must be completed by 30 June 2021. With on-going economic uncertainty caused by COVID-19 in our region, we understand the need to get meaningful, job-creating projects underway today.” Mr Wallace said.
The upgrades will include the installation of a new wide centre line treatment on Kawana Way Link Road and upgrades to the pedestrian underpass, including new safety fencing, on Nicklin Way at Minyama. They come in addition to the $1.54 million of local Sunshine Coast road safety upgrades announced by Mr Wallace in December.
“Right now, the Morrison Government is supporting billions of dollars of road safety upgrades on the Bruce Highway, and on smaller roads in Conondale, Glenview, Mooloolaba, Kawana, Golden Beach, Minyama and more all over our region. We are targeting projects which will make a real difference to road safety in our region and which we can get started immediately. Collectively, these works will support jobs, construction businesses and economic growth across the Sunshine Coast.” he said.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the latest works across Queensland will improve safety and support around 950 jobs.
“This funding will deliver key lifesaving improvements such as shoulder sealing, rumble strips to alert drivers they are moving out of their lane, median treatments to prevent head-on collisions and barriers to prevent run-off-road crashes and protect against roadside hazards,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.
“Road safety is everyone’s responsibility and the Australian Government is playing our part by investing heavily in road safety upgrades across Queensland.”
“This is all about getting Queenslanders home sooner and safer whilst we also create more jobs during this difficult economic time.”
Assistant Minister for Road Safety and Freight Transport Scott Buchholz said road safety was a key priority for the Australian Government and this investment in road upgrades would provide a boost to the economy while ensuring Australians can get home sooner and safer.
“Making our roads safer is a critical component of our work to reduce deaths and serious injuries on our roads and move towards achieving Vision Zero – or no deaths or serious injuries on our roads,” Mr Buchholz said.
“Projects are already underway through the $500 million Targeted Road Safety COVID-19 stimulus package and this additional funding complements that work, resulting in an even greater roll-out of improved infrastructure and roads right across the nation.”
“Queensland unfortunately saw a 26 per cent increase in road deaths in 2020, despite the falls in traffic due to the pandemic.”
“We all know we must collectively do better – and this funding is part of our Government’s unwavering commitment to doing our bit to get all Queenslanders home sooner and safer.”
The program will be delivered in three, six-month tranches. In total, the Australian Government has approved up to $225 million and the Queensland Government a further $64.6 million to fund the state-wide upgrades.
“This funding is subject to “use it or lose it” provisions which means these projects must be delivered in the next six months. If they are not, these funds will be reallocated to another state because the Federal Government means business.” Mr Wallace said.
For more information on the Australian Government’s road safety initiatives, visit www.officeofroadsafety.gov.au.
