The Hon Michael McCormack MP
Deputy Prime Minister
Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development
Leader of The Nationals
Federal Member for Riverina
Phillip Thompson OAM MP
Federal Member for Herbert
The Hon Mark Bailey
QLD Minister for Transport and Main Roads
State Member for Miller
Aaron Harper MP
State Member for Thuringowa
Ringing In New Funding for Townsville
The last remaining two lane section of the Townville Ring Road has just received a funding boost to duplicate six kilometres of the Bruce Highway and deliver a new interchange at Beck Drive.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said increasing the total commitment towards the Townsville Ring Road – Stage 5 project from $180 million to $230 million was required to fix the known bottleneck issue.
“The Townsville Ring Road experiences high traffic volumes supporting freight, tourist and local road users and increasing this section to four lanes will reduce congestion and travel times, while also improving safety standards,” Mr McCormack said.
“This project is another example of how the Australian Government’s $10 billion investment towards the Bruce Highway Upgrade Program is helping to enhance the capacity and resilience of Queensland’s major north-south corridor.”
Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said the upgrade was the final piece of the puzzle for the 22 kilometre Townsville Ring Road.
“This is about making sure we’re ready for the city’s growth, that our families and businesses can access vital services and creating jobs for Townsville,” Mr Bailey said.
“We’ve delivered more than $790 million in Townsville road projects including ring road stage four, creating 1,200 jobs. And we’re not letting up.”
Federal Member for Herbert Phillip Thompson said he was delighted the project had reached the design stage.
“The community has been waiting for this project for many years, not only because it will create jobs for locals during construction, it’ll also make their commute to and from work and school, faster and safer,” Mr Thompson said.
“It will also increase the effectiveness of this major freight route, bringing more business to and through our city.”
State Member for Thuringowa Aaron Harper said major infrastructure projects such as this have a great flow on effect to the local economy and the community.
“Bielby/BMD ARUP HDR, and Georgiou AECOM are the two tenderers that have been shortlisted and are currently preparing preliminary designs before the construction contract is awarded later this year,” Mr Harper said.
“This project is a great opportunity for local businesses and I encourage them to register their interest and get involved in the processes.”
The Australian Government has committed $184 million towards the $230 million Townsville Ring Road – Stage 5 project, with the Queensland Government contributing $46 million.
ENDS