Federal Member for Flynn, Colin Boyce has welcomed reports that the previous Coalition Government’s Remote Roads Upgrade Pilot Program funding will be honoured. The funding for the program was put into question due to unnecessary delays from the Federal Labor Government.
Mr Boyce said the road funding will be critical for local councils in the region.
“The extent of damage to regional and rural roads caused by months of wet weather are beyond the financial capacity of local councils to keep up with maintenance,” Mr Boyce said.
“The former Coalition Government established the $150 million Remote Roads Upgrade Pilot Program to fund upgrades to key regional and rural roads that limit community access, pose safety risks and impact economic development.
“The program received 205 applicants, seeking much more funding than was available, and following an assessment process, undertaken by the infrastructure department, thirty-three worthy projects were committed to across all states including projects in Gladstone Regional Council, Rockhampton Regional Council and Banana Shire Council.”
In Flynn, the following projects were approved:
- Lowmead Road Safety and Sealing Upgrade ($10,700,800)
- Stanwell-Waroula Road Upgrade Project ($1,706,800)
- Cracow Road Upgrade ($3,308,470)
Mr Boyce said locals understand how critical this funding is for their local community and called on the Federal Labor Government to extend the program.
“I am calling on the Federal Labor Government to further extend this program as it will make a real difference to rural and regional communities.” Mr Boyce said.