Mackay and Whitsunday region pollies urged to fund roads

Media

The State’s peak motoring body has released its election wish list for the Mackay and Whitsunday region, putting major highway investment and flood-proofing at the top.

The Club called for commitment to upgrade Gregory Developmental Road, Peak Downs Highway and the Bruce Highway between Sarina and Mackay.  

RACQ Head of Public Policy Rebecca Michael said with the country in recession, an investment in infrastructure and road safety works solved more than just our economic woes. 

“Now more than ever we need a pipeline of projects in the works to stimulate our economy, create jobs, improve regional productivity and ultimately improve the lives of Queenslanders by making our roads safer,” Dr Michael said. 

“The Gregory Developmental Road desperately needs a safety works package delivered, including bridge and flood immunity improvements. It’s important trucks and other vehicles have a reliable alternative for when the Bruce Highway floods during the wet season.

“Upgrades would also ensure the Peak Downs Highway remained a safe and reliable route for Mackay drivers and we’re calling on candidates to commit to delivering a safety package.”

Dr Michael said a duplication of the Bruce Highway between Sarina and Mackay would address congestion, safety and flooding issues.

“This duplication of the Bruce Highway would see huge improvements to safety, minimise flooding closures and help it cope with the large volumes of vehicles travelling it every day,” she said.

Dr Michael said the Club would like to see increased funding commitments for safe cycling infrastructure and road safety initiatives including a mass action program of low-cost, high benefit safety upgrades across the State to achieve a minimum 30 percent reduction in fatal and serious injuries by 2030. 

“We’ve lost too many lives on the State’s roads this year already. Small investments into works like wide centre lines, central and roadside safety barriers and intersection upgrades go a long way to helping make our roads safer for all Queenslanders,” she said. 

“Queenslanders need to ensure they’re considering where their political vote goes and whether their candidate is willing to commit to improve Queenslanders’ lives and mobility options.” 

Related topics

Things to note

The information in this article has been prepared for general information purposes only and is not intended as legal advice or specific advice to any particular person. Any advice contained in the document is general advice, not intended as legal advice or professional advice and does not take into account any person’s particular circumstances. Before acting on anything based on this advice you should consider its appropriateness to you, having regard to your objectives and needs.