RACQ named upgrades to the Bruce Highway, the full Beerburrum to Nambour rail duplication and works on the D’Aguilar Highway and Steve Irwin Way as priorities for the region and called for funding commitments for these projects before Queenslanders headed to the polls.

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 road safety and ultimately improve the lives of Queenslanders by increasing the reliability and efficiency of our transport system,” Dr Michael said.

“The Bruce Highway is known as one of the deadliest roads in the country. It’s also often a carpark for commuters, and we know heavy congestion only increases the likelihood of crashes. We want to see all parties commit to completing the six-lane upgrade between Caboolture and Caloundra Road as well as the Maroochydore Road and Mons Road project.

“We want to see additional investment to fund the completion of the Beerburrum to Nambour rail upgrade project so we can increase capacity and make rail travel faster for commuters.

“A safety works package is also needed on the D’Aguilar Highway, between Caboolture and Kingaroy and along the length of Steve Irwin Way.”

Dr Michael said the Club would also 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.”

To view RACQ’s Priority Transport Projects, please visit: www.racq.com.au/bettertransportQLD