RACQ welcomes record $3.3b road, rail spend in Qld
The State’s peak motoring body has welcomed the Federal Government’s record investment in Queensland’s road and rail infrastructure this coming financial year.
RACQ’s Head of Public Policy Susan Furze said the $3.3 billion injection was more than a 45% increase on last year’s Budget and would help fund important road and rail upgrades the Club had long advocated for.
“We’re particularly pleased to see additional funding for Queensland’s Roads of Strategic Importance because these roads are vital for community access and are critical freight and tourism corridors,” Ms Furze said.
“We welcome the Gold Coast Faster Rail and Beerwah-Maroochydore rail extension on the Sunshine Coast, as well as $27.2 million for three business case upgrades on the Bruce Highway between Anzac Avenue and Caboolture Bribie Island Road.
“This type of investment is critical for the 2032 Olympic Games and we welcome the additional $22.5 million commitment to develop the business case.”
RACQ also acknowledged the Federal Government’s temporary 50% cut to fuel excise without cutting road or transport funding. The Club now wants to know the steps that will be taken to ensure every cent flows through to motorists.
“We know our members are hurting and we understand that record high fuel prices, largely driven by the war in Ukraine, are adding to cost of living pressures,” Ms Furze said.
“Queenslanders deserve to know how the Government will police this tax cut and ensure motorists receive the full benefit in the form of lower prices at the bowser.”
RACQ commends the Budget’s inclusion of $6.5 million for the Australian Automobile Association (AAA) to conduct on-road emissions testing of light vehicles. This will provide independent and unbiased information about a vehicle’s on-road fuel economy and emissions.