William Scott
Queensland’s roads and rail crossings are set to receive important safety upgrades, with more than 50 projects across the state to share in almost $29 million in new funding from the Federal Government.
The funding includes $14.6 million towards 50 high-priority improvements to railway level crossings across the state’s regional road network. Projects will increase safety at these critical junctures, with potential works including upgrades to boom gates, flashing lights, signage, sealing and more.
The Federal Government recognises that local governments are crucial to maintaining and upgrading transport infrastructure.
A further $14.17 million will help fund the following four new projects under the Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program (SLRIP):
- Almost $4.5 million to the Mareeba Shire Council for widening Leadingham Creek Road and upgrading the culvert at Sandy Creek in Dimbulah
- $5 million to the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads for a new heavy vehicle rest area on the Kennedy Highway (Cairns–Mareeba) at Koah
- Almost $3 million to the Moreton Bay Regional Council for the Caboolture River Road Safety Upgrades in Upper Caboolture and $1.7 million for the O’Mara Road Upgrade at Narangba
The SLRIP is part of the Federal Government’s commitment to support the delivery of safer roads across Australia.
Investment for the level crossings falls under the Government’s Regional Level Crossing Upgrade Fund (RLCUF), which aims to improve railway crossing safety in regional areas and reduce serious and fatal accidents that have a devastating impact on communities.
Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King, said the Federal Government recognises that local governments are crucial to maintaining and upgrading transport infrastructure.
“We have increased funding under the Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program to make sure we continue to invest in better, safer local roads across Queensland and Australia.
“We are committed to delivering the funding local councils need to improve road safety and in a way that reduces the burden on them, allowing more money to be spent on projects and less on administration.”
Federal Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Senator for Queensland, Anthony Chisholm, said, “Councils know their local road networks inside out, that’s why we’re backing four much needed roads projects thanks to the additional $14.17 million.
“But it’s not just roads, our state’s growing dependence on rail transport for freight is why we’re working with the State Government on improving rail crossing safety across Queensland.
“The $14.6 million worth of funding will support the delivery of low-cost treatments such as boom gates, signage, flashing lights and rumble strips, which aim to better alert motorists and pedestrians approaching regional rail crossings.”
