Scott Morrison should immediately release the funding he has secretly allocated for the Rockhampton Ring Road and get on with this important project.
According to media leaks, the Federal Government allocated investment for 10 major infrastructure projects, including the Rockhampton Ring Road, six months ago in the 2018 Budget.
But it cynically chose to delay announcing the work until the next Federal election campaign.
In Question Time today Shadow Infrastructure Minister Anthony Albanese asked Infrastructure Minister Michael McCormack: “Why at a time when the road toll is rising and congestion in our cities is worsening, is the Government sitting on these projects and not getting on with the job of delivering them?’’
But Mr McCormack failed to address the question.
Mr Albanese said Prime Minister Scott Morrison should end the political games and release the money now so it can be put to use in the public interest.
“Scott Morrison should stop pussy footing around,’’ Mr Albanese said.
“Commencing this project now would create much-needed economic activity and construction jobs in the short term and important productivity gains once the project is completed.
“The Abbott-Turnbull-Morrison Government has spent five years cutting infrastructure investment and now wants more delays to suit its political convenience.
“Either that or the investment is not real and the projects would be pushed off into the Never-Never by a re-elected Morrison Government.’’
Labor candidate for Capricornia Russell Robertson said Federal Labor had already committed investment for the Ring Road, which was recommended in the Fitzroy River Floodplain and Road Planning study, commissioned by the former Labor Government in June, 2009, and completed in December, 2011.
“If there is bipartisan support we should just get on with the job,’’ Mr Robertson said.
“The Ring Road project would make a real difference in my community by eliminating traffic congestion and improving road safety.
“We have already waited too long, but Morrison Government is creating more unnecessary delays.’’
The Rockhampton Ring Road will run from the Yeppen Roundabout, along the western side of the airport to a third bridge crossing before reconnecting with the existing Bruce Highway at Parkhurst.