Media Releases
Sunday, 1st February 2009
Main Roads Minister Warren Pitt planted a native tree today at the Townsville Ring Road project site to acknowledge the multiple environmental initiatives incorporated into the design of the landmark project.
Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Anthony Albanese said construction of the Ring Road includes two new bridges over the Little Bohle River and the Bohle River which were completed in September.
“Once completed, the Ring Road will meet increased traffic use on the Bruce Highway and in the northern suburbs of Townsville and Thuringowa,” Mr Albanese said.
“The Federal Government has committed funding to this project to ensure the Townsville community is catered for well into the future. The Australian Government has provided $79.5 million towards the $119 million cost in partnership with the Queensland Government.”
Mr Pitt said he was very pleased to see the effort that had been made to reduce the effects of the new road on the surrounding eco-system.
“The Townsville Ring Road project team has been diligent in ensuring that the landscaping supports the habitats of the area's native wildlife,” he said.
“As part of the project’s environmentally-sustainable landscaping plan, numerous measures have been factored into the project to ensure the area's local flora and fauna continue to flourish.
“Bird nesting boxes have been installed at locations around the Ring Road project site to help provide safe and accessible housing for the area's active wildlife.
“These boxes, made from recycled plywood sourced during construction of the Ring Road, will provide safe nesting and shelter for a vast array of birds and for larger tree-dwelling wildlife such as possums.
“These initiatives showcase the hard work and innovative design that have gone into the delivery of this vital project, which, once complete, will serve the thriving region well into the future.”
Other environmental initiatives of the project design include:
Mr Pitt said despite recent wet weather, good progress was still being made on sections two and three of the Ring Road and completion was expected in the coming months.
“While recent wet weather has been a concern, this landmark project for the thriving Townsville community is progressing well,” he said.
“The Townsville Ring Road will take many of the heavy vehicles off our local road network, greatly reducing the risk of accidents and improving noise and air quality for local residents.”
The project includes two main sections: an extension from the Douglas Arterial/Riverside Drive at Condon to Hervey’s Range Road; and then from Hervey Range Road to connect with Shaw Road at the Dalrymple Road intersection.
Electorate Office
334a Marrickville Rd
Marrickville NSW 2204
Phone: 02 9564 3588
Parliament House Office
Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2600
Phone: 02 6277 7700
Electorate Office
334a Marrickville Rd
Marrickville NSW 2204
Phone: 02 9564 3588
Parliament House Office
Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2600
Phone: 02 6277 7700
Phone: (02) 9564 3588
Fax: (02) 9564 1734
Email: A.Albanese.MP@aph.gov.au
We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which our offices stand and we pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging. We acknowledge the sorrow of the Stolen Generations and the impacts of colonisation on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We also recognise the resilience, strength and pride of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Authorised by Anthony Albanese. 334a Marrickville Rd, Marrickville NSW 2204.