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Tuesday, 12th May 2009

Queensland To Benefit From Nation Building Budget


In this Budget the Rudd Labor Government is investing $1.5 billion in Queensland's road and rail infrastructure - an investment that will support local jobs and local businesses during the current global recession.


All up, the 2009-10 Budget delivers an increase in federal funding of $668 million, or 80 per cent, over the 2008-09 Budget for Queensland road and rail projects, $318 million of which will be provided immediately (in 2008-09) to keep key projects moving forward.


As well as putting in place the modern, well-planned transport infrastructure vital to Queensland's and the nation's long term prosperity, our record investment program will support jobs and provide an immediate stimulus to local economies.


During 2009-10, work will start on a range of major road and rail projects including:



  • Bruce Highway - Cooroy to Curra (Section B) Duplication - construction is expected to start in 2009 and be completed by 2012.

  • Robina and Varsity Lakes interchange upgrades on the Pacific Motorway - construction is expected to commence in 2009 and is scheduled for completion in 2010.

  • Coomera interchange upgrade Stage 1a works on the Pacific Motorway - construction is expected to commence in 2009 and is scheduled for completion in 2010.

  • Douglas Arterial duplication in Townsville - construction is expected to commence in 2009 and is scheduled for completion in 2012.

  • Cardwell Range realignment and upgrade on the Bruce Highway - construction is expected to commence 2009 and is scheduled for completion scheduled in 2012.

  • Kirkwood Road Stage 3 - construction is expected to commence in 2009 and is scheduled for completion in 2010.


At the other end of the construction cycle, a range of major projects are expected to be completed by the end of 2009-10, including:



  • Caboolture Motorway upgrade.

  • Ipswich Motorway - Logan Motorway interchange upgrade.

  • Pacific Motorway - Nerang South interchange upgrade.

  • Bruce Highway upgrade - Woodlands to Veales Road in Townsville.

  • Widening sections of the Gemfields way in central Queensland.

  • Sealing and widening sections of the Rolleston to Suttor Development Road.


On top of the additional money for upgrading poorly designed and congested sections of the State's road network, we are funding a range of initiatives designed to improve road safety:



  • $24.3 million to eliminate 80 dangerous black spots on local roads.

  • $28.5 million to install boom gates and other safety measures at 66 high risk level crossings.

  • $3 million to address the lack of safe, modern roadside facilities for truck drivers, including new and refurbished rest stops, parking bays and decoupling areas.


Our investment doesn't stop there.


The Rudd Labor Government will provide $182 million to maintain and upgrade local roads in Queensland. Much of this funding will be paid to the State's 73 councils.


The Government is working to strengthen the Australian economy during this global recession. By developing well designed transport networks we are contributing to higher productivity and rising living standards.


That's why the Government is investing so much with such urgency.


Funding for the programs and projects listed above is being delivered under the Rudd Labor Government's six year, $26.7 billion Nation Building Program to which the Queensland Government has signed up


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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.

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