In the coming fortnight, work will begin on two further multi-million dollar improvements to the Bruce Highway, one to the north of Gin Gin at Back Creek Range and the other just south of the town.
Both these projects are part of the unprecedented capital works program we commissioned shortly after coming to office in late 2007.  Indeed, Federal Labor is investing $2.8 billion over six years, which compared to the former Howard Government’s record is more than twice as much in half the time.
The first of the two projects will straighten and flatten the southern approach to Gin Gin, eliminating the tight curves and steep inclines along a 1.6 kilometre stretch of the Highway.
It will also upgrade the intersection with the Bundaberg–Gin Gin Road.
This $20 million, fully-Federally funded project will improve safety and deliver smoother driving conditions for the more than 5,000 motorists and truck drivers who use this part of the Bruce every day.
The second project will straighten a 3.7 kilometre section of the Highway located 24 kilometres north of Gin Gin at Back Creek Range, including what locals refer to as the ‘Big Dipper’.
In addition, a new southbound overtaking lane and rest areas will be installed.
This project is the first stage in a much larger upgrade, with work expected to start early next year on straightening the Highway between Cabbage Tree Creek and Carmen’s Road.  Both stages are being jointly funded by the Federal ($80 million) and Queensland governments ($20 million).
Lastly, I have also approved a further $2 million in funding to deliver safety improvements at the Bruce Highway and Marrawing Road intersection, just south of Benaraby.