Construction will start next month on a new $11.8 million bridge over the Laura River in Far North Queensland, Federal Infrastructure and Transport Minister Anthony Albanese and Queensland Main Roads Minister Craig Wallace announced today.

Mr Albanese said the 180-metre, two-lane structure would be built on the Peninsula Developmental Road just south of Laura as a priority, in response to prolonged closures due to flooding in recent years.

“The new higher and stronger bridge will replace the existing low-lying structure, meaning fewer disruptions for locals as well as business owners and tourists during the Far North’s renowned wet seasons,” said Mr Albanese.

“Importantly, this new bridge is just one part of a $30 million package of works which when completed will improve access to remote Cape York communities.

“The Gillard Labor Government is making sure ever part of Queensland benefits from the nation’s prosperity, with more than half of the infrastructure dollars in this year’s Federal Budget earmarked for projects outside the South East Corner.”

Mr Wallace said the works also included upgrading the approaches to the new bridge for about one kilometre in each direction and improvements to six culverts north of Laura.

“We understand how important it is for Cape York communities to have reliable road access all year round - the Bligh Government is working hard to ensure the road between Lakeland and Laura is fully sealed before the end of the year.

“I know the Member for Cook, Jason O’Brien, and the communities on Cape York, will be very pleased to see these flood immunity works forging ahead.

“The Bligh Government is committed to working with local government and stakeholders to improve flood immunity on Cape York roads.

“We are planning to complete the works by the end of the year, before the next wet season, to ensure local communities can benefit from the bridge as soon as possible.

“It is a clear example of our commitment to working with local government and stakeholders to improve the performance of state-controlled roads in the Cape for the people of far north Queensland.”