The Rudd Labor Government's unprecedented investment in road infrastructure in Queensland continues unabated, with a further $1.2 billion being provided in the 2010-11 Budget.

The aim of our infrastructure building program is simple: to build more sustainable communities and a more productive national economy, one positioned to take full advantage of the global economic recovery.

In the case of Queensland, we've boosted spending on roads by 126 per cent over the life of the current Nation Building Program (2008-09 to 2013-14), bringing our total investment to $8.6 billion.

These major investments in Queensland infrastructure are part of the Rudd Government's plan to strengthen our economy so we can face the future with confidence.

The 2010-11 Budget continues the rollout of this unprecedented investment.

During the coming financial year (2010-11), work will start on a range of major road projects including:

• Ongoing improvements to the Warrego Highway, including the upgrade of sections of the road between Roma and Mitchell - construction is expected to start in 2010 and be completed by 2012.


• The realignment and upgrade of the Bruce Highway across the Cardwell Range - construction is to commence in 2010 and be completed in 2012.


• Construction of rest areas and additional overtaking lanes on the Bruce Highway between Curra to Sarina and Sarina to Cairns - construction is expected to start in 2010 and be completed by 2014.

Communities across Queensland will benefit from the completion in 2010-11 of the following major projects:

• Upgrade to the Bruce Highway, southern approaches to Mackay


• Sealing of Wills Development Road


• Construction of the Mudgeereba interchange on the Pacific Motorway


• Pacific Motorway - Coomera Interchange


• Pacific Motorway - Varsity Lakes Interchange

We will also continue funding a range of initiatives designed to make our highways and local roads safer:

• $12.1 million to eliminate another 38 dangerous black spots on local roads;


• $4.5 million to strengthen bridges, allowing for more efficient and time saving transport.

The 2010-11 Budget also provides $190.5 million to assist councils and shires in Queensland to maintain and upgrade their local roads of which $29.5 million has been brought forward into 2009-10.

As well as building and modernising the transport infrastructure vital to Australia's long term productivity and prosperity, our $37 billion Nation Building Program helped shield the Queensland economy from the worst of the global recession.

Within Queensland, as well as across the country, the Rudd Labor Government is building a national road network and an interstate rail system equal to the needs of the 21st century.