General News
20 October, 2020
Driving Toward Better Safety And Productivity On Burke Developmental Road
The Australian and Queensland Governments have unlocked $14 million to seal around 30 kilometres of the Burke Developmental Road between Normanton and Dunbar in Queensland’s north-west.
The works are part of the stimulus package to deliver shovel-ready infrastructure projects and urgent road safety upgrades in Queensland in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the project would boost local industries and support approximately 23 jobs during construction.
“By investing in these works, we are making local communities safer and industries more productive thanks to a sealed road they can rely on in all kinds of weather,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.
“These works build on the 5.25 kilometres of sealing recently completed on the Burke Developmental Road under the Northern Australia Beef Roads program.
“We are continuing to roll out these types of projects nationwide under our $110 billion infrastructure investment pipeline, which is supporting jobs and investment at a time when it’s most needed.”
North Queensland-based Senator, Susan McDonald said the Burke Developmental Road was an important link for communities of the Gulf region to the north, west, and east coast of northern Queensland.
“The route is the only transport link for residents and industry connecting to major arterial roads such as the Flinders and Barkly highways to the south,” Senator McDonald said.
“By continuing to invest in this vital road, we are supporting northern Queensland communities by improving the reliability, productivity and resilience of supply chains and strengthening links to important markets.
“This is a region that has reduced or no road access during the wet season, and sealing another portion of the road makes it safer and more reliable for the families and communities that rely on this connection.”
The project is jointly funded with the Australian Government committing $11.2 million and the Queensland Government $2.8 million.
