On Wednesday 29 April 2020, the Australian Federal Government and the Queensland Government announced that works on 22 jointly funded projects would be brought forward under the Roads of Strategic Importance (ROSI) initiative. The full announcement is available here.
The ROSI initiative will see the upgrade and repair of roads, building of overtaking lanes, overpasses, intersections and improved road safety, with the jointly funded project worth
$185 million.
This announcement is good news for the transport and freight industry which relies heavily on key inland roads as transport corridors and demonstrates a commitment to the implementation of the Federal Government’s $100 billion, 10-year infrastructure pipeline.
Premier of Queensland, Annastacia Palaszczuk, said the agreement reached in November last year meant that the announced infrastructure upgrades could be brought forward.
“We’ll talk with the local councils through the Regional Roads and Transport Groups and other key industry stakeholders who use those corridors to identify projects that can be prioritised within the remaining ROSI corridor allocations.”
The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack and Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk have highlighted the local and construction jobs this project will deliver to reginal communities, with local councils and workforces to be utilised.
Key regional routes targeted for works include:
- the Flinders Highway,
- Kennedy Developmental Road (Hann Highway),
- Carnarvon Highway,
- Dawson Highway and Dawson Developmental Road (Springsure – Tambo),
- Gulf Developmental Road,
- Gregory Highway and Gregory Developmental Road,
- Balonne Highway,
- Gore Highway,
- Proserpine – Shute Harbour Road and;
- Floraville Road in Burke Shire.
A full list of ROSI corridors Australia wide can be found here.
This is positive step in maintaining efficient and safe movement of freight and demonstrates an ongoing commitment to freight as an essential service.
| Disclaimer: This publication contains comments of a general nature only and is provided as an information service. It is not intended to be relied upon as, nor is it a substitute for specific professional advice. No responsibility can be accepted by Rigby Cooke Lawyers or the authors for loss occasioned to any person doing anything as a result of any material in this publication.
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation. ©2020 Rigby Cooke Lawyers |