January 15, 2015
Today’s election promise by the LNP to deliver inland alternatives to the congested Bruce Highway could have spin-off benefits for the South Burnett.
Member for Nanango Deb Frecklington said local residents and freight operators would benefit from the promised upgrades to the Burnett and New England highways.
“For too long, regional communities and hard-working freight drivers are cut off due to the Bruce Highway being flooded or damaged after a natural disaster,” Mrs Frecklington said.
She said the New England, D’Aguilar and Burnett highways would become an important alternative to the Bruce Highway, ensuring freight could still access major coastal centres.
“The section of highway between Goomeri and Toowoomba needs to be upgraded to ensure they remain open when coastal roads are cut by flooding,” Mrs Frecklington said.
“In the Nanango Electorate, this announcement includes replacement of the bridges at Emu Creek and the single lane bridge over Cooyar Creek on the New England Highway, which I know are in desperate need of an upgrade.”
Premier Campbell Newman said the highway upgrades would create jobs in regional communities and secure a new, safe year-round travel option.
“These projects will ensure crucial freight and emergency assistance can be delivered when the Bruce Highway is cut off due to flooding or a natural disaster strikes,” he said.
“Better regional roads mean more local jobs for regional Queenslanders and safer journeys for families.”
