June 22, 2022
Member for Nanango Deb Frecklington says the South Burnett’s Budget allocation of roads funding is unacceptable, given the deterioration of major connecting roads throughout the region.
“It seems unbelievable that our region will be receiving just 5.7 per cent of the total budget for the Wide Bay Burnett region, given the area covers 8382 square kilometres,” Mrs Frecklington said.
“There is no new funding for our major highways like the Burnett Highway or the Bunya Highway within the South Burnett Regional Council area.
“There is absolutely nothing for key connecting roads like the Mundubbera-Durong Road, Kingaroy-Barkers Creek Road, Memerambi-Gordonbrook Road or Byee Road.
“I’m particularly disappointed that no funding has been allocated to upgrade the dangerous Tanduringie Creek Bridge and once again the GS Bond Bridge on the Chinchilla-Wondai Road has completely dropped off the radar.
“In fact, the South Burnett road network has been completely overlooked and once again our regional communities will have to put up with a third-class road system.
“This State Budget continues the Labor Government’s chronic neglect of our regional road upgrades and maintenance.
“The only road improvement I can find in the Budget papers is a small co-contribution of $607,000 to help widen and seal the Blackbutt-Crows Nest Road but this is not due to be undertaken until 2024-25.
“Labor really needs to start looking at the South Burnett and the huge opportunities we have here.
“But it needs backing with better roads, better health services, water security for irrigators and less red and green tape for our primary producers and small business.
“Most of the projects listed in the Budget for the South Burnett are not new projects, they are just reannouncements.
“I had hoped to see funding for important projects like the Barlil Weir, Telestroke services or a Persistent Pain Clinic for the South Burnett.
“I’ll continue to push for these issues on behalf of our community.”
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