Construction has officially started on the first project under the Australian and Queensland governments landmark $500 million Queensland Beef Roads program, which will progressively upgrade and seal critical freight routes across an area the size of Great Britain.
The $47.5 million early works package begins with sealing a priority section of Clermont-Alpha Road, approximately 89 kilometres north of Alpha in the Barcaldine Region.
This is the first step in a 10-year investment strategy to improve transport efficiency, safety, and resilience for Queensland's world-class beef industry.
The early works package forms part of the Central Queensland Beef Roads Investment Strategy (CQBRIS), which has been developed in partnership with seven regional councils forming the Queensland Beef Corridors (QBC) group, industry, and both levels of government.
The CQBRIS sets out priorities to seal nine key beef corridor roads to help strengthen supply chains, reduce costs, and support economic growth across Central Queensland.
The program is backed by $400 million from the Australian Government and $100 million from the Queensland Government, following years of advocacy by local councils and industry.
Alongside the Clermont-Alpha Road works, the early works package will deliver widening, sealing and floodway upgrades to Alpha-Tambo Road, Fitzroy Developmental Road between Bauhinia and Duaringa, and on May Downs Road.
Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King:
"Queensland's beef cattle industry is world class and makes an incredible contribution to our nation's economy.
"Our government has committed $400 million to the Central Queensland Beef Roads and we welcome this investment strategy which considers short, medium and long-term priorities to fully seal nine unsealed roads.
"This first project marks a significant milestone in the upgrades of the beef road network, which is good for our nation's freight productivity, good for Central Queenslanders, and good for our truckies who use these roads every day."
Quotes attributable to Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg:
"The Central Queensland Beef Corridor road network are critical routes for cattle freight. These roads stretch around around 218,000 square kilometres, which is an area about the same size as Great Britain.
"Managing a road network of this magnitude is challenging but critically important to support the movement of about $1.7 billion in freight and agricultural produce - primarily Australian beef - each year.
"The sealing of these strategic beef corridor roads will improve the cattle supply chain in the region from our primary producers to saleyards, processing facilities and onto plates both here and overseas.
"The consultation with key stakeholders including the QBC group and industry to develop this 10-year CQBRIS and our $100 million commitment demonstrates the Queensland Government's focus on regional Queensland."
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Senator for Queensland Anthony Chisholm:
"This early works project is the first in a 10-year pipeline of infrastructure investment for the beef cattle industry and communities in Central Queensland.
"The sealing of these key regional roads will improve connectivity for rural communities, build economic resilience and enhance road safety.
"The Albanese Government will continue to work alongside the Queensland Government to strengthen Queensland's cattle and transport industries."
Quotes attributable to Member for Gregory Sean Dillon:
"This investment has been a long time coming for Central Queensland's beef industry and regional communities.
"The beef industry is the backbone of Central Queensland, and sealing these critical roads will make a real difference for producers, truck drivers and communities.
"This is something I've worked long and hard on with the local community and industry and this investment will result in safer, more reliable transport routes, reduced costs, and stronger supply chains that keep our region competitive and connected."
Quotes attributable to Member for Mirani Glen Kelly:
"This investment is a game-changer for our region.
"Upgrading and sealing roads like May Downs Road, which is in the Mirani electorate, will make a huge difference for local producers and freight operators and something I've been advocating for.
"These improvements will lead to safer travel, lower transport costs, and stronger connections for our communities. It's about keeping Central Queensland competitive and ensuring our beef industry continues to thrive for decades to come."
Quotes attributable to QBC Committee Chair and Mayor of the Isaac Region Kelly Vea Vea:
"The QBC welcomes the Beef Roads Investment Strategy.
"This is the culmination of many years of local government advocacy and collaboration across each tier of government.
"The investment and works set out over the next 10 years are a great step towards making Central Queensland's regional roads safer and more reliable for our communities and shows what local councils can achieve when we work together."
