- Sealing works are underway on 25km of Jobs Gate Road in South West Queensland under the $100 million Country Roads Connect Program, delivered with Paroo Shire Council.
- The Crisafulli Government is delivering a fresh start for regional Queensland by delivering practical road upgrades that improve reliability, support freight and keep rural communities connected.
- After a decade of decline under the former Labor Government, regional communities were left with deteriorating road networks and projects delayed or overlooked.
The Crisafulli Government is delivering another key commitment to improve connectivity across regional Queensland, with sealing works now underway on Jobs Gate Road in South West Queensland.
Delivered in partnership with Paroo Shire Council, the project will seal around 25 kilometers of Jobs Gate Road as part of the $100 million Country Roads Connect Program.
Country Roads Connect is funding 22 projects across Queensland to improve unsealed regional roads that support rural communities, freight movements and access for emergency services.
Jobs Gate Road is an important regional route linking parts of Paroo Shire and the Lightning Ridge area of South Wales with the Mitchell Highway and key regional centres including Cunnamulla, Quilpie, Thargomindah and Charleville.
The program will help secure critical road links by upgrading unsealed roads, benefiting communities and businesses across our regional towns who were ignored for too long by the former Labor Government.
Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg said the Crisafulli Government was delivering a fresh start for regional Queensland after a decade of decline under the former Labor Government.
"Country Roads Connect is about delivering practical upgrades that improve reliability, boost productivity and keep regional Queensland connected," Minister Mickelberg said.
"Unlike Labor, The Crisafulli Government is getting on with the job of investing in safer, more reliable road networks that support stronger regional economies and better lifestyles for Queenslanders.
"Sealing sections of Jobs Gate Road will support freight, tourism and everyday travel for locals, while improving access for emergency services during and after severe weather events."
Minister for Regional and Rural Development Dale Last said the project was another example of the Crisafulli Government delivering for regional Queensland.
"Queensland is the most decentralised mainland state in the country and with more than half the population living outside of Brisbane, we need safe and resilient regional roads to support the industries that underpin our state's economy," Minister Last said.
"Under Labor's decade of decline, regional Queensland was abandoned and roads left to deteriorate, but we know Queensland doesn't start and end in Brisbane.
"The Crisafulli Government is backing regional Queensland and delivering a better lifestyle through a stronger economy for our regions with road upgrades that deliver safe and reliable arteries to keep our communities connected."
Minister for Local Government and Water and Member for Warrego Ann Leahy said the project would deliver practical improvements for local communities and producers across the region.
"The commencement of sealing works on this road is a practical investment that will improve safety, deliver reliable year round access and reduce transport costs for communities and producers across the region," Minister Leahy said.
"For our local community, a sealed road means greater certainty in wet weather, safer travel to essential services and stronger connections that support everyday life for the people who live and work here."
Mayor of Paroo Shire Council Suzette Beresford said the upgrade would deliver long-term benefits for the region.
"This funding will help Council continue the important work of progressively sealing the road and improving reliability, particularly during and after wet weather events," Mayor Beresford said.
