- The Australian and Queensland Governments are delivering safer, more productive roads across Central Queensland.
- Works have commenced on two priority projects as part of a $47.5 million early works package.
- This is part of the Albanese and Crisafulli Governments' plan to build the infrastructure Queensland needs.
Construction has started on two priority projects under the Queensland Beef Corridors Program, with another to commence in May 2026.
Jointly funded by the Albanese and Crisafulli Governments, the $500 million program will improve road safety, by sealing about 200 kilometres of unsealed roads across Central Queensland, enhancing connectivity for rural communities and supporting the efficient transport of beef cattle to market.
Works are now well underway on a $47.5 million early works package that is expected to seal up to 20 kilometres of targeted sections across the following priority projects:
- Clermont-Alpha Road (between 86 and 89 kilometres north of Alpha): Construction commenced in October 2025 and is expected to be completed in mid-2026.
- Clermont-Alpha Road (between 42 and 45 kilometres south of Clermont): Construction commenced in April 2026 and is expected to be completed in late 2026.
- Fitzroy Developmental Road (between 40 and 45 kilometres north of Bauhinia): Construction is expected to commence in May 2026 and is expected to be completed in mid-2027.
- Alpha-Tambo Road (between 83 and 88 kilometres south of Alpha): Construction is expected to commence in mid-2026 and be completed in late 2027.
- May Downs Road (between 32 and 39 kilometres west of Clarke Creek): Construction is expected to commence in late 2026 and be completed in early 2028.
In total 24 projects are expected to be completed under the program with five priority projects being completed in the early works package.
The Albanese and Crisafulli governments are continuing to develop the remaining projects in the program, which will be completed incrementally by 2035.
Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said the Albanese Government understood the importance of the beef industry for Australia's economy.
"The Albanese Government recognises the value of Queensland's world-class beef cattle industry, which makes an important economic contribution to Australia," Minister King said.
"That's why we've committed $400 million to the Central Queensland Beef Roads Program, with vital early works now well underway.
"This marks another 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."
Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg said the Crisafulli Government was committed to a long term plan to improve regional roads for beef farmers and freight.
"These projects are part of a plan to finally get on with sealing sections of eight unsealed roads, right across Central and Western Queensland," said Minister Mickelberg
"The $47.5 million early works package is the first step in a decade-long commitment to upgrading Queensland's beef road network, which spans 218,000 square kilometres of the state.
"These projects will improve connectivity for rural communities, enhance road safety, and support the economic growth of Queensland's beef industry.
"We thank regional communities and road users for their patience as we deliver these important upgrades that will provide long-term benefits for the region."
Federal Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Senator for Queensland Anthony Chisholm said the investment would also support regional communities.
"These early works projects are the start of a 10-year pipeline of infrastructure investment squarely benefitting the beef cattle industry and communities across Central Queensland," Senator Chisholm said.
"Paving and sealing these vital regional roads will better connect rural communities, build economic resilience and improve safety on our state's roads.
"We will continue to partner with the Queensland Government to support Queensland's cattle and transport industries."
Queensland Assistant Minister for Primary Industry Development, Water and Western Queensland and State Member for Gregory Sean Dillon said the program was a gamechanger for central and western Queensland producers.
"These are the roads that matter most to graziers, truck drivers and regional communities across the heart of Queensland, and this program is a genuine investment in their future," Mr Dillon said.
"I'm proud the Crisafulli Government is working alongside the Federal Government to get on with the job of sealing these critical routes because better roads mean safer travel, more efficient freight movement and stronger regional economies."
State Member for Mirani Glen Kelly said the upgrades will make a real difference for producers and communities across the electorate.
"Central Queensland's beef industry is world-class, and it deserves world-class infrastructure to match," Mr Kelly said.
"These roads are the arteries of our regional economy and the Crisafulli Government, in partnership with the Federal Government, is delivering for the people of Mirani and the broader region."
