With $1.07 billion committed towards the Roads of Strategic Importance (ROSI) initiative in Queensland, consultations are underway for the next corridor priorities.
On Monday, consultations for an ROSI funding wish list were held with industry and stakeholders in Toowoomba.
According to Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack, the $1.07 billion of Federal Government funding will work to ensure that key freight roads efficiently connect agricultural and mining regions to ports, airports and other transport hubs.
“Projects being delivered include road sealing, flood immunity, strengthening and widening, pavement rehabilitation, bridge and culvert upgrades and road realignments,” he said.
“These projects will provide improved access and will deliver substantial social and economic benefits, including opportunities for greater regional employment and business growth.”
Assistant Minister for Road Safety and Freight Transport Scott Buchholz said it was a productive meeting and provided a great opportunity for local representatives to be involved, have their say and put ideas forward for funding consideration.
“It is an important part of the process that we engage with and consult local stakeholders about the next priorities for upgrades,” Buchholz said.
“While we are already getting on with the job of delivering ROSI upgrades and have approved a number of early works projects, we want to make sure that the next projects to be delivered address some of the concerns raised.
“Now that we have a good understanding about where the communities want the funding to go, in consultation with the Queensland Government, this wish list will inform the projects to be delivered with the remaining available ROSI funding.”
The Australian Government’s contribution to southern sections of the ROSI initiative in Queensland include:
- Townsville to Roma Corridor – $100 million
- Mount Isa to Rockhampton Corridor – $190 million
- Toowoomba to Seymour Corridor – $50 million
- Toowoomba to Ipswich Corridor – $60 million
More information on the ROSI initiative can be found here.