A regional Queensland freight route has received a $21.6 million upgrade that includes upgrading and sealing approximately 39.7 kilometres of road to enhance connectivity, safety and accessibility for road users.
Stanage Bay Road, between the Bruce Highway and the Army Access gate, was upgraded as part of the Australian Government’s Roads of Strategic Importance (ROSI) initiative.
“Significant infrastructure projects such as the Stanage Bay Road upgrade are making roads safer, particularly for heavy vehicle motorists, by improving busy freight routes,” said Senator for Queensland Nita Green.
“The initiative also aims to improve road conditions, increase resilience against natural disasters and ensure smoother travel while delivering economic and other benefits such as improved safety and access for all vehicles.”
The upgrades provide a ‘fit-for-purpose’ road corridor that is better equipped to handle the growing number of military and heavy transport vehicles currently using this Council-maintained road.
“The Australian Government continues to invest in remote communities through the Roads of Strategic Importance (ROSI) initiative, which supports the upgrade of key freight routes and helps connect regional businesses to local and international markets,” said Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King.
“The ROSI initiative ensures our key freight roads efficiently connect regional and remote areas of economic activity to ports, airports and other transport hubs.
Federal Member for Capricornia, Michelle Landry, added that she’s is pleased to see work on the notoriously rough Stanage Bay Road be completed.
“This piece of rural infrastructure is a key element to the movement of the region’s commodities, such as seafood and beef, to markets and ensures access to Australia’s best military training area at Shoalwater Bay remains up to scratch.”