Ministerial Media Release - Federal Budget supports Maranoa’s Recovery Plan with massive investment in infrastructure
Maranoa continues to benefit from the Federal Coalition Government’s record infrastructure investment, with the 2021-22 Budget investing hundreds of millions across Maranoa infrastructure projects.
Federal Member for Maranoa David Littleproud said improving road safety, building infrastructure and boosting local jobs were major commitments for Maranoa under this Budget.
“The Federal Government’s record funding commitment is creating jobs, boosting business investment, while securing Australia’s COVID recovery,” Mr Littleproud said.
“The initiatives outlined in the 2021-22 Budget will enhance transport connectivity, underpin economic growth and help keep Maranoa residents safe on our roads.
“The Federal Budget continues the Government’s agenda to improve high-priority roads essential to the movement of people and freight to support the region’s economic development.
“A new investment of $400 million for the Inland Freight Route will transform the way freight moves across the State, all the way from Mungindi to Charters Towers, and will improve connectivity between our towns for business, services and jobs. The Federal Government is contributing more than $316.8 million in total to upgrade key freight corridors in Maranoa through the Roads of Strategic Importance Initiative. More than $19.4 million will be spent in this Budget across projects likeTownsville to Roma Corridor Upgrade, Toowoomba to Seymour and Emu Swamp Dam supporting infrastructure, Stanthorpe.
“This Budget will provide an additional $1 billion for the highly successful, now $2.5 billion Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program to deliver the local projects that matter to communities, while stimulating economies across the nation.
“Thanks to this new investment, Maranoa local councils will receive an estimated total of more than $100 million across the Program’s three phases.
“We are also committing a further $250 million towards a sixth round of the Building Better Regions Fund (BBRF), bringing the total commitment for this program to $1.29 billion.
“This announcement will be music to the ears of our local councils and community groups who have witnessed first-hand the positive outcomes that flow from the BBRF in our communities.
“The Government is also continuing support for the Stronger Communities Programme (SCP) with a further $22.7 million to deliver a seventh round. The SCP funds small capital projects that deliver social benefits and encourage community participation.
“This record infrastructure spend sees the Government stepping up its economic response to continue Queensland’s recovery to the COVID-19 pandemic.”
For more information on investments in Queensland visit the Infrastructure Investment Program website.
Key investments benefitting Maranoa:
- $400 million Inland freight Route (Mungindi to Charters Towers)
- $19.4 million allocated to 2021-22 through Roads of Strategic Importance
- Total $16.8 million across Maranoa councils through Roads to Recovery
- Additional $1 billion to the Local Roads Community Infrastructure Program
- $250 million for Round 6 of the Building Better Regions Fund
- $22.7 million to deliver Stronger Communities Program Round 7
Media release courtesy of The Hon David Littleproud MP, Minister for Maranoa and Minister for Agriculture, Drought and Emergency Management.
