Big boost to rural road infrastructure
Country Roads Connect
Mareeba Shire and Wujal Wujal Aboriginal Shire on Cape York are among 22 regional Councils receiving a share of $100m in road upgrades to improve safety and protect vital transport links.
A total of 22 projects will be delivered under the State Government’s Country Roads Connect Program, enhancing the strength and connectivity of Queensland’s regional road network.
The CRCP focuses on upgrading unsealed roads to protect vital connections, supporting communities and businesses across regional towns.
Cook MP David Kempton underscored that it was about funding local councils to improve roads.
"This project will see 5.2 kilometres of Ootann Road sealed and widened, including 3.2 kilometres from the approach to Soda Creek through to Four Mile Creek, and a further 2.0 kilometres from Soda Creek connecting to the section upgraded under the Australian Government’s Beef Roads Program in 2019,” Mr Kempton said.
“Ootann is a critical transport link between the northern region and the south and has been considered for years as a viable alternative to the Bruce Highway especially in times of flooding.’’
Mareeba Mayor Angela Toppin commented on the impact that the CRCP will have on the Shire.
“Mareeba Shire Council welcomes the recent announcement of funding from the Queensland Government’s Country Road Connect program to upgrade Ootann Road," Mayor Toppin said.
"Ootann Road is a rural arterial road over 90 kilometres in length with a significant portion still unsealed which presents issues with flood resilience and traffic capacity.
"It is a critical connection for established and emerging industries and serves as a short cut in Northern Australia, saving hundreds of kilometres of extra travel if people need to go via alternative routes.
"Sealing and widening this 5.2 kilometre section of Ootann Road will help future-proof this vital transport route.”
The program will be administered by the Transport and Main Roads Department in collaboration with the Natural Resources and Mines, Manufacturing, and Regional and Rural Development Department.
The successful projects include: Ootann Road, Mareeba Shire Council, and China Camp Road, Wujal Wujal Aboriginal Shire Council.
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