Major Road Upgrade for Key Freight Route Complete
Posted on August 22nd, 2023
A major upgrade to Stanage Bay Road between the Bruce Highway and the Army Access gate is now complete, thanks to the Australian Government’s Roads of Strategic Importance (ROSI) initiative.
The $21.6 million project involved upgrading and sealing approximately 39.7 kilometres of road to enhance connectivity, safety and accessibility for residents and visitors to the area.
The upgrades provide a nationally recognised ‘fit-for-purpose’ road corridor that is better equipped to handle the growing number of military and associated heavy transport vehicles currently using this Council-maintained road.
Quotes attributed to Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King MP:
“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.
“The ROSI initiative ensures our key freight roads efficiently connect regional and remote areas of economic activity to ports, airports and other transport hubs.
“It funds safety works such as road sealing, flood immunity, strengthening and widening, pavement rehabilitation, bridge and culvert upgrades and road realignments.”
Quotes attributable to Senator for Queensland Nita Green:
“Significant infrastructure projects such as the Stanage Bay Road upgrade are making roads safer, particularly for heavy vehicle motorists, by improving busy freight routes.
“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.”
Livingstone Shire Council Mayor Andy Ireland said the enhancements will contribute to the economic growth and quality of life of the region for years to come.
“Council is extremely proud to be here today to deliver on this vital project,” Mayor Ireland said.
“Livingstone Shire is the most beautiful and naturally diverse local government area in Queensland. We owe it not just to our residents, but to our visitors, to provide an appropriate road corridor to visit our remote areas.
“This road will not only allow easier access to Stanage Bay for residents and visitors, but it will provide improved access for the Department of Defence who will continue to use the road to access the Shoalwater Bay Training Area for large exercises.”
Portfolio holder of Transport (Roads, Drainage, Pathways) Councillor Glenda Mather said she was pleased to see works completed.
“These upgrades will dramatically improve access for all of its users, including Australian Defence Forces, our primary producers, Stanage Bay Township and Emergency Services,” Councillor Mather said.
“While Stanage Bay Road has always held the unfortunate reputation of being troublesome for road users, these significant upgrades will ensure easier use of this important road corridor.
“We would like to thank the Australian Government for its support in completing this project that’s going to benefit the community for years to come.”
Federal Member for Capricornia, Michelle Landry, said she is pleased to see work on the notoriously rough Stanage Bay Road be completed.
“I delivered $21.6 million through the former Coalition Government’s Roads of Strategic Importance to make the much-needed upgrades to Stanage Bay Road,” Ms Landry said.
“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.
“Now complete, this road will make travel for graziers, fishermen and locals of Stanage Bay easier and safer.”
Livingstone Shire Council acknowledges the Federal Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communication and the Arts for 100% funding of this project through the Roads of Strategic Importance (ROSI) initiative.
More information on the ROSI initiative is available at: https://investment.infrastructure.gov.au/about/national-initiatives/roads-strategic-importance.
