A secret audit of Queensland’s roads has revealed almost half of Queensland’s Bruce Highway has a two-star safety rating or less.
Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox, said he is disappointed but not surprised the electorate of Dawson had the lowest overall star rating, with 63.4 per cent rated two stars or lower.
Mr Willcox said much needed infrastructure projects like the Mackay Ring Road Stage 2 and the Goorganga Plains Flood Immunity project have been delayed by the Australian Government’s 90-day review.
“The previous Coalition Government committed $10 billion towards much needed safety upgrades on the Bruce, and instead of the new government grabbing the horse by the reins and just getting on with it, they have held these projects up further in a 90-day review which has blown out to over 200 days,” he said.
“This is unacceptable to have these projects with committed funding just sitting dormant.
“Earlier this year during our wet season and following flooding, QLD Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Mark Bailey visited Mackay to inspect flood damage and announced alongside State Member for Mackay that ‘it’s good to see that our roads have held up as well as they have’.
“It was extremely disappointing to hear this from the State Local Member and her Minister when I had constituents contacting my office with safety concerns and pothole complaints.
“Our state representatives know Dawson’s economic contributions and they should have us travelling on gold plated roads, but instead we have the worst roads in the state.”
Mr Willcox said he is pleased that no projects in Dawson will be scrapped following the review.
“Now that we are over this ridiculous and unnecessary review, I am calling for no more delays,” he said.
“Both the Albanese and Palaszczuk governments need to stop dragging the chain, stop playing the blame game, stop arguing, and just get on with your jobs.”
The Queensland Government conducted the audit following a right to information search by Nationals Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien revealing road safety data provided to state governments by the Australian Road Assessment Program (AusRAP).
Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox
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