Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce was in Mackay last Tuesday to speak on several issues in the lead up to the May 21 election.
Mr Joyce’s first stop was Mackay Ring Road where he announced the Federal Government’s $33 billion commitment to road safety over the next four years.
The package includes $65.3 million for a new Heavy Vehicle Rest Areas Program to provide more vehicle rest areas on regional and rural roads, and to improve already existing heavy vehicle rest areas.
Announced in the 2022-23 budget, $180.1 million will be pledged to a Regional Australia Level Crossing Safety Program to improve safety at level crossings across Australia.
Funding has also been extended for three road safety programs, including $12 million for the Road Safety Innovation Fund, $10 million for Driver Reviver Site Upgrades and $4 million for Road Safety Awareness and Enablers Fund.
Speaking in Mackay, Mr Joyce said the Government was increasing its focus on making Australia’s roads safer.
“We must do everything we can to reduce deaths on our roads and spare families from the immeasurable impact these tragedies have,” he said.
“Roads are the critical arteries of our nation, not only supporting the movement of people but facilitating the flow of goods and commodities from regional businesses to supermarkets and ports.”
Assistant Minister for Road Safety and Freight Transport Scott Buchholz said the program will benefit heavy vehicle drivers and the broader community by helping tackle fatigue and reducing the risk of crashes and high-risk behaviour.
“The new Heavy Vehicle Rest Area program builds on existing programs of investment to ensure the viability, safety, sustainability and efficiency of Australia’s road transport sector,” he said.
Later in the day, Mr Joyce met with Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel Andrew Gee, Federal Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry, and LNP candidate for Dawson Andrew Willcox to announce a $5 million contribution toward wellness facilities in the Mackay region to benefit veterans, Defence personnel and their families.
Veteran Wellbeing Centres provide a space to better help connect veterans to extensive support and advocacy services which Mr Joyce says is critical.
“Australians would not have our way of life if it were not for past and present members of our Defence Force and their families,” he said.
“We must ensure they are supported.”
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel Andrew Gee said the $5 million in funding would be a welcome boost for veterans in the area.
“It’s part of our national approach to delivering integrated support services to veterans and their families by working with local organisations and the local defence and veteran community,” he said.
“Those on the ground know best what the community needs, and these centres are all about providing local solutions to local veteran issues.”
Federal Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry says we must always look after the men and women of our Defence forces and their families.
“Veteran wellness facilities are a vital hub for accessing health, education and employment support, and a place for our veterans and their families to connect with their mates,” she said.
“Today’s announcement will be fundamental in ensuring that local veterans can access a range of services right here in the Mackay region to help with their transition to civilian life.”
LNP candidate for Dawson Andrew Willcox says there are two projects in the Mackay region which could be supported.
“I am thrilled to see funding of up to $5 million which could be utilised to progress both the social and wellness centre proposed by Mackay RSL, and the PTSD Frontline proposal for a veterans hub at Kinchant Dam,” he said.
“These are great projects and I am keen to work with both proponents to ensure the maximum benefit for our veterans and their families.”
There will be a process in coming months to determine how funding will be allocated to achieve the best outcome for veterans in the Mackay region.
L-R Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce, LNP candidate for Dawson Andrew Willcox, Federal Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry, and Assistant Minister for Road Safety and Freight Transport Scott Buchholz
L-R Andrew Willcox, Barnaby Joyce, RSL Mackay President Ken Higgins, and Michelle Landry with members of the RSL Mackay Subbranch. Photo: supplied
