Thursday, August 24, 2023

Issue:

Mackay and Whitsunday Life

“Persistence And Pressure” Get The Bruce Moving

Major Bruce Highway upgrades that were abandoned in February have finally begun moving again as a new contractor is appointed and work commences after a nine-month delay.

The $68.85 million worth of contract works across three sites between Ayr and Proserpine have recommenced this week as the Queensland Government replace previous contractor WBHO Infrastructure.

The South-African company entered voluntary administration in the early stages of 2022, downing tools on its Australian worksites and leaving the State Government holding the bag.

Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox announced the appointment by the government’s Department of Transport and Main Roads of a new contractor to complete the Emu Creek to Drays Road and Bowen Connection Road to Champion Street construction after “persistence and pressure” on his part.

Alongside State Member for Burdekin Dale Last, Mr Willcox campaigned on behalf of the region’s road users to see the Bruce Highway Upgrade continue.

Mr Willcox said a new contractor has begun the Emu Creek and Drays Road section as of November 21, with a separate contractor due to finish the Bowen portions of the upgrade.

“A second contactor will be coming on board to complete the Bowen Connection Road and Bowen Connection Road to Champion Street with construction expected to resume in early 2023,” Mr Willcox said.

“We are one tiny step closer to a road that we deserve, and I'll be watching this progress with interest.”

In comments earlier this year, Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey apologised on behalf of the Queensland Government and said they “hoped” the work could be completed in 2023.

Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox said a new contractor will begin works on the Bruce Highway upgrades in Bowen in early 2023

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