Prime Minister Kevin Rudd today turned the sod on Townsville's $190 million Port Access Road, up to two years earlier than originally anticipated.
The Australian and Queensland governments are each contributing $95 million to link the Flinders and Bruce Highways to the Port of Townsville - a project which could help attract up to $10 billion worth of investment to the region.
“The early start on this vital project was only made possible by the decision to bring forward $20 million as part of our first Budget,” Mr Rudd said.
“We took this decision because we recognise the importance of 21st century transport infrastructure to the region's rapidly growing economy.”
The road is now scheduled to be completed by the end of 2011 or early 2012.
The Port of Townsville handles 10 million tonnes of freight a year - a figure that's expected to triple over the next 20 years - and supports up to 7,000 direct and indirect jobs.
Minister for Infrastructure Anthony Albanese said improving access would allow major industries, such as livestock, sugar and mining, to move goods to and from the Port more quickly and safely.
Currently, road trains are required to break down into single trailers on the outskirts of Townsville before accessing the port via semi-suburban roads.
The new road will allow them to drive to the port directly without having to remove their trailers, significantly increasing efficiency and reducing costs.
“Residents living near the Port of Townsville have long been calling for better road infrastructure,” Mr Albanese said.
“This project will greatly improve their quality of life by reducing the amount of noise, dust and vibrations caused by heavy vehicle traffic.”
The road will be delivered in two stages - the Stuart Bypass (Stage 1) and the Eastern Access Corridor (Stage 2). The contract for Stage 1 was recently awarded to the Abi Group/Seymour Whyte Joint Venture.
“The Port Access Road project demonstrates the Government's commitment to providing North Queensland with high-quality, well-planned roads,” Mr Rudd said.
“Improving the links between existing freight routes and major export points like the Port of Townsville is vital to Australia's future prosperity and national productivity.”
The Rudd Labor Government's plans for North Queensland also include:
* $55 million to duplicate the 5 kilometre Douglas Arterial from University Drive to Upper Ross River Road to four lanes, with planning already underway;
* $110 million to duplicate 7 kilometres of the Bruce Highway from Vantassel Street to Flinders Highway to four lanes;
* $90 million to realign about 4 kilometres of highway on the northern side of the Cardwell Range, including a rail overpass, widening the road and adding overtaking lanes to boost safety;
* $60 million to build up to 30 new overtaking lanes between Sarina and Cairns, a 60 per cent increase for this stretch of the Bruce Highway; and
* Flood immunity works around Tully and between Townsville and Cairns.
This financial year the Rudd Labor Government will invest $3.2 billion in nation-building road and rail projects, including more than $500 million to make an early start on 45 election commitments such as the Townsville Port Access Road.
Queensland Minister for Main Roads, Warren Pitt, welcomed the Prime Minister and Minister Albanese to Townsville for the sod turning.
“This is a much needed piece of work for the community of Townsville and is long overdue,” Mr Pitt said.
“This joint project is another sign of the commitments of the Australian and State Governments to building vital infrastructure across Queensland.”
The state contribution is part of the Queensland Government's $16.2 billion commitment to roads over the next five years.