Road funding is always an election vote winner and the LNP on Monday recognised that with a $60 million pledge to improve and upgrade key economic road links in regional Queensland.
One of the electorates that most stands to benefit is Gregory, where sitting LNP member, Lachlan Millar faces competition from four other candidates.
More than $27 million has been pledged to deliver vital upgrades in the electorate, concentrating on three major roads to boost industry productivity.
A total of $2.8 million would be invested on the Alpha-Tambo Road to conduct sealing works on the remaining section of unsealed road between Alpha and Tambo.
Mr Millar said the project would provide critical all-weather access from Rockhampton to the Blackall saleyards.
Another $16 million would be invested in the Springsure-Tambo Road (Dawson Development Road) to deliver vital safety upgrades, including $6 million for sealing works, $5 million to upgrade the Windeyer Creek Bridge and $5 million to upgrade the Barcoo Creek Bridge.
The Blackall-Jericho Road, originally pledged to be sealed in an early 2000s agreement that saw the railway line closed, would also benefit from an investment of $9 million for sealing works.
“Following the recent organic accreditation of the Blackall saleyards, this project will significantly improve productivity of the agriculture industry and ensure the safety of both local residents and tourists,” Mr Millar speculated.
The road upgrades would be delivered through the LNP’s $500 million Royalties for Region Program.