ROADWORKS PROMOTE BUSINESS GROWTH IN GRACEMERE

WORKS are under way on a road upgrade designed to support business growth and jobs in the Gracemere Industrial Area.

Deputy Prime Minister, Nationals’ Leader and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the project, which included an upgrade to a section of Macquarie Street between Foster and Douglas Streets as well as the Macquarie and Douglas Street intersection, would improve heavy vehicle access to the area.

“No matter where you live the Liberals and Nationals are investing to get you home sooner and safer,” Mr McCormack said.

“These works will save businesses time and money, encourage growth and make the road safer for drivers.

“We are pleased to work with the Rockhampton Regional Council to deliver these works, which are funded through the Liberal and Nationals’ Government’s Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program.”

LNP Member for Flynn Ken O’Dowd said the project included widening and full pavement reconstruction on Macquarie Street between Foster and Douglas Streets and an upgrade to the Macquarie/Douglas Street intersection.

“These works will improve the load limit and standard of the road,” Mr O’Dowd said.

“Local businesses have been very strong advocates for this work as it will improve safety and allow vehicles to travel in and out of the Gracemere Industrial Area more quickly and efficiently.

“This project demonstrates the Liberal and Nationals’ Government’s commitment to working with local governments to improve roads in regional communities.”

Rockhampton Region Mayor Margaret Strelow said the upgrades would have a positive impact on the area.

“Once the work is complete, heavy vehicles up to type 1 road trains will be able to move through the area more easily,” Mayor Strelow said.

“These works will facilitate growth in Rockhampton’s Gracemere Industrial Area, leading to more private sector jobs, higher returns and bigger investments in our region.

“We wish to thank the Federal Government for their support in promoting growth in our local industries.”

The $2.312 million Macquarie Street upgrade project in Gracemere is jointly funded by the Federal Government through Round 6 of the Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program and the Rockhampton Regional Council on a 50:50 basis.

More information on the Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program is available at https://investment.infrastructure.gov.au/infrastructure_investment/heavy_vehicle_safety_and_productivity.aspx.

Shane Manning