LNP promises $375m for inland highway

Queensland's LNP is promising to build an inland alternative to the Bruce Highway.

Cars seen on a motorway

Queensland's LNP has promised $375 million to create an inland alternative to the Bruce Highway. (AAP)

The Liberal National Party has promised $375 million to create a major highway in regional Queensland.

Premier Campbell Newman says the LNP will upgrade and widen existing roads to create an inland alternative to the Bruce Highway.

He says the project, funded by leasing state assets, will link four roads.

"So we have a coherent, viable alternative route from the NSW-Queensland border, west of the divide, linking those regional communities all the way to Cairns," Mr Newman said.

The premier declared the projects would create 2250 construction jobs over six years.

Mr Newman said the new route would improve transport links, inland tourism and help keep the state flood resilient.

He said parts of Bruce Highway would always be at risk of floods during heavy rains or cyclones, but an inland route would keep the state open.

"There's been a lot of people sort of saying that this should be made a reality, we now have a plan and we have the funds to do that," Mr Newman said.

The premier also confirmed a report that another $500 million in funding would be rolled out as part of the Royalties for Regions scheme to fund 47 projects, including the upgrade of 11 airports, roads and truck wash-down area.

The LNP has promised almost $1.5 billion in funding over the last five days ahead of the January 31 election.


Share

2 min read

Published

Updated

Source: AAP


Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News daily and direct to your Inbox

Sign up now for the latest news from Australia and around the world direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Download our apps
SBS News
SBS Audio
SBS On Demand

Listen to our podcasts
An overview of the day's top stories from SBS News
Interviews and feature reports from SBS News
Your daily ten minute finance and business news wrap with SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves.
A daily five minute news wrap for English learners and people with disability
Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS
SBS World News

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service
Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world