ROSS Fraser, a principal of one of Australia's biggest livestock transporters, has welcomed a federal and state initiative to undertake further upgrades on the Capricorn Highway.
Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack said $8.3 million had been set aside to replace a timber bridge over Valentine Creek, south west of Gracemere, which is home to the Central Queensland Livestock Exchange sales centre.
Mr McCormack, who is also Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development, said the project involved replacing the old bridge with a wider, two-lane concrete structure to lift safety and efficiency standards.
"This investment is about getting people home and goods to market sooner and safer as the Capricorn Highway is central Queensland's primary east-west freight corridor and part of Australia's national freight network," Mr McCormack said.
Federal Member for Flynn Ken O'Dowd said the project would provide multiple benefits.
"Once the project is completed, major benefits will include improved heavy vehicle access, increased freight efficiency, and improved traffic capacity and safety over Valentine Creek," Mr O'Dowd said.
Mr Fraser, a principal of Frasers Livestock Transport, agreed, adding any investment to raise safety along such a busy corridor was worthy.
"As a company we would genuinely welcome this plan and I suspect the whole industry would be behind it," Mr Fraser said.
"Safety is paramount and if the older bridge needs to be replaced, then they are doing the right thing. Any money spent on the right things is always worthwhile. This is a very busy highway with high freight levels."
State Transport Minister Mark Bailey said the new bridge would be able to withstand a one-in-50-year flood and remove weight limitations, which impedes heavy vehicle access.
"It will improve freight connectivity across Queensland," Mr Bailey said.
State Member for Rockhampton Barry O'Rourke said the project would also support more construction jobs for Rockhampton.
"About 27 direct jobs will be supported over the construction phase of the project, so that is important for our region's economy," Mr O'Rourke said. "While it is sad to see a little bit of local history go, the new structure will create a more reliable and flood resilient crossing over the creek."
The new bridge is expected to open to traffic mid-December 2019, weather permitting.
The existing bridge was built in 1951.
Alan Welburn
Lover of sport, particularly horse racing and all things Olympic. Have spent my entire working life in journalism, mostly with News Corp on its major metro mastheads. Done plenty of things but the best by far is having a teenage son who calls me dad.
Lover of sport, particularly horse racing and all things Olympic. Have spent my entire working life in journalism, mostly with News Corp on its major metro mastheads. Done plenty of things but the best by far is having a teenage son who calls me dad.
