Far North Queensland mayors have welcomed the news of a $5.92m investment by the federal government for the Ootann Road, a key freight route in the state's far north.
The money comes from the Roads of Strategic Importance initiative and will be topped up by funding from the Tablelands and Mareeba shires to make a total $7.4m package.
The 95-kilometre Ootann Road is a strategic north-south link between the Burke Developmental Road, the Peninsula Developmental Road and the Kennedy Highway, and provides the only triple road train access into the upper Gulf and lower Peninsula.
Speaking from the region on the weekend, Assistant Minister for Road Safety and Freight Transport Scott Buchholz said it would build on previous upgrades of the road to improve safety, reduce travel times, and provide wet weather access.
ROSI projects are about improving the safety and quality of critical freight routes to keep regional industries connected to local and international markets, and unlock social and economic benefits.
Mr Buchholz had personally experienced the unsealed sections of the Ootann Road as a former transport operator, and described them as some of the roughest, harshest road conditions he had ever experienced.
"Following the tireless advocacy of local mayors and former Mayor Tom Gilmore, the Ootann Road has been placed on the national agenda and under the Morrison government is attracting significant investment," he said.
The federal government has committed $904 million to upgrade seven key road corridors in Queensland over 10 years under the ROSI program.
Federal Transport and Regional Development Minister Barnaby Joyce said the Ootann Road was a strategic freight corridor that connected northern Australia with key markets in the south.
"This road is well used by truckies, is a vital connection for local communities, and allows tourists to come up and experience what this beautiful region has to offer," the Deputy Prime Minister said.
Mareeba cattle producer Tahna Jackson called for more money for the route in 2019, saying sealed triple road train access would mean the larger properties in the lower Peninsula trying to get triples out of the Cape, such as Wrotham Park, wouldn't have to backtrack to Karumba to move their cattle at strategic marketing times.
Tablelands Regional Council Mayor Rod Marti said the latest round of funding was critical to ensure access during the wet season.
"The unsealed sections of Ootann Road are prone to flooding, which is currently preventing year-round use of the route and posing a barrier to business and economic growth," Cr Marti said.
"This project will weatherproof the road, reducing the need for road closures and load limits during the wet season and making it more reliable for freight, locals and tourists."
In addition, Mareeba Shire Mayor Angela Toppin said widening and sealing the road has been a priority of theirs for years.
"I can't wait for works to get underway, which will support jobs in the short term while delivering lasting improvements that will enhance freight productivity and lower ongoing maintenance costs in the long run."
The latest round of funding will deliver upgrades that include pavement widening and sealing works to a nine metre seal width, building on previous investments completed under the Northern Australia Beef Roads program.
The Mareeba Shire Council is putting in $664,500 to the upgrades in its shire while in the Tablelands Shire, the council is contributing $816,000.
ALSO IN THE NEWS:
Want daily news highlights delivered to your inbox? Sign up to the North Queensland Register newsletter below.
Sally Gall
Based at Blackall, CW Qld, where I've raised a family, run Merino sheep and beef cattle, and helped develop a region - its history, tourism, education and communications. Get in touch at 0427 575 955 if you've got a story idea for me.
Based at Blackall, CW Qld, where I've raised a family, run Merino sheep and beef cattle, and helped develop a region - its history, tourism, education and communications. Get in touch at 0427 575 955 if you've got a story idea for me.
