New road safety upgrades and jobs will be delivered right across Queensland with the Australian and Queensland Governments unlocking close to $300 million in additional funding.

More than $10 million has been ear-marked for road safety works in the Townsville region.

The Australian Government’s funding for the Road Safety Program will deliver lifesaving measures on roads on the Bruce Highway at Alligator Creek, and the Flinders Highway at Toonpan Lagoon, for the protection of road users while also supporting local jobs.

The Federal Government will contribute $1.32 million towards an intersection upgrade at Alligator Creek Road, with the State Government contributing $330,000 for the work to go ahead.

A further $7 million will be contributed by the Federal Government for the installation of wide centreline treatment on the Flinders Highway between Hocking Road and Toonpan Lagoon, southwest of Townsville. The State Government contribution for this work is $1.76 million.

This funding is subject to “use it or lose it” provisions which means these projects will be delivered soon – if they aren’t, these funds will be reallocated – the Federal Government means business.

The Australian Government announced today it has approved $225 million for Queensland under tranche one of the $2 billion Road Safety Program, joining a further $64.6 million to be provided by the Queensland Government.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the additional works are required to begin and finish by 30 June 2021, improving safety and supporting around 950 jobs in Queensland.

“This funding will deliver key lifesaving improvements such as shoulder sealing, rumble strips to alert drivers they are moving out of their lane, median treatments to prevent head-on collisions and barriers to prevent run-off-road crashes and protect against roadside hazards,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.

“Of this $289.6 million, $267.4 million has been earmarked for regional Queensland demonstrating the substantial focus we are placing on our regional communities.

“Road safety is everyone’s responsibility and the Australian Government is playing our part by investing heavily in road safety upgrades across Queensland.

“This is all about getting Queenslanders home sooner and safer whilst we also create more jobs during this difficult economic time.

Assistant Minister for Road Safety and Freight Transport Scott Buchholz said road safety was a key priority for the Australian Government and this investment in road upgrades would provide a boost to the economy while ensuring Australians can get home sooner and safer.

“Making our roads safer is a critical component of our work to reduce deaths and serious injuries on our roads and move towards achieving Vision Zero – or no deaths or serious injuries on our roads,” Mr Buchholz said.

“Projects are already underway through the $500 million Targeted Road Safety COVID-19 stimulus package and this additional funding complements that work, resulting in an even greater roll-out of improved infrastructure and roads right across the nation.

“Queensland unfortunately saw a 26 per cent increase in road deaths in 2020, despite the falls in traffic due to the pandemic.

“We know we must do better – and this funding is part of our Government’s unwavering commitment to doing our bit to get all Queenslanders home sooner and safer.”

The program will be delivered in three, six-month tranches. In total, the Australian Government has approved up to $225 million and the Queensland Government a further $64.6 million to fund the state-wide upgrades.

For more information on the Australian Government’s road safety initiatives, visit www.officeofroadsafety.gov.au.