Massive delays to road projects across the country as a result of a 90-day review of all infrastructure projects is causing safety concerns locally as flood season approaches and risks to flood prone areas increases.
The review was announced in May and due to take three months, but 170 days later there is no news as to when it will be completed.
There are several local projects affected by this, namely the proposed project for the new bridge and the highway alignment.
These two projects are long-term developments that have not yet begun, but their funding sits within the government’s list of infrastructure projects, progress of which is halted.
In addition, the Burdekin Deviation has now been brought to a stop and Member for Burdekin Dale Last, says he is concerned about how flooding will be managed this storm season.
“Key projects for North Queensland that are currently in limbo due to the so-called review,” said Mr Last.
“The Burdekin Deviation aims to address road closures due to flooding and those closures impact the entire north of the state.
“Currently we have a proposed corridor reserved for the Burdekin Deviation and funding to secure that corridor is just one example of what’s at risk the longer this review drags out.
“It will be a multi-billion-dollar project that could go right back to square one if the federal government continues to dither.
“In May we were told the review would take 90 days but here we are, 170 days later, and the federal government won’t even say when the results will be made public.”
Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox, is also concerned about the delays which he says are halting “life-saving road projects”.
“Crucial infrastructure projects have stalled under Labor and it’s just not good enough. The Australian people deserve answers, the people in our electorate of Dawson deserves answers.
“Families living in rural and regional areas deserve to be able to travel to and from work and to access crucial services safely.
“This was a question about roads and infrastructure, but it seems all roads lead back to The Voice for the Prime Minister,” said Mr Willcox.
Caption: Currently traffic must be stopped at The Burdekin River Bridge when a wide load needs to pass. Photo: Supplied
Publishers Indemnity. Any individual or entity that places advertising, supplies copy material, or submits editorial content to Core Life Publishing agrees and undertakes to ensure that all such material:- Does not infringe upon any copyright, trademark, or other intellectual property rights;- Is free from any content that could be considered defamatory, libelous, or slanderous;- Does not infringe upon any rights related to privacy or breach of confidence;- Contains no obscene, indecent, or otherwise unlawful material;- Complies fully with the Trade Practices Act and all other applicable laws, regulations, or statutes.Furthermore, by submitting or placing such material, these individuals or entities agree to indemnify and hold harmless the publisher, Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd, and/or its agents from and against any and all investigations, claims, demands, liabilities, damages, costs, or judgments arising out of or in connection with the material provided. All material is believed to be accurate at the time of printing and remains the copyright of Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd.
© 2023 Burdekin Life Pty Ltd.
