$88.2 million Mount Morgan pipeline project to commence in Central Queensland

The Mount Morgan Water Supply Pipeline Project is a collaborative effort between the Federal and Queensland Labor Governments and the Rockhampton Regional Council. This initiative, with a budget of $88.2 million, aims to ensure long-term water security for Mount Morgan, fostering job creation and economic growth in the town.

Through this joint venture, the Albanese and Palaszczuk Labor governments, in partnership with the Rockhampton Regional Council, are working to eliminate the need for water carting and safeguard the town’s sustainability and quality of life.

This undertaking is expected to generate around 50 employment opportunities and provide significant economic advantages to local communities and businesses in Central Queensland. The Queensland Government and the Council are committed to maximizing local labor, suppliers, materials, and subcontractors.

Furthermore, this project presents an opportunity for the Council to execute crucial infrastructure enhancements that will enhance water security for the broader community. These supplementary activities include expanding and upgrading Razorback Road while laying the pipeline, as well as boosting reservoir and pumping capacity to accommodate the expected growth in Gracemere. This combined set of projects will meet the future requirements of both Mount Morgan and Gracemere. The Council is financing these supplementary activities as part of the overall project budget of $88.2 million.

The Mount Morgan Pipeline Project encompasses the following key components:

  1. The construction of a 28km potable water pipeline from the Gracemere Pump Station to Mount Morgan.
  2. An upgrade to the Gracemere pump station.
  3. The construction of a new reservoir and a new pump station at Lucas Street in Gracemere.
  4. The installation of a new pump station and a small reservoir at Moonmera, approximately halfway along the pipeline route.

This project is scheduled to be completed by September 2025, subject to weather conditions.

Record investment for Western Australia’s road infrastructure

The Western Australian Government has entered into a new agreement with the WA Local Government Association, marking a historic $1.38 billion investment in local road projects. Under the five-year State Road Funds to Local Government Agreement with the WA Local Government Association, the estimated investment has been increased by $353 million compared to the previous agreement. This financial year alone, nearly $253 million will be allocated to local roads.

This agreement guarantees that local councils will receive 20 percent of the revenue collected from the State’s vehicle licence fee collections, which will be dedicated to local roads. As part of this commitment, the focus will be on road safety initiatives, boosting Aboriginal employment opportunities, and promoting the use of recycled materials in road construction.

Under this arrangement, local government-managed programs will receive 67 percent of annual funding, encompassing direct grants, road project grants, State Black Spot allocations, and remote Aboriginal access roads. The remaining 33 percent of funding will be allocated to Main Roads managed programs, covering State initiatives related to local roads, bridge maintenance and inspections, as well as traffic management, signage, and pavement markings.

Transport Minister Rita Saffioti emphasised that this agreement is pivotal in ensuring the ongoing maintenance and improvement of Western Australia’s road network. She added that the record funding allocation for local roads would contribute significantly to these efforts.

Moreover, the agreement emphasises access roads for remote Aboriginal communities, with an allocation of $2.5 million for this fiscal year, and further investments in the coming years.

Please find below a comprehensive breakdown of the funding allocation by region for the fiscal year 2023/24:

  • Great Southern: $13.1 million
  • Wheatbelt: $35.9 million
  • Kimberley: $8.8 million
  • Pilbara: $7.4 million
  • Mid West/Gascoyne: $22.4 million
  • Goldfields-Esperance: $20.8 million
  • South West: $30.5 million
  • Metropolitan: $92.5 million

Check out https://www.mainroads.wa.gov.au/ for further information

Far North Queensland Celebrates Rail and Road Project Achievement

The $535 million Bruce Highway-Cairns Southern Access Corridor (Stage 3)-Edmonton to Gordonvale project has reached its zenith with the official commissioning of a pivotal component. This monumental project has transformed traffic flow and road safety in the region, mitigating congestion, reducing travel times, and enhancing road access and active transport networks.

A momentous achievement in this project’s timeline, the Menmuny Overpass, spanning an impressive 141 meters, has been unveiled as a crucial milestone. It will be open to motorists starting Friday, August 18, ensuring safe access to the highway in all directions.

Commencing construction in May 2020, this project involved the duplication and enhancement of a 10.5-kilometer section of the Bruce Highway between Edmonton and Gordonvale, the busiest two-lane segment of the highway connecting Cairns and Brisbane. Over 200 million hours of work have gone into the project, engaging more than 300 local suppliers and contractors.

In addition to the highway upgrades, this endeavor includes:

  • A 4.5-kilometer rail track upgrade and realignment of the Queensland Rail North Coast Line.
  • A new intersection and enhancements to two existing intersections.
  • Over eight kilometers (8.9 kilometers) of upgraded local roads.
  • Construction of new road and rail bridges at Wrights Creek and Stoney Creek.
  • A cycleway bridge at Collinson Creek.
  • A 10.4-kilometer cycleway.
  • Twenty-seven kilometers of drainage.
  • Three new pedestrian crossing facilities, including a pedestrian overpass.

Funding for this project is provided by the Australian and Queensland governments under the Bruce Highway Upgrade Program, with the Australian Government committing $428.01 million and the Queensland Government $106.99 million.

The project is set to be fully operational by the end of the month, with minor remaining works scheduled for completion in September.

Federal Transport Minister Catherine King affirmed the Australian Government’s commitment to delivering safe and reliable road infrastructure that connects and supports Queensland and rural and regional Australia, stating that such vital projects strengthen communities, freight networks, and road safety.

Queensland Transport Minister Mark Bailey emphasized that the new highway would ensure long-term resilience for this section of the Cairns Southern Access Corridor. He also noted the community’s involvement in naming ten new pieces of infrastructure, which celebrate local identities and rich Indigenous culture.

Joint venture contractors John Holland, Seymour Whyte, and AECOM are credited with successfully delivering this remarkable project. John Holland Operations Manager Natasha Roy highlighted the collaborative effort between teams and local subcontractors as instrumental in the project’s success. She underscored the significance of community support and the project’s sustainable construction methodologies, which have set industry standards while preserving the area’s heritage and environment. Additionally, the project has contributed to the growth of local livelihoods, fostering strong relationships with local contractors and businesses and paving the way for their involvement in future major infrastructure projects in Far North Queensland.

$29.7 billion QLD roads and transport plan

The Queensland Government has released its $29.7 billion roads and transport investment plan, prioritising regional projects and road safety programs.

The Queensland Transport and Roads Investment Program (QTRIP) 2022-23 outlines current and planned investments over the next four years.

Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Mark Bailey, said the seventh record roads and transport budget in a row is helping to build an even more impressive pipeline of projects.

“Queensland is growing rapidly, with our world leading pandemic response making our state the place to be, but we know we need infrastructure to support this growth and that’s what this budget delivers for Queenslanders,” Mr Bailey said.

“The investment will drive the Queensland Government’s plan for shifting from economic recovery to future growth and prosperity, supporting jobs and delivering critical infrastructure to keep our state moving.

“This year’s $29.7 billion in road and transport infrastructure investment plan will support 25,200 direct jobs, helping to promote more jobs in more industries, all while delivering better transport options for Queenslanders.”

Mr Bailey said the budget includes major investment in south-east Queensland roads.

“Works are ramping up on the M1, Bruce Highway, and on the $2.1 billion Coomera Connector,” Mr Bailey said.

“Driving from Coolangatta to Coolum, Queenslanders can see just how many major upgrades are going on through that corridor.

“From the $1 billion Varsity Lakes to Tugun M1 upgrade and the $1 billion Daisy Hill to Logan Motorway M1 upgrade, to the $662.5 million Caboolture to Steve Irwin Way Bruce Highway upgrade, we’re delivering more lanes, better interchanges, and safer conditions across the south-east’s major roads.

“On top of that, we’re building a brand new highway, the Coomera Connector, which will deliver a second M1 between Logan and the Gold Coast, and will be the biggest road project in Queensland’s history.

“That’s the major work we are delivering right now, while also planning for the future with a range of planning studies and business cases funded through this budget to detail what’s needed next across the region.”

Funding regional corridors

Queensland Assistant Minister Regional Roads and Train Manufacturing, Bruce Saunders, said major regional corridors such as the Bruce Highway are getting further significant investment, improving capacity, flood immunity and road safety.

“More than half of this record-breaking investment will directly support regional Queensland, with over $18 billion worth of road and transport projects being delivered outside the Brisbane region,” Mr Saunders said.

“The pipeline of investment outlined in this plan will support an average of 16,220 direct jobs across regional Queensland, stepping up our focus on supporting regional growth.

“This includes funding for major regional projects like the $1.06 billion Rockhampton Ring Road, the $1 billion Cooroy to Curra Bruce Highway upgrade, the $481 million Cairns Southern Access Corridor Bruce Highway upgrade, the $350 million Mackay Port Access road, the $336 million Tiaro Bypass on the Bruce and the $230 million Townsville Ring Road (Stage 5).

“It also includes $280 million over four years for the Transport Infrastructure Development Scheme which increases our commitment to work with local governments on local road and transport networks in regional areas.”

Road safety programs

Mr Bailey said $1.49 billion was allocated to targeted road safety programs, which was additional to road safety improvements delivered as part of major programs and projects.

“Improving road safety to reduce road trauma and save lives remains our highest priority,” Mr Bailey said.

“This investment continues on a legacy of constant improvement through our various safety programs, supported by our investment in infrastructure which improves road conditions.”

Mr Bailey said the budget also meant the Queensland Government will be delivering $266.2 million for active transport infrastructure.

“This includes projects such as the Broadbeach South to Burleigh Heads Cycleway, the Veloway 1 O’Keefe Street bridge, active transport path and crossing along Gympie – Brooloo Road, and the New England Highway Bikeway, Highfields to Toowoomba (Stage 2),” Mr Bailey said.

“This is in addition to other projects that provide improvements to the active transport network, such as infrastructure upgrades associated with Coomera Connector Stage 1, Centenary Bridge upgrade and various projects on the M1 and Bruce Highway.

“Queensland boaties can also look forward to an investment of $185.3 million towards maintenance and upgrades of their local facilities, including boat ramps, floating walkways, pontoons and dredging projects.

“This year’s QTRIP really highlights the important work we are delivering across the state, making Queensland the place everyone wants to be.”

Mr Bailey also noted the timing of the 2022 Federal Election meant QTRIP had been developed in advance of the incoming Federal Government’s formal updates to the National Partnership Agreement on Land Transport Infrastructure Projects Schedule for Queensland.

Mr Bailey said the Queensland Government would work closely with the Federal Government in coming months to incorporate new commitments into the infrastructure pipeline such as additional federal funding for the Bruce Highway, Kuranda Range, Boundary Road level crossing (Coopers Plains) and Ipswich Motorway planning.

https://infrastructuremagazine.com.au/2022/06/22/29-7-billion-qld-roads-and-transport-plan/

Federal Budget 2022: Infrastructure to receive 17.9B boost

Existing and new infrastructure projects across Australia are set to receive a $17.9 billion funding boost from the Federal Government, bringing the Government’s rolling 10-year infrastructure investment pipeline from $110 billion to over $120 billion.

With the Federal Government due to hand down its 2022-23 Budget in Parliament on March 29, infrastructure funding commitments form a key part of the coalition’s plans for economic recovery and growth, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said.

“Continuing to provide record future funding for road and rail projects is a key part of our economic plan for the long term to keep our economy strong, the Prime Minister said.

“by investing in these projects we are delivering the infrastructure that the Australian economy needs to grow, to get Australians home sooner and safer, and generate thousands of jobs and new opportunities for small businesses right across the country.”

A state-by-state break-down of key commitments for new and existing infrastructure projects follows:

Victoria

New projects: Key new projects funded in Victoria in the 2022–23 Budget include:

  • $3.1 billion in new commitments to deliver the $3.6 billion Melbourne Intermodal Terminal Package:
  • $1.2 billion for the Beveridge Interstate Freight Terminal in Beveridge, taking the total investment to $1.62 billion;
  • $280 million for Road Connections, including Camerons Lane Interchange, to the Beveridge Interstate Freight Terminal;
  • $740 million for the Western Interstate Freight Terminal in Truganina;
  • $920 million for the Outer Metropolitan Ring – South Rail connection to the Western Interstate Freight Terminal;
  • $109.5 million for the Mickleham Road Upgrade.

Existing projects:The Budget also includes additional funding for existing projects, including:

  • $45 million for the Ballarat to Ouyen – Future Priorities;
  • $23.1 million for the Canterbury Road Upgrade.

This brings the Coalition’s total infrastructure investment in Victoria since 2013 to more than $35.5 billion across nearly 300 road and rail infrastructure projects, with 99 projects having been completed in the period.

New South Wales

New projects: Among key new projects funded in New South Wales in the 2022–23 Budget is:

Existing projects: The Budget also includes additional funding for existing projects, including:

  • $352 million for the Milton Ulladulla Bypass;
  • $300 million for the Grade Separating Road Interfaces;
  • $65 million for the M5 Motorway – Moorebank Avenue – Hume Highway Intersection Upgrade.

This brings the Coalition’s total infrastructure investment in New South Wales since 2013 to more than $48.5 billion across 240 road and rail infrastructure projects, with 106 projects completed over this period.

Queensland

New projects: Key new projects funded in Queensland in the 2022–23 Budget include:

  • $1.6 billion for the Brisbane to the Sunshine Coast rail extension;
  • $1.121 billion for the Brisbane to the Gold Coast Faster Rail Upgrade;
  • $150 million for the Brisbane Metro – Woolloongabba Station; $396 million for the South East Queensland City Deal;
  • $27.2 million for three business cases for upgrades on the Bruce Highway between Anzac Avenue and Caboolture Bribie Island Road;
  • $22.5 million for Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games 2032 business case development;
  • $20 million for safety upgrades on the Brisbane Valley Highway.

Existing projects: The Budget also includes additional funding for existing projects and Roads of Strategic Importance corridors, including:

  • $68.5 million for the Cooktown to Weipa Corridor Upgrade – bringing the total Australian Government funding to the corridor to $258.5 million;
  • $11.5 million for the Tennant Creek to Townsville Corridor Upgrade – bringing the total Australian Government funding to the corridor to $211.5 million.

This brings the Coalition’s total infrastructure investment in Queensland since 2013 to more than $35.9 billion across 349 road and rail infrastructure projects, with 155 projects having been completed in the period.

Western Australia

New projects: Key new projects funded in Western Australia in the 2022–23 Budget include:

  • $145 million for the Thomas Road South Western Highway to Tonkin Highway and interchange at Tonkin Highway;
  • $140 million for Regional Road Safety Upgrades;
  • $100 million for the METRONET: Morrison Road Level Crossing Removal;
  • $50 million for the Tonkin Highway – North Ellenbrook Interchange;
  • $48 million for the Moorine Rock to Mt Holland Road Upgrades;
  • $40 million for the Newman to Katherine Corridor Upgrade – Great Northern Highway Upgrade – Newman to Port Hedland Overtaking Lanes.

Existing projects: The Budget also includes additional funding for existing projects, including:

  • $320 million for the Bunbury Outer Ring Road (Stages two and three);
  • $200 million for the Tonkin Highway Stage three Extension;
  • $178 million for the Pinjarra Heavy Haulage Deviation – Stages one and two;
  • $135 million for the METRONET: Thornlie-Cockburn Link;
  • $116 million for the METRONET: High Capacity Signalling;
  • $90 million for the METRONET: Yanchep Rail Extension.

This brings the Coalition’s total infrastructure investment in Western Australia since 2013 to more than $20.2 billion across 152 road and rail infrastructure projects, with 50 projects having been completed in the period.

South Australia

New projects: Key new projects funded in South Australia in the 2022–23 Budget include:

  • $200 million for the Marion Road – Anzac Highway to Cross Road;
  • $120 million for the Adelaide Hills Productivity and Road Safety Package
  • $60 million for the South East Freeway Managed Motorways – Stage two;
  • $60 million for the Targeted Investments to Improve National Supply Chain Resilience;
  • $16 million for the Main South Road Productivity Package.

Existing projects: The Budget also includes $2.264 billion in additional funding for the North South Corridor – Torrens to Darlington, $40 million in additional funding for Horrocks Highway Corridor, and $20 million in additional funding for the Marion Road and Sir Donald Bradman Drive Intersection Upgrade.

This brings the Coalition’s total infrastructure investment in South Australia since 2013 to more than $13.7 billion across 95 road and rail infrastructure projects, with 39 projects having been completed in the period.

ACT

New projects: Key new projects funded in the ACT in the 2022–23 Budget are:

  • $46.7 million for the Athllon Drive Duplication;
  • $2.8 million for the Kent Street and Novar Street Intersection Upgrades;
  • $1.5 million for the Inner Canberra Corridor Planning Package.

This brings the Coalition’s total infrastructure investment in the ACT since 2013 to more than $1.3 billion across 29 road and rail infrastructure projects, with ten projects having been completed in the period.

Northern Territory

New projects: Key new projects funded in the Northern Territory in the 2022-23 Budget include:

  • $132 million for Central Australian Tourism Roads;
  • $55 million for the Tiger Brennan Drive/Berrimah Road Intersection Upgrade.

This brings the Coalition’s total infrastructure investment in the Northern Territory since 2013 to more than $3.7 billion across 66 road and rail infrastructure projects, with 36 projects having been completed in the period.

Tasmania

New projects: Key new projects funded in Tasmania in the 2022–23 Budget include:

  • $336 million for the Tasmanian Roads Package – Northern Roads Package – Stage two;
  • $100 million for the Great Eastern Drive Tourism Support – additional packages;
  • $96 million for the Tasmanian Freight Rail Revitalisation Program – Tranche four;
  • $56 million for the Tasmanian Roads Package – Tasman Highway Sideling Upgrade – Stage two;
  • $24 million for the Bell Bay Line – Reconnection to the Bell Bay Wharf;
  • $14.4 million for the Melba Line Bulk Minerals Rail Hub;
  • $13.5 million for the Hobart – Northern Transit Corridor Solution.

This brings the Coalition’s total infrastructure investment in Tasmania since 2013 to more than $4.5 billion across 98 road and rail infrastructure projects, with 52 projects having been completed in the period.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce said the Government was building the infrastructure that would make the economy stronger.

“We are investing in projects that will drive the growth of industries that generate the wealth our nation needs to become as strong as possible as quickly as possible,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.

“Getting more commodities to ports and sending them overseas will generate more export income, making our nation wealthier and stronger. Better roads and infrastructure will enable that.”

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said infrastructure was a key pillar of our economic plan to grow the economy and get more Australians into work.

“With the unemployment rate already at an equal 48 year low, the measures in this Budget will create an additional 40,000 jobs across Australia, building on our world leading economic recovery,” the Treasurer said.

“By enhancing transport connectivity, we’re strengthening our supply chains against challenges such as COVID-related disruptions and the impact of natural disasters. This gives businesses and consumers the confidence and certainty they need in uncertain times.”

The Treasurer will deliver the 2022-23 Federal Budget at approximately 7.30 pm (AEDT) on Tuesday 29 March 2022.