State Development Minister Anthony Lynham has today announced a $6.35 million boost to three major infrastructure projects in the Central Highlands under the state government’s Building Our Regions funding program.
Mayor Kerry Hayes welcomed the news and thanked the Queensland Government for recognising the importance of supporting regional infrastructure.
‘As a rural community, the stability and strength of our economy and liveability hinge on quality infrastructure,’ Cr Hayes said.
‘Our council has worked very hard advocating for these projects, so it’s fantastic to see the Palaszczuk Government acknowledge their merit and commit to helping deliver them.’
Cr Hayes said $4.4 million in funding for the Yamala Enterprise Area would result in long-term economic benefits, freight efficiencies and employment growth for Queensland and the Central Highlands.
‘The initial stage involves a major upgrade to the intersection of the Capricorn Highway and Bonnie Doon Road, construction of a 1.5 kilometre rail siding and an upgrade to Bonnie Doon Road for access to the site.’
‘This infrastructure is a critical enabler to allow the intermodal port to proceed.’
Council and private sector investment will contribute the balance to reach the $9.4 million needed for this stage of the project.
Cr Hayes said funding for the Effluent Irrigation Extension Project would bring the Blackwater Sewage Treatment Plant in line with environmental requirements for the discharge of treated waste water.
‘Council funded the first stage of this project and will match the $1.2 million in state government funding for stage two.
‘This stage includes the construction of an additional effluent storage dam and extension of the irrigation system at Blackwater Golf Course and the adjacent land.’
Minister Lynham also announced $790k in funding for the Central Highlands Regional Floodways Program to improve the resilience of the rural road network.
Concrete floodways will be constructed at twenty four sites in the region to provide safe crossing during wet weather.
More information on these projects can be found on our major projects page.