Cynthia Lui MP
Member for Cook
Media Release
Work is under way to seal up to 24 kilometres of the Burke Developmental Road, north of Normanton, as part of the COVID-19 economic stimulus program.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development, Michael McCormack said the Australian Government was committed to delivering for the regions, especially as we charter a course out of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The $14 million works are part of the Australian Government’s Shovel Ready Infrastructure Investment Program and are jointly funded with the Australian Government contributing $11.2 million,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.
“We continue to roll out these types of projects across the nation under our $110 billion infrastructure pipeline, which is laying the foundation for economic recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said sealing the road would provide a more reliable link for the community, businesses and industry, while also creating another 23 jobs as part of Queensland’s plan for economic recovery.
“Projects like this are vital to Queensland’s economic recovery plan and form part of our record jointly-funded program to build better roads and transport across the state,” Mr Bailey said.
North Queensland-based Senator, Susan McDonald, said the Australian Government’s stimulus funding is providing important infrastructure for remote communities as well as helping major industries, ensuring the economy improves following COVID-19.
“The Burke Developmental Road is a vital route connecting regional businesses to local and international markets and provides tourism access to northern and north western Queensland,” Senator McDonald said.
“Sealing this link to eight metres wide is good for our economy, good for road safety and good for improved flood immunity.”
Member for Cook Cynthia Lui said it was great to see the local council deliver the works, which would bolster the region’s 166 businesses and 1,000 jobs.
“Better roads get families home safer, our products to markets across Australia and the globe, and stimulate jobs – which is why we’ve also injected another $1 billion in joint stimulus funding since April to upgrade roads right across the region and the state,” Ms Lui said.
“Across the Cape and Gulf, we’re sealing road with projects like this and the jointly-funded $237 million Cape York Region Package Stage Two, which is also supporting 150 jobs.”
Works will start in November and are expected to be completed by June 2022, construction and weather conditions permitting.
For up-to-date information on roadworks and other traffic information, call 13 19 40, visit www.qldtraffic.qld.gov.au or download the app.
The project is jointly funded, with the Australian Government committing $11.2 million and the Queensland Government committing $2.8 million.
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Media contact - Cook Electorate Office - 4223 1100
