The LNP will help keep country roads open and Queenslanders moving safely during weather events with a targeted program to inject vital funding to pave regional dirt roads which otherwise become impassable.
An LNP Government would deliver sealed roads to increase resilience and maintain productivity, as well as ensuring emergency services can move quickly in the times they’re needed most.
LNP Shadow Minister for Rural and Regional Affairs said the LNP’s $100 million Country Roads Connect was part of the Right Plan for Queensland’s Future.
“The LNP will bolster safety on unsealed regional roads with a $100 million boost,” Mr Last said.
“Our Country Roads Connect program will work hand-in-hand with our Safer Roads, Better Transport plan which will deliver congestion-busting and safety upgrades across Queensland.
“Rural communities can quickly become isolated when significant rainfall events shut key access roads, and it’s often the dirt roads that are most at risk of becoming impassable as they quickly can turn to mud and become dangerous.
“When roads are cut, life-saving medical services are out of reach, producers cut off from their markets and families either need to stockpile food and supplies or require goods to be airlifted in, which is hugely expensive for communities.
"Time's up for Labor’s expensive failures which have overseen $20 billion-plus in project cost blowouts, that could have instead delivered local infrastructure like Country Roads Connect.
“We will work with local governments to determine which roads should be prioritised for upgrades and to help deliver these upgrades.
“Queenslanders are currently paying far more and getting far less under Labor’s systematic, long-term government failures.”
Mr Last said Queenslanders could vote for Country Roads Connect funding support and a government which works for them, by voting LNP at this election.
“This State needs a Fresh Start and only the LNP has the Right Plan for Queensland’s future,” he said.