Shadow Minister for Main Roads Fiona Simpson will today begin a journey down the Bruce Highway to hear and see first-hand what is needed for this important piece of infrastructure.
Ms Simpson will grab a ride with different trucking companies as they go about their normal business of moving freight the length and breadth of the state.
“The best way to understand what is needed for this highway is to travel it with those that do it every day,” Ms Simpson said.
“They have a unique and invaluable insight as to what works and what doesn’t.
“The Bruce Highway is a lifeline of our vast state as supplies are moved north and south every hour of every day. I am looking forward to hearing what each driver says and also to listen to the feedback from locals as we travel from postcode to postcode.”
Ms Simpson will also meet with key stakeholders to get their feedback on local concerns and to hear what they believe their priorities are regarding this major Australian highway.
“The LNP Government introduced a 10 year Action Plan to fix the Bruce Highway while in office. We need to pressure the present Labor Government to continue our commitment,” she said.
“In the State Budget last year we announced up to $770 million in funding for improvements to the Bruce Highway, twice as much as previous Labor governments.
“The LNP announced plans to deliver a record $10 billion, 10-year deal with the Commonwealth Government to fund safety, flood mitigation and capacity works right across the Bruce Highway and the Gateway Motorway.
“While the LNP had a plan for this 1700km lifeline, Labor has no plans for the Bruce Highway and no plans for Queensland.
“While they continue to make it up as they go, the truckers driving this highway daily deserve better.”
Schedule:
24 June Cairns to Townsville
25 June Townsville to Rockhampton
26 June Rockhampton to Brisbane