State and Federal MPs have joined forces to investigate and identify safety trouble spots along the notorious Fitzroy Developmental Road between Dingo and Nebo.
Federal Members for Capricornia and Flynn, Michelle Landry and Ken O’Dowd, and State Member for Gregory, Lachlan Millar, have toured the ‘Beef Road’, stopping to inspect sites of recent serious and near-fatal accidents.
Teaming up with local residents, Councillors, and beef producers, the team of LNP parliamentarians said they were determined to fight for funding for the road that serves such an important role for the Brigalow Belt and Bowen Basin communities it services.
As a tireless advocate for regional infrastructure, Michelle Landry was very keen to see the ‘trouble spots’ that make the FDR such a safety risk.
“The ‘Beef Road’ is a vital link for thousands of Central Queenslanders and it simply isn’t good enough for them to have to risk their lives each time they travel this road.
“From what I’ve seen, the most dangerous sections would require fairly modest investment to make them safe, especially when one considers the value of the traffic on this road and the horrendous cost faced by victims and their families,” Ms Landry said.
“We need to see real investment in this road and we’ll keep our feet on the throttle until we see just that.”
After decades traversing the highways of the Central Queensland interior, Ken O’Dowd is passionate about improving the region’s roads.
“Our roads are the lifeblood of our regional and rural communities and their safety is integral to the sustainability and the profitability of our traditional industries.
“Mining and Agriculture sectors – perhaps more than any others – rely on heavy road traffic, often carrying valuable and/or dangerous payloads.
“It is imperative that we address these safety issues on the Fitzroy Developmental Road so we can all continue to benefit from a strong agricultural and mining production.” said Mr O’Dowd.
Mr Millar is calling on the State Government to dedicate funding to improve safety along the vital road link in the upcoming State Budget
“The Beef Road is vital for cattle producers in Central Queensland, as well as mining workers in the Bowen Basin” Mr Millar said.
“The community is crying out for safer roads, and it’s vital for all levels of Government to work together to deliver these upgrades.
“From the one-lane bridge crossing the 12 Mile Creek, to the dangerous shoulders on the recently resealed parts of the road, we need to focus attention to making this road safer.
“We need to work with mining companies and employees around safe road travel, especially when it comes to driving tired after shift. While the pull of getting home after a long shift is tempting, it’s not worth putting your life, or someone else’s, in danger.
“I’m calling on the State Government to deliver funds for road upgrades and safety works on the Fitzroy Development Road in the upcoming State Budget.
“The State Government needs to invest in road upgrades and safety solutions for this vital road.” Mr Millar said.
The message from the group of Central Queensland MPs is crystal clear:
“It’s time to BEEF UP the BEEF ROAD!”