Greater Whitsunday road infrastructure projects left behind in election commitments

The Mackay and Whitsunday region are still waiting for road infrastructure commitments from major parties in the lead up to the Queensland Government election this week.

During the campaign, The ALP announced they will invest $157M, funded by progressive coal royalties, for critical improvements to Isaac region roads to enhance safety and supply chain efficiency, and the LNP committed $20M to improving traffic flow for the Mackay Bucasia Road, however other key Mackay and Whitsunday road projects are still unfunded.

Additionally, the LNP have yet to match the $157M commitment for the Isaac region. 

Greater Whitsunday Alliance (GW3) Chief Executive Officer Ms Kylie Porter said the condition of the region’s state-controlled roads network was identified as the key issue by all three regional councils and yet broadly, had been overlooked in funding announcements.

“The entire Greater Whitsunday region makes an oversized contribution to the Queensland economy, with a total economic output of $74.4B annually,” said Ms Porter.

“Investment in road projects across our region, not only supports community safety but it promotes economic prosperity for the entire state of Queensland.

“Time is running out for major parties to clearly articulate their commitment to funding road projects across the entire Greater Whitsunday region in the next term of government.”

Ms Porter said that whilst there had been some positive announcements regarding sporting and community fishing across the region in the past weeks, roads have been woefully overlooked.

“The Greater Whitsunday region deserves its fair share of election commitments and funding announcements in anticipation of a new government.”

The Greater Possibilities for Greater Whitsunday and Queensland election priorities document outlines strategic initiatives and investment commitments needed for the Greater Whitsunday region.

You can read the full Greater Possibilities for Greater Whitsunday and Queensland election priorities document here. The Costing Queensland Dearly: The economic impact of road closures to the Greater Whitsunday Region is here.

Greater Whitsunday Alliance is the region’s peak, independent economic development body committed to making the Mackay, Isaac, Whitsunday region strong for generations.