Cloncurry–Dajarra Section completed under the Beef Roads Program

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the $3.22 million sealing works are an important step in unlocking growth for Northern Australia’s livestock industry.

“The $100 million Beef Roads Program recognises the positive impact of the beef industry on economic growth and creates potential for greater expansion through more efficient freight links,” Mr McCormack said.

Assistant Minister for Roads and Transport Scott Buchholz said graziers faced real challenges with transporting cattle to market.

“By providing targeted upgrades to key routes, we are alleviating some of those pressures, securing the future success of the industry and supporting economic development across Northern Australia,” Mr Buchholz said.

Minister for Resources and Northern Australia Matt Canavan said the sealing works on the Cloncurry-Dajarra Road would improve the resilience of cattle supply chains while improving safety and reducing travel times.

“These works will significantly improve the reliability of the road in wet weather and reduce road roughness, dust and flying rock. These are important considerations when it comes to hauling livestock throughout different times of the year,” Senator Canavan said.

Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey said the mining industry would also benefit from the progressive sealing and widening of this section of the link.

“With these upgrades, vehicle and road maintenance costs will be reduced and drivers will be able to overtake slow-moving vehicles more safely,” Mr Bailey said.

An average of 10 direct jobs will be supported over the life of the overall Cloncurry–Dajarra Road project.

The Australian Government contributed $2.58 million towards the project, while the Queensland Government contributed $640,000.

The Northern Australia Roads Programme forms part of the White Paper on Developing Northern Australia (the White Paper), comprising a $600 million commitment to enable upgrades to high priority roads in northern Australia essential to the movement of people and freight to support the North’s economic development.

Roads identified in Infrastructure Australia’s Northern Australia Audit, along with other roads identified as priorities by the states and territories, such as those connecting communities, or regional towns to ports, were considered for funding.

Works to be undertaken include upgrades and safety and productivity improvements, such as road widening, overtaking lane construction and pavement renewal.

Source: The Australian Department of Infrastructure, Regional Development and Cities