An LNP Government will create jobs and get to work upgrading one of the most unroadworthy roads in Queensland by duplicating a new section of the Mount Lindesay Highway.
LNP Leader Deb Frecklington said the Mount Lindesay Highway was ranked the third most unroadworthy road by the RACQ.
The LNP will invest $40 million to continue the four-lanes on the Mount Lindesay Highway, south of Chambers Flat Road interchange towards Beaudesert, and fast-track planning for future widening upgrades south of Jimboomba.
The work will be funded through the LNP’s SEQ Congestion Program – a pipeline of new road and rail upgrades that will create 3100 constructions jobs and take the handbrake off businesses impacted by congestion delays and costs.
“The LNP has a plan to stimulate the economy, drag Queensland out of recession and create a decade of secure jobs,” Ms Frecklington said.
“I want to build Queensland out of recession by delivering new infrastructure like the Mount Lindesay Highway upgrade.
“More than 200,000 Queenslanders are out of work and so the LNP will get shovels in the ground as soon as possible.
“This project will create direct jobs in construction and cut congestion on this key connection between Brisbane and Beaudesert.
“A safer, faster highway will also give local businesses a boost, helping them create even more jobs in the future.
“Our procurement process will ensure Queensland firms are first in line for the contracts.”
“The LNP will get straight to work on planning for future widening upgrades south of Jimboomba to continue a pipeline of construction projects on the highway.
LNP MP for Scenic Rim Jon Krause said the Mount Lindesay Highway was a vital link for the whole Beaudesert district and links to the southeast Queensland economy, but that under Labor it had not received its fair share of funding.
“Labor has approved major housing developments north of Beaudesert without the supporting infrastructure. Congestion is so bad on some stretches that speeds are down to just 28km/h in peak hour,” Mr Krause said.
“We need a better Mount Lindesay Highway to grow jobs in Beaudesert, at Bromelton with the Inland Rail coming, and to encourage more investment in the entire region.”
“We also need to fast-track planning to widen the highway between Beaudesert and Jimboomba – this won’t start for years under Labor’s plan for the road, and that is simply not good enough. We need to get on with things, and fast, to create jobs for our region.”
“The LNP will invest for growth and make sure this region has the road infrastructure it needs for the future.
“In partnership with the Federal Government, the LNP will make sure this highway gets its fair share of funding after 25 of the last 30 years of neglect by Labor.”