Michelle Landry (Capricornia, National Party, Shadow Assistant Minister for Manufacturing) Share this | Hansard source

The Rockhampton-Yeppoon Road is a critical lifeline connecting the Capricorn Coast to Rockhampton and beyond. It's a road thousands of locals rely on every day, but for too long it has been in desperate need of upgrades.

I understand just how important road safety is for our community, whether it's families heading to work and school, transport operators keeping goods moving or visitors exploring our region, everyone deserves safe and efficient roads. That's why I fought hard and secured $85 million under the former coalition government's investment road and rail program to deliver these much-needed improvements. This funding is making real change happen. Work is now around halfway complete, with major upgrades extending the road to four lanes between Ironpot and Hedlow Creek. Once finished, this project will significantly improve how people travel between Yeppoon and Rockhampton, reducing congestion, making journeys safer and ensuring a more efficient network for the 11,000 daily commuters who rely on it.

But while the coalition delivers for regional Australia, Labor does the opposite. Since coming to government Labor has cut billions from regional infrastructure funding, delaying and scrapping critical projects in communities like ours. They take regional Australia for granted and our roads and communities are paying the price. Only the coalition truly understands the importance of investing in regional roads. Unlike Labor, we back infrastructure projects that improve safety, drive economic growth and support local jobs.

I fought to secure this funding because our region deserves the infrastructure to grow and thrive. (Time expired)

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