George Christensen (Dawson, National Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

asked the Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, in writing, on 26 May 2011:

(1) Is he aware that the Queensland Department of Main Roads has identified a preferred option (called 'Option 5') for the provision of a second crossing of the Burdekin River (and associated Bruce Highway bypass of the township of Ayr) and has already proceeded with resumption of land transactions.

(2) Is he aware that 'Option 5' includes adverse impacts on Ayr businesses and the loss of large amounts of some of Australia's most productive agricultural land.

(3) Has he requested that the Queensland Department of Main Roads thoroughly investigates and costs all options for a second crossing of the Burdekin River (and associated Bruce Highway bypass of the township of Ayr) before any federal funding is committed to this project; if not, why not; if so, can he provide the Department of Main Road's reply.

Anthony Albanese (Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the House) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows:

The Howard Government funded a study into potential realignment options for the Bruce Highway through Burdekin. It was finalised in 2001. Following the completion of the study, the Howard Government had six years to commit funding to the project but never did.

Meanwhile, the Gillard Labor Government is investing $2.8 billion for work on the Bruce Highway through the Nation Building Program. That is in stark contrast to the $1.2 billion the Howard Government spent on the Bruce Highway during its entire 12 years in government.