Michelle Landry (Capricornia, National Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I am pleased to report that work is underway to replace four old timber bridges along the Peak Downs Highway west of Walkerston, in the northern part of Capricornia. This is expected to create an average of 114 jobs. The Turnbull-Joyce government is providing $35 million towards the $70 million project under the Commonwealth Bridges Renewal Program.

The bridge replacement work comes on top of the $166 million in federal government funding being spent to realign the notorious Eton Range section of the Peak Downs Highway, to reduce heavy vehicle accidents and fatalities. Under the Bridges Renewal Program, four old timber bridges are being replaced with new concrete structures to make it safer to travel in that area. The new bridges will cross Fiery Creek, Lonely Creek, Boundary Creek and Cut Creek. This is the largest investment in an individual package of works under the Commonwealth Bridges Renewal Program.

People who travel on country roads deserve good facilities just as much as those who travel in major cities, and I am proud to have helped facilitate this funding. Work is expected to be completed in 2018.