In a surprising twist for Central Queensland, plans for a $400 million upgrade to seal 457km of critical Beef Corridors have hit a laborious roadblock.
Senate estimates this month revealed a delay from the initially anticipated start date in the 2025/26 financial year to the 2027/28 financial year.
Local Leaders Demand Answers
Central Queensland LNP members, along with local mayors, are demanding explanations from the Labour Government.
Regional councils had efficiently identified the roads in need, making the delay seem unjustifiable.
Political Friction
The Federal Member for Flynn, Colin Boyce, expressed frustration, citing Labor’s introduction of a new tax affecting Australian farmers.
This tax, according to Boyce, would burden local producers by making them bear the biosecurity costs of international importers, potentially inflating the prices of Australian-grown produce in supermarkets.
Beef Corridor Importance
The Federal Member for Capricornia, Michelle Landry, likened the funding delay to the Rockhampton Ring Road 2.0 saga.
Landry emphasised the strategic significance of the Beef Corridor upgrade, highlighting its role in improving road safety and forming essential agricultural supply chains from east to west.
Agricultural Impact
Senator Matthew Canavan echoed concerns, noting that the road networks served over 2,300 beef businesses, contributing $2.7 billion to the region.
Canavan questioned the delay’s rationale, asserting that Central Queensland, a significant contributor to the nation’s wealth, should not bear the brunt of government cutbacks.
Unanswered Questions
Despite councils having efficiently identified necessary upgrades, the Labor Government’s delay lacks apparent justification.
The affected roads, including Clermont-Alpha Rd. and Duaringa-Apis Creek Rd., are crucial arteries for agricultural transport.
In the quest for regional fairness, Central Queenslanders find themselves once again fighting for their share of wealth creation.
The question remains: why does the delay impact areas vital to the nation’s prosperity while major cities proceed without similar hindrances? The road to answers, much like the roads in question, appears bumpy and uncertain.
