Nationals – Coalition commits to Cooroy to Curra completion by 2020

Coalition commits to Cooroy to Curra completion by 2020
17-August-2010
Source: Warren Truss, MP –

Shadow Minister for Transport and Federal Member for Wide Bay, Warren Truss today recommitted a Liberal Nationals Government to completing the four laning of the Cooroy to Curra section of the Bruce Highway by 2020.
Mr Truss said, “The upgrading of the remaining 50 kilometres of highway between Cooroy and Curra by 2020 is one of my highest priorities.
“Once completed, the upgrade will fix one of the most dangerous sections of the national highway and one of the deadliest highways in Queensland. It will help traffic to flow smoothly and safely, and increase the efficiency of the route for all motorists,” Mr Truss said.
Mr Truss said that work will start on the next section, the gap between Cooroy and the Traveston Crossing dam deviation, in the next Parliamentary term.
“I was dismayed and disappointed when the Rudd – Gillard Labor Government scrapped our timetable to finish the Cooroy to Curra section by 2020 and stripped away our funding commitment.
“Labor’s Transport Minister Anthony Albanese has consistently refused to set a new timetable for when the section will be finished. The reality is that the billions of dollars that Labor has wasted on its overpriced school halls and bungled insulation programs could have completed the highway.
“Too many tragic accidents have occurred along this section resulting in death, injury and property damage. Labor’s only answer has been longer travelling times and increased frustration and fatigue through reduced speed limits, and its planned lane narrowing and reduction in overtaking opportunities. These are not long term sustainable solutions when real action is needed to increase the capacity of the highway.”
Labor’s decision to ignore the community’s preferred route between Sankeys and Traveston Roads has had serous impacts on local residents and the environment. The section that is being constructed around the non-existent Traveston Crossing dam is longer and more expensive than the community’s preferred option. Labor has been too embarrassed to release the report into the social and financial impacts of the route, despite repeated requests.
“A Coalition Government will respect the wishes of the community.”
Mr Truss said the commitment represents an important investment in our region and in our nation’s infrastructure.
“This upgrade represents a $2 billion investment in jobs and the economy in the region. It will have a positive impact on local businesses and employment in Wide Bay.”