Road fixes accelerated
to have been pledged outside Cairns with only $144 million – or about one-tenth of the total regional promise – spent across four key Cairns projects.
There is good news for motorists forced to negotiate daily bumper-to-bumper traffic on the Cairns Western Arterial Rd, with $12.45 million set aside to kickstart detailed planning on duplicating remaining parts of the road.
Barron River MP Craig Crawford said $16.3 million saved from existing projects to upgrade the Harley St intersection near Peace Lutheran College from August.
“But we’re also doing the complete planning to duplicate or ‘four-lane’ the rest of the Cairns Western Arterial Rd,” he said.
“That includes another Barron River Bridge beside the one that’s currently there, all that area up through Caravonica, and also that railway overpass at Redlynch.
“We’ll get those projects shovel-ready, and then we’ll be able to get that money in future budgets starting from next year and the year after.”
Other projects include $71 million to match Federal Government funding for the Cairns Ring Rd project to extend the National Highway from the CBD to Smithfield and $45 million had been earmarked for the last stage of the Cairns Southern Access project – replacing the existing Bruce Hwy and Foster Rd intersection replaced with a new grade-separated intersection.
Those commitments still leave plenty of money unaccounted for to make up the THERE is no better advertisement than a happy customer like Justine Henderson.
The Geelong mum flew into Cairns Airport yesterday afternoon on her third visit to the Far North, keen to escape Victoria’s bitter cold and share her past experiences with her kids.
“This is our first time coming as a family, with our two little kids,” she said.
“We’re finding a lot more families are coming up here for the sunshine, which is what everyone in Victoria is after.
“They want the beach and the weather.”
The latter part of that equation was a let-down yesterday as Cairns took on a decidedly Victorian climate, but Ms Henderson was not about to let it rain on her parade.
“We want to show the kids the tropical weather, the swimming pools and the crocodiles – our little boy here loves the crocs,” she said.
“And we want to go to the bird sanctuary. I think it’s great what you offer up here – it’s a good mix of relaxation and touristy attractions.” $1.45 billion promise.
Mr Crawford said he too would have to wait until Tuesday’s budget announcement to get the full picture.
Advance Cairns CEO Nick Trompf was disappointed the full cost for the Cairns Western Arterial Rd duplication was not in the announcement.
“The amount of money put up is tiny compared to the $365 million that’s being sought to do the job,” he said.
“Having said that, it is positive to see the state has now acknowledged the road needs to be duplicated.
“We will be vigorously pursuing a real financial contribution in the 2020-21 budget.”
Mr Trompf said the new money included in the budget was relatively small.
“With the highway announcements on the northside and south-side, the feds have put up 80 per cent so the state is obligated to put up another 20 per cent,” he said.
“It’s good to see the announcement but realistically it is confirming what was already going to come.”