State pledges $140m funding

THE State Government is set to commit $140 million towards the Toowoomba Range bypass project if the Coalition is successful at the upcoming Federal Election.

The $140 million pledge represents 20 per cent of the federal Coalition’s $700 million commitment towards the project.

It is the first time a State Government of any political persuasion is set to commit funds towards the project.

Member for Toowoomba North Trevor Watts said yesterday the commitment by the State Government was a significant step towards ensuring the project becomes a reality.

“Once Queensland secures an 80 per cent federal funding commitment to construct this nationally significant piece of infrastructure we will fund our portion of 20 per cent,” Mr Watts said.

“Industry will also need to play a part in delivering a value-for-money solution for the project.

“This project will improve safety, increase capacity and improve travel times by getting trucks out of the Toowoomba CDB,” he said.

Member for Toowoomba South John McVeigh said the State Government fully supported an 80/20 funding split with the Federal Government.

“The Newman government has clearly outlined the Toowoomba Range bypass as a priority transport project along with the Bruce Hwy and Cross River Rail,” Mr McVeigh said.

“A revised business case was completed in December 2012 and submitted to Infrastructure Australia for funding consideration.

“We will continue to speak to both the federal Coalition and Labor parties to secure funding and ensure this vital project is built,” he said.