RACQ’s wishlist for local roads

QUEENSLAND’S major motoring body has released a wishlist of funding and projects it wants to be at “front of mind” for future leaders in Toowoomba and the Darling Downs.

RACQ head of public policy Susan Furze said investments into a number of priority projects was critical for the whole region.

“Last year the electorate of Maranoa had the third highest road toll in the state with 24 deaths, while the electorate of Wright had the fourth highest road toll with 22 deaths and another nine people were killed on roads in the Groom electorate,” Ms Furze said.

“Crashes are preventable and have devastating flow-on effects for the families of those killed and their communities.

“Investment in road safety does make a difference and we’re calling for further commitment to key projects to generate jobs, save lives and drive productivity.”

The priority projects include:

■ Flood immunity upgrades to the Carnavon Highway (Inland Freight Route project)

■ Fund Warrego Highway safety and improvement, particularly to the interchange between Ipswich and Toowoomba.

■ Deliver a safety works page, including lane and shoulder widening, safety barriers and removal of roadside hazards on the Gore Highway

■ Safety works package on Cunningham and New England Highways

■ Increase investment in Federal Road Safety Program to deliver more resilient regional roads

■ Expand electric vehicle network

■ Progress access to the electrical vehicle fast charger network