Macca excited over ‘beef road’ potential

DEPUTY Prime Minister and infrastructure minister Michael McCormack has announced the completion of $3.22m in road sealing works as a step in unlocking growth for Northern Australia's livestock industry. The first North West Queensland project to be delivered under the Northern Australia Beef Roads Program is finished, with sealing works complete on a section of the Cloncurry–Dajarra Road. “The $100m Beef Roads Program recognises the positive impact of the beef industry on economic growth and creates potential for greater expansion through more efficient freight links,” Mr McCormack said. Assistant roads minister Scott Buchholz said graziers faced real challenges transporting cattle to market. “By providing targeted upgrades to key routes, we are alleviating some of those pressures, securing the future success of the industry and supporting economic development across Northern Australia,” Mr Buchholz said. Minister for Resources and Northern Australia Matt Canavan said the sealing works on the Cloncurry-Dajarra Road would improve the resilience of cattle supply chains. “These works will significantly improve the reliability of the road in wet weather and reduce road roughness, dust and flying rock. These are important considerations when it comes to hauling livestock throughout different times of the year,” Senator Canavan said. Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey said the mining industry would also benefit. “With these upgrades, vehicle and road maintenance costs will be reduced and drivers will be able to overtake slow-moving vehicles more safely,” Mr Bailey said. The Australian government contributed $2.58 million towards the project, while the Queensland Government contributed $640,000.