BRISBANE, Queensland, Sept. 25 -- The Queensland Department of the Premier and Cabinet issued text of the following statement:

Acting Minister for Transport and Main Roads

The Honourable Tim Mander

* Safer and more reliable roads are supporting communities and industry, with main construction now complete on the first early works project under the $500 million Central Queensland Beef Roads Program. * Athree-kilometre section of Clermont-Alpha Road north of Alpha has now been sealed, improving safety and reliability for drivers and freight operators. * The early works package targets four key freight routes in Central Queensland, with construction on three of these projects already underway. * TheAlbanese and Crisafulli Governments are investing in stronger, safer freight routes to support regional communities, primary producers and one of Queensland's most important industries.

The first early works project under the $500 million Central Queensland Beef Roads Program has been delivered, with construction now complete on Clermont-Alpha Road north of Alpha.

A three-kilometre section of the key freight corridor is now sealed, meaning safer journeys for locals and a more reliable and accessible route for the beef industry.

The Central Queensland Beef Roads Program will progressively upgrade and seal priority sections of nine strategically important freight corridors across Central and Western Queensland.

This completed section forms part of the early works package which was announced in 2024 to bring forward delivery of the Program.

Construction is now continuing on Clermont-Alpha Road south of Clermont, Fitzroy Developmental Road north of Bauhinia and Alpha-Tambo Road south of Alpha, while design work progresses on May Downs Road west of Clarke Creek.

Together, these upgrades are helping to strengthen supply chains, supporting regional jobs and building the infrastructure needed to support Queensland's world-class beef industry into the future.

The Central Queensland Beef Roads Program was advocated for by seven regional councils in central Queensland and is funded with $400 million from the Albanese Government and $100 million from the Crisafulli Government.

Federal Assistant Minister for Regional Development Anthony Chisholm said this was an important milestone not only for the Central Queensland community, but for the agriculture and freight industries who use this road network every day.

"The Albanese Labor Government is proud to partner with the Queensland Government to deliver the $500 million Central Queensland Beef Roads Program, supporting safer and more reliable freight connections across some of the state's most important beef-producing regions," Assistant Minister Chisholmsaid.

"Through the early works package, we are delivering priority upgrades that will strengthen supply chains, improve access and support the long-term productivity of Queensland's cattle industry."

Acting Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads Tim Mander said the Crisafulli Government was getting Queenslanders home sooner and safer.

"We are getting on with the job of improving the regional roads that keep Queensland's freight, families and local economies moving," Minister Mander said.

"Completing the first early works project is an important milestone, and it shows how targeted investment can deliver practical improvements for regional industries, local economies and the communities that depend on these routes every day.

"By progressively sealing priority sections of Clermont-Alpha Road, we're getting Queenslanders home safer and sooner, while strengthening freight reliability and supporting primary producers, transport operators and communities that rely on this corridor every day."

Queensland Assistant Minister for Primary Industry Development, Water and Western Queensland and Member for Greory Sean Dillon said the completion of this project was the first step in improving transport efficiency, safety and resilience for Queensland's world-class beef industry.

"This is the culmination of long-running advocacy and will make a real difference for producers, truck drivers and communities," Assistant Minister Dillon said.

"This investment is critical for the beef industry's prosperity, community and social cohesion and the safety of all users. I am excited to see the first project delivered and look forward to seeing work continue on this vital Beef Corridors initiative."

Queensland Beef Corridors Committee Chair and Isaac Regional Council Mayor Kelly Vea Vea said the milestone was an important step forward for regional freight infrastructure and the broader Central Queensland Beef Roads Program.

"Today is about recognising what can be achieved when regional councils and governments work together with a shared vision," Mayor Vea Vea said.

"Central Queensland Beef Roads Program supports one of Australia's most significant beef producing regions and this project is an important milestone, but there is still more work ahead to improve freight access, safety and resilience across the network."

Barcaldine Regional Council Mayor Rob Chandler said the completion of the Clermont-Alpha Road early works project demonstrated the value of continued investment in regional freight infrastructure.

"The State and Federal Governments' commitment to fund the Central Queensland Beef Roads Program will make a huge difference to landholders, self-drive tourism, freight and agriculture right across Central Queensland. Cattle will arrive at their destination in better shape with much less wear and tear on machinery and quicker delivery times," Mayor Chandler said

"The advocacy for this funding has been in the pipeline for many years, and its success is a credit to those who have been involved."

Banana Shire Council Mayor Nev Ferrier said the Central Queensland Beef Roads project highlighted the strength of regional partnerships.

"The Central Queensland Beef Roads Program highlights what can be achieved when the Australian and Queensland Governments, the Department of Transport and Main Roads and seven regional councils work in partnership to deliver safer roads for all road users and strengthen key freight routes across the region," Mayor Ferrier said.

Central Highlands Regional Council Mayor Janice Moriarty said better road infrastructure was critical to supporting the region's beef industry and long-term prosperity.

"Central Highlands Regional Council supports the Central Queensland Beef Roads Program because better road infrastructure is essential to the strength of our beef industry and the long-term prosperity of our region," Mayor Moriarty said

"These corridors are critical supply chain routes for producers, processors and freight operators, and investment in them means safer, more reliable and more resilient roads for all road users."

Gladstone Regional Council Mayor Matt Burnett said the completion of the Clermont-Alpha Road early works project is an important milestone for the broader Central Queensland Beef Roads Program.

"This milestone shows what targeted investment in strategic freight routes can deliver for regional Queensland," Mayor Burnett said.

"Improved connectivity through the Central Queensland Beef Roads Program has the potential to strengthen supply chains, support agricultural exports and enhance the efficiency of freight movements across Central and Western Queensland.

"I look forward to seeing continued investment in this crucial road network."

Rockhampton Regional Council Infrastructure Councillor Marika Taylor said the completion of the Clermont-Alpha Road early works project was a positive step toward strengthening critical freight links across Central and Western Queensland.

"The Central Queensland Beef Roads Program plays a crucial role in connecting producers, communities and markets across our region, and investments like this help ensure those connections remain safe, reliable and resilient," Councillor Taylor said.

"Rockhampton Regional Council is proud to support the broader Central Queensland Beef Roads Program, including our contribution towards upgrades on Glenroy Road, which will deliver long-term benefits for freight efficiency, road safety and regional economic growth."

Woorabinda Aboriginal Shire Council Mayor Terence Munns said the Central Queensland Beef Roads Program wasa major win for councils and delivering safer, more efficient freight routes that will immediately benefit Council's cattle and agricultural operations across the regional road network.

"Improved road conditions will reduce transport costs, improve access to markets, and strengthen the long-term sustainability of the cattle industry and agricultural sector," Mayor Munns said.

"The upgrades will also shorten travel time and improving connectivity, safety and access to essential services and opportunities."

For more information, visit: Central Queensland Beef Roads program | Department of Transport and Main Roads

ENDS

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Senator Chisholm: James Kleeman, 0436 120 270

Acting Minister Mander: Mardi Norton, 0467 746 523

Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.