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Mackay and Whitsunday residents hoping for generous gifts from the 2021 Federal Budget will be disappointed, with no specific new offerings outlined in the hefty papers.
But residents will benefit from a pre-budget announcement of $400m for the Bruce Highway, from Mackay to Proserpine and Rockhampton to Gladstone, covering floodproofing, safety improvements and reducing congestion.
The budget papers did not show any specific allocations for the Peak Downs Highway or Urannah Dam.
However, the Federal Government’s $3.5bn National Water Grid Fund has earmarked $258m to fund new dams and irrigation projects.
Mackay Whitsunday residents are also set to benefit from the government’s pre-budget commitment to establish a reinsurance pool to cover cyclone and related flood damage in Northern Australia from July 1, 2022.
Federal Budget 2021: How it impacts Mackay dailymercury.com.au - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from dailymercury.com.au Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
A volunteer road safety group is demanding funding in the federal budget to address a âchronicâ issue it believes is a major contributor to road crash trauma in Central Queensland.
Road Accident Action Group life member Graeme Ransley said the lack of overtaking lanes on the Peak Downs Highway west of Nebo was a major concern for road users.
âEveryone feels with the amount of royalties that does come out of the Bowen Basin, thereâs not enough focus on road safety issues, particularly overtaking lanes from Nebo to Clermont,â Mr Ransley said.
âThe absolute chronic part is Nebo to Moranbah.
The truck rollover on the Peak Downs Highway at Walkerston on May 5. Picture: Stephen Andrew A man in his 60s was taken to Mackay Base Hospital with minor seatbelt-related injuries. Mr Andrew said traffic islands on the Peak Downs Highway at Walkerston needed to be shortened to remove hazards for trucks. He said the Bruce Highway between Alligator Creek and Sarina needed urgent repairs. Mr Andrew said he had previously asked the Department of Transport and Main Roads to conduct an audit on the stretch of road. A truck rollover on the Bruce Highway near Sarina blocked traffic in both directions. Picture: Lillian Watkins