Forging ahead and shaping the future

Minister for Main Roads
The Honourable Craig Wallace
11/03/2010
Forging ahead and shaping the future
 
The Bligh Government's Growth Summit later this month is all about getting Queenslanders involved in shaping the state's future, Main Roads Minister Craig Wallace said today.

Minister Wallace told State Parliament that managing growth was a top priority for the State Government.

"That's why we're rolling out a record $18 billion road building program. We're building a first-class road network and generating jobs. $18 billion translates to around 30,000 jobs a year," Mr Wallace said.

"It's a win for motorists and it's a win for workers, and it comes at a time when job security is more important than ever.

"Even behind the scenes, our road workers are making a difference to the lives of everyday Queenslanders.

"Every week somewhere in Queensland, hundreds of engineers, road workers, construction staff are hard at work in their local community.

"The men and women working on the Ipswich Motorway upgrade have got around 40 community projects on the go.

"They're working with the Native Stingless Bee Rescue Group in Ipswich and together, they'll walk the whole 18 kilometres of the road corridor in search of bee hives to relocate native bees.

"They've also given $10,000 worth of equipment to the Jindalee Rotary Club to help them tackle graffiti and they've donated more than 50 water-filled barriers to the Oxley Darra Pony Club for showjumping.

Mr Wallace said workers along the Wacol to Darra section of the upgrade had raised around $30,000 for the RSPCA, Angel Flight and Youngcare.

"Workers from the Darra to Springfield Transport Corridor have raised funds for the Cancer Council and the Western Suburbs Special School.

"In Rockhampton and Toowoomba, computers have been donated to the RSPCA Pet Shop, the Rocky Amateur Radio Group and the Salvos.

"And in my hometown of Townsville, staff on the Bruce Highway upgrade have sold burgers, soft drinks and chocolates to raise money for local scouts and the RSPCA.

"They're forging strong partnerships with their local communities.

"I've often spoken publicly about the big projects and the big picture, yet there's

a lot of work going on behind the scenes.

"We're building more than roads, we're building a better, brighter future for Queenslanders.

"It's all about managing growth, generating jobs and building stronger regional communities," Mr Wallace said.