Dear Ms Irwin

Thank you for your letter dated 20 August 2009 about a petition presented in Parliament on 19 August 2009 by the Hon Bruce Scott MP, Member for Maranoa, concerning the Warrego Highway in Queensland.

The Australian Government understands the importance of the Warrego Highway as the major arterial road linking south east Queensland with the western areas of the state, and the strategic significance of the highway to freight and agricultural industries.

The Government has committed over $8.6 billion towards land transport infrastructure in Queensland for the period 2008-09 to 2013-14. This includes $55 million for works on the Warrego Highway as part of the Nation Building Program, comprising $40 million for upgrade works between Roma and Mitchell, $10 million for overtaking lanes between Oakey and Dalby and $5 million for extra rest areas and heavy vehicle stopping places. These works will create a safer, more efficient highway with benefits for all road users.

The Government is also investing $4.6 million for the Mitchell Township Rehabilitation Stage 2 project, which will complement the Roma to Mitchell upgrade works. This follows on from investment of an additional $15 million towards maintenance of the Warrego Highway as part of the Government’s Economic Stimulus Plan, provided as part of the $52.9 million allocated to Queensland for Nation Building additional maintenance.

Thank you for providing me the opportunity to respond to the petition and I trust this information will be of assistance.