Scenic Rim Regional Council’s reconstruction of Kerry Road to meet the needs of residents, the agricultural community and visitors to the region will continue with the Australian Government giving the green light to further funding.
Phase 4 of the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program will provide for the reconstruction of a 700-metre section of Kerry Road, north of Spring Creek Bridge, following the completion of an adjoining 800-metre section jointly funded with Council through the Department and Main Roads Transport Infrastructure Development Scheme (TIDS) where works are currently under way.
Scenic Rim’s Former Active Transport, Roads Bridges and Paths Portfolio Councillor Virginia West said Kerry Road had not been designed for current traffic volumes or modern heavy vehicles.
“This was once a small country road but now attracts a lot of visitors, especially at weekends,” she said.
“The continuing growth of the Scenic Rim’s key industries of agriculture and tourism has meant that heavy vehicles often encounter visitors to the region who are unfamiliar with the road and who are frequently towing caravans.
“This latest funding approval will contribute to a safer and more efficient road transport network for road users throughout the Scenic Rim and represents the next stage in Council’s progressive upgrade of Kerry Road.”
Funding under the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program will provide for the fourth stage in the upgrade of a 2.8-kilometre section of Kerry Road, which has been identified as a road of regional significance.
A 1.4-kilometre section of road has been completed from Spring Creek Bridge to its south while works continue to the north of Spring Creek Bridge.
The Australian Government’s Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program has also provided for works on Kerry Road immediately south of Beaudesert.
“The upgrade of Kerry Road has wide-ranging benefits for our rural community, which depends on the reliable movement of heavy vehicles and farm equipment, and for our local tourism industry,” Cr West said.
“Both of these industries are key drivers of our local economy and are key to local employment opportunities.
“Council is grateful for funding for works which are helping to improve the safety of our roads and the efficiency of our local road network.”
Scott Buchholz, Federal Member for Wright said the funding was about building a better and safer Kerry Road, which will help boost local jobs while delivering lasting upgrades that will benefit residents for years to come.
“Kerry Road is a busy local road for residents, agriculture and industry, which is in need of upgrading, and I’m thankful the funding has been committed,” Mr Buchholz said.
“This comes on top of a number of works we have already undertaken with Federal Funding including bridge replacements and heavy vehicle safety upgrades.”
This project received funding through the Australian Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program.
