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Places: boosting the bush

As the most decentralised state in Australia, infrastructure in regional Queensland is vital to help connect people and transport produce from the bush to the city. Yet we suffer from higher than average transport costs, unreliable water supplies, and poor telecommunication connectivity. Queensland needs investment to build and maintain these vital connections to help our regional communities thrive and to continue to feed and clothe those in the cities.

Each issue below is linked to a section of our Strong Regions for a Strong Queensland policy platform (PDF).

Challenge

Critical lack of maintenance funding for Queensland’s rural roads.

Solution

Create a local government fund to improve critical regional infrastructure.

Benefits

Safer roads, more efficient transport, and more tourists, with empowered local governments.

Challenge

Lack of secure water infrastructure in an increasingly variable climate.

Solution

Bring forward investment in robust irrigation and town water supply projects.

Benefits

Greater water security through droughts resulting in increased agricultural productivity.

Challenge

Poor tracks and low axle loads reduce efficient freight movement.

Solution

Establish a ‘Fixing Queensland Country Rail Program’ similar to the NSW program.

Benefits

More freight on rail leading to lower road maintenance costs and lower emissions.

Challenge

Rural Queensland lacks adequate mobile coverage.

Solution

Co-fund the Mobile Black Spots Program.

Benefits

Better coverage allows producers to be connected and to access the latest technology.

Will you stand with regional Queensland?

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