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).
Critical lack of maintenance funding for Queensland’s rural roads.
Create a local government fund to improve critical regional infrastructure.
Safer roads, more efficient transport, and more tourists, with empowered local governments.
Lack of secure water infrastructure in an increasingly variable climate.
Bring forward investment in robust irrigation and town water supply projects.
Greater water security through droughts resulting in increased agricultural productivity.
Poor tracks and low axle loads reduce efficient freight movement.
Establish a ‘Fixing Queensland Country Rail Program’ similar to the NSW program.
More freight on rail leading to lower road maintenance costs and lower emissions.
Rural Queensland lacks adequate mobile coverage.
Co-fund the Mobile Black Spots Program.
Better coverage allows producers to be connected and to access the latest technology.
